Small passenger cars
Performance Requirements: Small passenger cars usually require a sharp braking response. Brake linings need to generate sufficient friction at low braking pressures to achieve rapid deceleration of the vehicle. Because of the variable driving scenarios of passenger cars, including frequent starts and stops on urban roads, the initial braking performance of brake linings is required to be high.
Material characteristics: Mostly semi-metallic or ceramic materials are used. Semi-metallic brake linings contain metal fibres, which provide good thermal conductivity and stability, ensuring effective heat dissipation during frequent braking and preventing thermal degradation. Ceramic brake linings have better wear resistance and low noise characteristics, providing a quiet and comfortable ride for passengers.
Size and shape: Shapes are generally suitable for small disc brakes (front) and drum brakes (rear, some models). Their relatively small size makes them easy to install in compact rim spaces, and their light weight helps to reduce the unsprung mass of the vehicle and improve vehicle handling.
Large buses and lorries
Performance requirements: Due to the large mass and inertia of large buses and lorries, brake linings need to have a strong braking force to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. At the same time, these vehicles in the braking process will produce a huge amount of energy, brake linings must be able to withstand high temperatures, with good anti-heat degradation performance.
Material characteristics: generally use high friction coefficient of metal or composite materials. For example, the brake linings of some heavy goods vehicles are made of iron-based powder metallurgy material, which can withstand high pressure and temperature and ensure stable braking performance even under prolonged or frequent braking.
Size and shape: Brake linings are larger in size to accommodate the larger discs or drums of larger vehicles. Their shapes are also more complex, and some need to be customised according to the structure of the particular braking system. For example, drum brake linings for large buses may be curved and have a larger area to meet the braking requirements of the entire vehicle.
Motorcycle
Performance requirements: Motorcycle brake linings need to respond quickly to the rider's braking action. Due to the relatively poor stability of motorbikes, brake linings provide sufficient braking force at the same time, to ensure that the braking process is smooth, to avoid loss of control of the vehicle.
Material characteristics: commonly used organic materials or semi-metallic materials. Organic brake linings provide a softer braking feel and are suitable for motorbikes on city roads and in general riding situations. Semi-metallic materials provide better abrasion resistance and braking power, and are suitable for high-performance motorbikes or situations that require frequent braking, such as motocross events.
Size and shape: Smaller sizes and shapes are generally suitable for smaller discs or drums on motorbikes. The thickness of motorbike brake linings is relatively thin because of the limited space in a motorbike's braking system and the need to consider the weight factor so as not to affect the motorbike's handling performance.
