AUTOMOBILE BRAKES
Akebono’s main business is the development and manufacturing of automotive brake-related products. As an independent brake specialized manufacturer, we develop and manufacture friction materials such as brake pads and brake linings, as well as functional components such as disc brakes and drum brakes.
DISC BRAKES
Brake disc rotates with the wheels, while brake pads are fitted to the brake calipers. The brake pads clamp on the disc to decelerate or stop the wheels. It generates friction, which converts the kinetic energy into the thermal energy.
this thermal energy generates heat. Since the main components are exposed to the atmosphere, this heat can be diffused efficiently. This heat-dissipating reduces brake fade which is the phenomenon where braking performance is influenced by the heat.
READ MOREBrake disc rotates with the wheels, while brake pads are fitted to the brake calipers. The brake pads clamp on the disc to decelerate or stop the wheels. It generates friction, which converts the kinetic energy into the thermal energy.
this thermal energy generates heat. Since the main components are exposed to the atmosphere, this heat can be diffused efficiently. This heat-dissipating reduces brake fade which is the phenomenon where braking performance is influenced by the heat.
Another advantage of disc brakes is its resistance to water fade. It occurs when the water on the brakes significantly reduces the braking force. When the vehicle is in motion, the disc rotor spins at high speeds and this rotation discharges the water from the disc rotor by itself, resulting in stable braking force.
Disc brakes are generally used in passenger cars. Due to their stable performance at higher speeds and resistance to brake fade, they are gradually spreading into the commercial vehicle segment where drum brakes were traditionally chosen for their longer service life. Akebono is committed to satisfy the service life requirement through further development of the disc brakes reliability.
DRUM BRAKES
rake shoes fitted with brake linings (friction material) are set inside of the drums. They press against the drums from the inside to generate braking force to decelerate or stop the wheels. By this system, friction is generated by pressing the brake linings against the inside surfaces of the drums. This friction converts kinetic energy into thermal energy. Drum rotation helps to press the brake shoes and lining against the drum with more force. It is offering superior braking force in comparison with disc brakes. On the other hand, it is very important to design the components so that the heat from the thermal energy is dissipated efficiently into the air.
