Shims
Shims are one of the key elements of a brake pad’s structure which dampens vibration and prevents brake squeal. The previous method of manufacturing required many different presses and the process itself was complicated. Based on the solutions provided by our machinery partner, Bruderer (Swiss manufacturer of industrial machinery), the R&D Department at Lumag has developed a new method of shim manufacture.
Lumag purchased and has implemented a new production line for shims. It is composed of a BSTA 510 press and peripheral devices: decolier unit which straightens the tape of material on machine input, automatic receipt, packaging and labeling.
„Apart from the dampening of vibration and the prevention of brake squeal, shims also offer expanded thermal insulation properties by providing an additional barrier against excessive heating of the brake caliper and brake fluid. Shims are one of the key elements in a brake pads structure, and are usually made using metal plate of thin thickness (approximately 0,4 mm) which is covered , on one side or both sides, by a thin layer (approximately 0.15 mm) of rubber. Another key property is additional vibration damping provided by the multi-layer elements resulting from the adhesion of the metal and rubber. The addition of shims to a brake pad is an expensive solution which may increase production costs by 10-20%, which is why not every manufacturer of brake pads uses it. Breck brake pads are equipped with shims covering 90% of the range” – Tomasz Orłowski, R&D manager.
