2010 was a year for promising advances in friction materials technology, as well as new hardware offerings.
TMD Friction developed a line of brake pads for European and Japanese cars featuring a protective transfer layer that bonds to the rotor surface. Known as “e-pad,” it captures the dust wearing from the pad, forming a new friction surface that assists future braking. The results include less dust, reduced pad erosion and longer service life. The company also promotes the “regenerative braking” concept as an advance in environmental responsibility on account of the decreased emission of wear particles.
The “greening” of friction materials will emerge as a major driver and differentiator for brake pad suppliers in 2011 and beyond as more competitors enter the aftermarket. Several brakes companies are currently developing high-performance pads from recycled carbon composites. The remanufacture of these materials, used on race cars and fighter jets, could mean suppliers are able to develop and market new ultra-premium lines at half the price of today’s high-performance pads.
Although these technology advances have yet to be successfully commercialized in North America, it is clear that the aftermarket will need to adapt to the use of new friction materials in the near future. Research and development budgets will grow, perhaps forcing some small players out of the market and shifting bargaining power back to traditional manufacturers.
One company that successfully introduced a specialized product last year is Bosch. Its new QuietCast line represents perhaps the most significant improvement in shim technology since the introduction of Federal-Mogul’s ThermoQuiet. Derived from the company’s OE portfolio, the QuietCast shim is molded to the pad’s backing plate, with no tabs or adhesive. The heat and pressure of the molding process attaches the friction, backing plate and shim together, preventing brake noise and vibration from the movement or buckling of these components.
The introduction of such new technologies supports Frost & Sullivan research findings that suggest higher growth in premium and ultra-premium brakes over the next 5-7 years. Product lines in the Best segment will grow by 6 percent annually, compared to 3 percent for mid-level brands in the Better segment and flat to declining sales for entry-level Good pads. Some suppliers may drop the Good line altogether, or keep the program in place exclusively for private-label brands.
Overall, this is encouraging news for a category that has seen little growth over the past two years. The prospects for successful differentiation based on new friction materials and OE brake systems could help the bottom line for struggling aftermarket suppliers that continue to lower their prices to remain competitive.
2010 was a year for promising advances in friction materials technology, as well as new hardware offerings.
TMD Friction developed a line of brake pads for European and Japanese cars featuring a protective transfer layer that bonds to the rotor surface. Known as “e-pad,” it captures the dust wearing from the pad, forming a new friction surface that assists future braking. The results include less dust, reduced pad erosion and longer service life. The company also promotes the “regenerative braking” concept as an advance in environmental responsibility on account of the decreased emission of wear particles.
The “greening” of friction materials will emerge as a major driver and differentiator for brake pad suppliers in 2011 and beyond as more competitors enter the aftermarket. Several brakes companies are currently developing high-performance pads from recycled carbon composites. The remanufacture of these materials, used on race cars and fighter jets, could mean suppliers are able to develop and market new ultra-premium lines at half the price of today’s high-performance pads.
Although these technology advances have yet to be successfully commercialized in North America, it is clear that the aftermarket will need to adapt to the use of new friction materials in the near future. Research and development budgets will grow, perhaps forcing some small players out of the market and shifting bargaining power back to traditional manufacturers.
One company that successfully introduced a specialized product last year is Bosch. Its new QuietCast line represents perhaps the most significant improvement in shim technology since the introduction of Federal-Mogul’s ThermoQuiet. Derived from the company’s OE portfolio, the QuietCast shim is molded to the pad’s backing plate, with no tabs or adhesive. The heat and pressure of the molding process attaches the friction, backing plate and shim together, preventing brake noise and vibration from the movement or buckling of these components.
The introduction of such new technologies supports Frost & Sullivan research findings that suggest higher growth in premium and ultra-premium brakes over the next 5-7 years. Product lines in the Best segment will grow by 6 percent annually, compared to 3 percent for mid-level brands in the Better segment and flat to declining sales for entry-level Good pads. Some suppliers may drop the Good line altogether, or keep the program in place exclusively for private-label brands.
Overall, this is encouraging news for a category that has seen little growth over the past two years. The prospects for successful differentiation based on new friction materials and OE brake systems could help the bottom line for struggling aftermarket suppliers that continue to lower their prices to remain competitive.
