Lumag, leading Polish manufacturer of friction materials, has recently invested 700,000 PLN to extend its factory with a new production line used for applying a layer of the so-called “Green Coat”. Owing to this investment, brake pads made by the company will offer even greater safety by shortening the braking distance from 50 to 0 kph during breaking-in of newly installed pads by up to 3 metres.
All brake pads approved for marketing in the EU have to meet the requirements of the ECE R90 regulation, which, among other things, defines the maximum allowed braking distance. Unfortunately, very often a new set of brakes does not ensure full braking efficiency immediately after installation, and full efficiency is commonly achieved only after covering 200-300 kilometres. This phenomenon – referred to as “green fade” by experts – is defined as a drop in braking force caused by excessively violent pressing down on the brake pedal, when brake pads have not been broken-in yet.
“Our response to green fade is the Green Coat – a thin layer made of silicates, among other components, applied on the outer friction surface of a pad. Brake pads featuring a layer of the Green Coat provide a higher coefficient of friction right from the first application of the brakes, which significantly shortens the braking distance during the bedding in process. The layer lasts for a few dozen brake applications, which overlaps with the time a new brake needs to reach full efficiency. Tests indicate that the Green Coat can shorten the braking distance from 50 to 0 kph by up to 3 metres, which can help the driver avoid a dangerous collision”, says Marcin Darowny, manager in the Lumag’s Research and Development Department.
New line for the application of the Green Coat
As a part of the investment project, Lumag’s factory located in Budzyń in the Wielkopolska region of Poland, will be extended by a stand-alone line used for the application of the Green Coat. The semi-fluid material will be screen printed on the working surface of the friction material, while a laser screen positioning system will ensure the right position of the grid pattern developed by Lumag’s experts. Next, brake pads will be automatically conveyed to a drying module. It is especially worth noting that no solvents are used in the production process, which makes it environmentally friendly.
Marek Żak, president of Lumag added: “Safety and innovation have been the cornerstones of our development for 30 years. That is why our products are made in the most modern friction material factory in Central and Eastern Europe, which is being constantly extended. Another step in our development is the construction of a stand-alone Green Coat application line. Owing to the line, almost all brake pads we make will feature this new coat, as so far this option has been offered only in selected products.”
Lumag brake pads featuring the Green Coat will be launched in May. Detailed description of new products will shortly be made available on the company website: www.lumag.pl.
Find out more
Lumag’s latest e-catalogue can be downloaded from www.katalog.lumag.pl/, where comprehensive information on every part is listed. For more information about Lumag’s brands and catalogues please visit www.lumagltd.co.uk.
For further details on Lumag’s range available to the aftermarket, please call 0121 520 1160 or email office@lumagltd.co.uk.
For more information, interviews or images please contact:
Kimberley Hornby, Hornby Whitefoot PR
Tel: 01604 373700 E-mail: kimberley@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk
About LUMAG
With a history spanning almost 30 years, LUMAG was founded in Poland in 1988 by CEO Marek Żak, initially focusing on the production of brake linings before later implementing its own brake pad manufacturing technology. Over the years the company has achieved enormous technological progress, through applied engineering solutions as well as the continuous rise of quality and safety standards.
Since September 2013 it has been operating out of a purpose built new production facility located 60km from Poznań in the town of Budzyń, covering an area of approx. 19,000 square metres, allowing the company to satisfy ever-growing customer needs and to meet strict demands of the OEM market.
The factory features an automated mixing facility, designed and custom-built for the manufacture of friction materials, coupled with high-capacity processing lines. The investment has multiplied its previous production capacity and allowed it to increase its headcount by around 10%.
The company’s mission is to supply car and commercial vehicle users with high-quality products ensuring safe braking, and in doing so, improving the safety of all road users.
LUMAG’s UK operations are based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Further information can be found at www.lumagltd.co.uk.