The Outstanding Advantages of Ductile Iron Brake Discs from the Perspective of Braking Performance

In the field of automotive safety, the performance of the braking system directly affects the lives of drivers and passengers, and the choice of material for the brake disc, a critical component, is paramount. With its unique performance advantages, ductile iron stands out in the brake disc sector, bringing about a qualitative leap in automotive braking performance.

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I. Excellent Thermal Stability of Ductile Iron

Firstly, ductile iron boasts outstanding thermal stability. During frequent braking, the brake disc generates heat due to friction, causing a sharp rise in temperature. Ordinary grey iron brake discs are prone to thermal deformation at high temperatures, leading to increased brake pedal travel, reduced braking efficiency, and even dangerous situations such as brake failure. However, due to its unique spherical graphite structure, ductile iron can effectively distribute heat and reduce thermal stress concentration. Experimental tests have shown that when the brake disc temperature rises to 500°C, the radial deformation of ordinary grey iron brake discs can reach over 0.5 mm, while that of ductile iron brake discs can be controlled within 0.2 mm. This slight difference ensures precise and stable braking in critical moments.

II. High Strength of Ductile Iron

Secondly, the high strength of ductile iron provides robust support for the brake disc. During braking, the brake disc needs to withstand significant friction forces and braking torques. If the strength is insufficient, it can easily lead to cracks on the disc surface, accelerated wear, and other issues. The tensile strength of ductile iron typically ranges from 400 to 600 MPa, compared to 200 to 300 MPa for ordinary grey iron. This higher strength allows ductile iron brake discs to remain intact under high-intensity braking conditions, reducing the likelihood of damage and significantly extending their service life.

III. Excellent Wear Resistance of Ductile Iron

Furthermore, ductile iron exhibits superior wear resistance. The frequent friction between the brake disc and brake pads leads to inevitable wear over time. The presence of spherical graphite in ductile iron gives its surface a certain degree of self-lubrication, reducing the friction coefficient between it and the brake pads and minimizing wear. Actual road test data shows that, under the same mileage and brake usage frequency, the wear on ductile iron brake discs is about 30% to 40% less than that on ordinary grey iron brake discs. This not only reduces the frequency of brake disc replacements, lowering the usage cost for vehicle owners, but also ensures long-term stability in braking performance.

IV. Enhanced Response Speed with Ductile Iron

Additionally, in terms of braking response speed, ductile iron brake discs also excel. Due to the uniformity and excellent mechanical properties of ductile iron, when the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake disc can quickly and tightly engage with the brake pads, efficiently transmitting braking force for rapid braking. In simulated emergency braking scenarios, vehicles equipped with ductile iron brake discs have an average braking distance shortened by 3 to 5 meters compared to those with ordinary grey iron brake discs. These few meters can often prevent accidents in critical situations.

In today's automotive industry, which continuously pursues high performance and safety, ductile iron brake discs have become the preferred choice of many automakers due to their exceptional advantages in thermal stability, strength, wear resistance, and braking response speed.

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