Perforated brake discs: description, characteristics and types

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Modern cars are equipped with a large number of electronic systems, without which it will not be possible to comfortably drive a car. In addition to electronics, manufacturers are also introducing new components into the design, which are distinguished by low weight, high service life and impressive technical characteristics. One of these components is perforated brake discs. Let's look at how they differ from ordinary ones and why car owners love them so much.

Tuning or efficient braking?

All motorists have come across this product. Someone saw these products on the race track, someone - on a neighbor's car, in shops or tuning salons. They are advertised in automotive magazines and on online platforms. Perforated brake discs are highly efficient. At least that's what the manufacturers say about them. And, without a drop of doubt, this is an excellent opportunity to improve the appearance of the car.

Appearance of the carrelevant for racers and just motorists who actively work with the brake and gas pedals. Also, this acquisition is worth considering for everyone who appreciates peace of mind on the roadway. This is a desirable product for customers, as well as a great opportunity to upgrade the brake system. In general, it all depends on the driving style and preferences - someone wants to increase the efficiency of the braking system, and someone will install perforated brake discs and just show off the look.

It's all about temperature

The brake disc in the system is designed to provide a friction friction surface for the pads. The process of deceleration is kinetic energy that is converted into heat. The friction created by the pads causes the temperature to rise and the car stops. The basic principle in this case is that the process of friction converts the energy of movement into high temperatures. The amount of heat that is created in the disc is highly dependent on the speed of movement, as well as the mass of the vehicle. The temperature is also affected by how actively the driver presses the pedal.

The normal process of braking at 80 km/h can raise the temperature of the front disc up to 95 degrees. If there are several cycles of acceleration and deceleration and they often alternate, then the temperature of the metal will rise to 300 or even 400 degrees. If the growth of this parameter continues further, then the efficiency of the system decreases. You can stay without brakes at all, which is quite dangerous. They will disappear when there is too much heat andthe system is no longer able to relieve pressure.

As a result, you will have to press the pedal with great effort to be effective. As a result, the system will reach a point where it will not be possible to create sufficient friction, no matter how hard you press the pedal. Naturally, this will not happen to an ordinary driver who drives on a city road using a calm driving style. The stock disc is designed to keep cool.

However, if the driving style changes even for a minute to a more aggressive direction or the road conditions change to extreme and require active control, then the original wheels will no longer be able to cope with the task so effectively. Perforated brake discs are therefore not just a design element. The perforation greatly improves the cooling capacity and improves the braking performance.

Working principle

The perforated element is a normal disc.

However, there are holes on its working plane through which a huge amount of excess thermal energy and gases escape during movement. Thanks to these holes, the ventilated perforated brake disc itself, the pads, as well as other equally important components of the system are cooled more efficiently. Manufacturers of such components conduct regular tests. On vehicles that are equipped with different discs, it is discs with perforationsshowed better results, and the temperature difference was 100 degrees or more.

The colder the better

The performance of the system depends on how cold the drives are. The lower their temperature, the faster and more efficiently the car reduces speed. One of the advantages of perforated elements is that, thanks to the holes, the pads are also cleaned.

This factor has a positive effect on friction. Another advantage is fast draining - the pedal is no longer so "sluggish". It will always be under the driver's foot, and the likelihood that the brakes will suddenly fail is very low.

Ventilated discs

There is also a ventilated element. Here on the surface there are special notches. Thanks to them, air is better blown through the disk. This helps the part to cool faster. These components can be found on the front brakes.

The fact is that in the process of braking, it is on the front disc that there is a large load. Manufacturers install conventional discs on the rear brakes. But many modern automakers have now begun to mount a perforated rear brake disc. This is true for expensive and powerful cars.

About notch design

The type of notches affects how quickly the disc cools. Manufacturers today use more than 70 different design variations. Some notches are straight, others are curved, others are segmented. A huge number of elements go outward from the center. Others zigzag across the surface. For greater efficiency, it is necessary that as much air flow as possible pass over the surface of the disc. Notches work like a fan blade. Due to this, air is blown.

Risk of cracks

The front perforated brake disc is an excellent design element, but only if the choice of the disc was approached with all responsibility. Holes that are drilled through the metal of the disc create stress points.

If their edges are not rounded enough to dissipate pressure, then the pores can concentrate stress at one point. As a result, a crack occurs, which quickly spreads over the entire surface of the part. There were cases when motorists did drilling on their own. Some discs crumbled on the go. A large number of holes can significantly weaken the disc even if the holes are normally rounded. The element should not resemble Swiss cheese. This means that it is better to purchase a quality product, such as Zimmermann perforated brake discs, than to make one yourself and take risks.

Producers

Motorists highlight the products of the German company Zimmermann. This is a reputable company that has been producing various components of the brake system for many years. Brembo is another respected brand. This company has also been involved in disc braking systems for a long time. Today plain and perforatedBrembo brake discs are installed on cars made in the USA and Europe. These are the most respected brands. The manufacturer is well known among drivers, and the products are getting positive feedback.