The clutch disc is a rounded plate used to connect the engine of a vehicle to the transmissions input shaft allowing the temporary separation needed to shift gears. Clutch systems are used in a variety of industries such as agriculture, transit, automotive, construction and more.
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Cook Bonding & Manufacturing Co., Inc.Cleveland, OH 800-626-6540 As a Midwestern business, Cook Bonding & Manufacturing is a company that understands how to build relationships with their employees as well as their customers. For nearly 30 years they have been manufacturing products and materials such as clutch discs for many varieties of heavy duty industry. Other friction products are also available at Cook, all of which are the highest quality.
ProTec Friction SupplyMount Kisco, NY 914-244-3600 Since 1988, ProTec Friction Supply has been tapping the best and the brightest to develop and continually improve its complete line of organic and synthetic friction components for a variety of applications. Their three major product categories of Thermofiber branded materials are Advanced, Breakthrough and Conventional, including clutch discs and bonding segment products.
Global Friction Products, Inc.Tampa, FL 877-285-2700 A company like Global Friction Products, which manufactures, repairs, and /or re-arcs brake and clutch bands, clutch discs and other friction components, is a business that those in the construction, mining, marine and offshore industries will want to be in contact with. With the capabilities to improve cranes, draglines, clamshells, barges, winches and more, GFP is a well rounded company.
CECO Friction Products, Inc.Landis, NC 800-633-1880 At CECO Friction Products, We are proud to be a family owned business, an attitude that affects the way we treat our employees and customers and which then reflects positively on the quality of our products and materials. We pride ourselves on this quality and customer service and look forward to handling all of your friction product needs, from clutch discs to clutch bands and beyond.
Morgan Brake & Clutch CompanyRichmond, BC 800-667-4113 Our 70 years of experience means that you are getting the best care possible by seasoned experts in the field. The wide variety of products that our company offers is sure to please you. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any of your questions. Call us today to learn more about us, or visit our website! Let us be the source for all of your clutch disc needs.
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Hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic and electric clutches all utilize the clutch disc. Also known as a clutch plate, this device plays an integral role in shifting gears of a vehicle or piece of heavy machinery. Similar to brake blocks and pads, clutch discs incur a great deal of friction. For this reason, a stainless steel plate is commonly used for added durability. In order to maximize effectiveness, the plate is often coated with friction materials. While the use of asbestos is limited due to related health hazards, carbon-composites, semi-metallic and non-metallic substances are all used in the production of clutch discs. Ceramics, mineral fibers, cellulose, aramid fibers, chopped glass, steel and copper fibers are all employed in varying degrees to create composites suited to specific clutch systems. Heavy duty applications such as trucks and performance cars, for example, use ceramic clutch discs because of their increased coefficient of friction, heat resistance, durability and extreme strength. While general composites are known, manufacturers are often secretive of their specific friction material compositions in order to beat out competitors.
In general, the compression of a clutch pedal causes several springs connected to a pressure plate to compress as well. This compression pulls the plate, and connected clutch disc, away from the flywheel which is bolted to the engines crankshaft. The disconnection stops the rotation of the clutch disc which intern disconnects the central hub of the disc from the input shaft. The driver may then shift gears. After shifting, the pedal is released and the clutch disc reengages the flywheel. The clutch system works to ensure consistent clutch engagement and disengagement. This process, however, creates a great deal of friction on the clutch disc. Friction can wear the coating of the disc resulting in its slipping against the flywheel causing the transmission to lose step. This loss of grip indicates that a replacement clutch disc is needed. Important considerations when selecting the proper disc include torque rating, power, rotational speed and maximum pressure allowances. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of clutch system in place. Hydraulic clutches for example, would be classified as a wet clutch while a mechanical clutch is dry. Wet clutches may utilize multiple clutch discs to improve friction despite the presence of fluids.
