A high-speed laser cladding process supports the cost-effective production of a new generation of brake discs that also meet the significantly stricter limits for brake dust emissions in the new Euro 7 emissions standard. Emissions from combustion engines themselves, as well as abrasion from tires and brakes (discs and pads), represent a relevant proportion of particulate matter pollution.
Coating using laser technology enables the production of low-wear brake discs based on gray cast iron. The comparatively inexpensive base material and its manufacturing process can be retained, but decisive parameters are optimized by a powder-based additional layer that is welded on using a high-performance diode laser. In addition to a wear-protective layer made of tungsten carbide, for example, pure corrosion-protective layers can also be applied. High-speed processes are usually used for a particularly economical coating. Laser-coated brake discs are not only suitable for current combustion engines; brake discs will also be used in future electric vehicles that have to comply with low levels of particulate pollution.
