Is it possible to optimize the performance of Drum Brake Linings by adjusting the production process?

Yes, the performance of drum brake linings can be significantly improved by adjusting and optimizing the production process. The performance of drum brake linings directly affects the braking effect, safety and service life of the vehicle, so the selection and optimization of process parameters are crucial during the manufacturing process. The following are specific optimization directions and their impact on performance:

Optimization of raw material formulation
Material selection and proportioning
Drum brake linings are usually composed of a variety of materials, including fibers (such as glass fibers, aramid fibers), fillers (such as barium sulfate, aluminum oxide), binders (such as phenolic resins) and friction modifiers (such as graphite, metal powder). By adjusting the proportions of these materials, the following properties can be improved:
Wear resistance : Adding high-hardness fillers (such as aluminum oxide) or high-temperature resistant fibers (such as aramid fibers) can improve the wear resistance of the lining.
Friction coefficient : Adding an appropriate amount of graphite or metal powder can adjust the friction coefficient and make it more stable.
Thermal stability : Using high-temperature resistant resins (such as modified phenolic resins) or ceramic particles can reduce thermal decay.
Asbestos-free alternative materials
Traditional drum brake linings may contain asbestos, but for environmental and health reasons, modern products mostly use asbestos-free organic materials (NAO). By optimizing the NAO formula, environmental requirements can be met while ensuring performance.
Functional additives
The addition of nanomaterials (such as carbon nanotubes and nanosilica) can further improve the mechanical strength and thermal conductivity of the lining.
The use of lubricants (such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide) can reduce noise and vibration.
Improvements in the molding process
Pressing process
Drum brake linings are usually made by compression molding. By adjusting the pressing pressure, temperature and time, their density and uniformity can be improved:
High-pressure molding: Increasing the pressing pressure can increase the density of the lining, thereby improving its wear resistance and crack resistance.
Staged heating: Using staged heating during the curing process can avoid internal stress and cracks caused by sudden temperature changes.
Preforming technology
Before the formal pressing, the preforming process is used to initially compact the mixed materials, which can reduce material waste in the subsequent pressing process and improve the consistency of the finished product.
Combination of cold pressing and hot pressing

The cold pressing process is suitable for some special materials (such as low melting point fibers), while the hot pressing process is more suitable for products that require high strength and high density. Combining the two processes can take into account the needs of different materials.
Optimization of curing process
Curing temperature and time
Curing is one of the most important links in the production of drum brake linings. By optimizing the curing temperature and time, the following properties can be improved:
Adhesion strength: Properly increasing the curing temperature can enhance the adhesion between the resin and the fiber, thereby improving the overall strength.
Thermal stability: Prolonging the curing time can make the resin fully cross-linked and reduce thermal decay.
Gradient curing
The gradient curing process (i.e. gradually increasing the temperature and maintaining it for a certain period of time) can avoid internal stress concentration caused by rapid heating, thereby reducing cracks and deformation.
Vacuum curing
Curing in a vacuum environment can reduce the formation of bubbles and improve the density and surface quality of the lining.
Improvement of post-processing process
Surface treatment
Grinding or coating the friction surface of drum brake linings can improve its surface roughness and friction performance:
Grinding process: Fine grinding can improve the uniformity of the friction surface and reduce noise and jitter.
Coating technology: Applying a layer of special materials (such as ceramic coating) on ​​the friction surface can improve wear resistance and thermal stability.
Heat treatment
Secondary heat treatment of the finished product (such as tempering or annealing) can release internal stress and improve the crack resistance and durability of the lining.
Rust prevention treatment
Rust prevention treatment of steel backs or other metal parts (such as galvanizing or spraying anti-corrosion coating) can extend the overall service life of the lining.
Application of intelligent and automated production
Online monitoring and feedback control
Introducing sensors and real-time monitoring systems in the production process can dynamically adjust process parameters (such as pressure, temperature, time) to ensure the consistency of product quality.
For example, by monitoring the temperature changes during the curing process with an infrared thermometer, the heating power can be adjusted in time to avoid overheating or underheating.
Automated equipment
The introduction of automated production lines (such as automatic mixers and intelligent presses) can reduce human errors and improve production efficiency and product precision.
Automated equipment can also achieve precise control in mass production to ensure the stable quality of each lining.
Big data analysis
The use of big data analysis technology to collect and analyze data in the production process (such as material consumption, energy consumption, and yield rate) can help companies identify potential problems and optimize process flows.

With the continuous advancement of technology, the performance of drum brake linings will be further improved in the future, providing more reliable protection for vehicle safety and comfort.