Analysis of Core Product Classification and Characteristics of Brake Pads
As the safety core of the automotive braking system, the performance of brake pads directly determines driving safety. According to materials and applicable scenarios, they can be divided into six mainstream types, each with clear performance boundaries and application scopes:
1. Mainstream Categories Classified by Material
Semi-metallic Brake Pads: Composed of 30%-50% metal fibers (steel fibers, iron powder) mixed with graphite, they feature outstanding cost-effectiveness and good wear resistance, which can meet daily braking needs. However, their heat resistance is relatively weak, and performance degradation may occur under continuous high-intensity braking. They are more suitable for urban family cars with stable driving styles.
Ceramic Brake Pads: Made by compounding ceramic fibers and mineral fibers, they are known as the "nobles of braking". They have excellent heat dissipation performance to avoid thermal fading, minimal dust emission, no braking noise, and ultra-long service life due to good wear resistance. Their high-temperature stability can reach 800-900℃, but the relatively high cost limits their application mainly to mid-to-high-end models or users pursuing high quality.
Carbon Fiber Brake Pads: Known as the "high-performance warriors" in the braking field, they have extremely strong thermal conductivity and can withstand high temperatures above 1200℃, enabling precise braking in extreme scenarios such as racing tracks. Due to the high cost of raw materials and manufacturing processes, they are mainly used in aerospace, racing cars, and high-performance vehicles, with extremely low penetration in the civilian market.
NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) Brake Pads: With glass fibers, aramid fibers, and resin as the core components, they focus on quiet operation and low dust emission. They cause little wear to brake discs and provide a comfortable braking feel. However, their heat resistance is insufficient, making them an ideal choice for family cars used for urban commuting that prioritize comfort.
Metal-based Brake Pads: Mainly made of metal materials such as graphite and carbon fiber, they have excellent friction performance and low wear rate. However, they generate a large amount of heat at high temperatures and have poor oxidation resistance, so they are suitable for braking needs in non-extreme high-temperature scenarios.
Powder Metallurgy Brake Pads: Produced by high-temperature sintering of iron-based or copper-based powder, they have outstanding high-temperature resistance and wear resistance, with a service life far longer than ordinary materials. However, they have a low low-temperature friction coefficient and high cost, and are mostly used in extreme working conditions such as heavy machinery.
2. Classification by Braking System Type
Disc Brake Pads: As the current mainstream category, they achieve braking through friction with brake discs. They have the advantages of fast response and good heat dissipation, and are widely used in various passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Drum Brake Shoes: Mostly used in old-fashioned vehicles and some commercial vehicles, they realize braking through friction between the shoe and the brake drum. Although they have low cost, their heat dissipation is poor, and they are gradually being replaced by disc brakes.
Heavy-duty Vehicle Brake Linings: Designed for heavy-duty vehicles such as large trucks, their materials and structures are strengthened to adapt to long-distance and high-load scenarios, ensuring the stability of heavy-load braking.
