What Are Clutch Friction Plates

Clutch friction plates are a crucial part of the clutch system. They are designed to provide the necessary friction between the flywheel and pressure plate to transmit torque to the transmission input shaft.

The friction lining is made from various materials including rubber, paper, and resin-based fiber. Ceramic material is generally used in racing applications, as it can withstand high power output.

Material

The material used to make a clutch friction plate is important because it generates friction and must be durable. This material should also be chemically inert and have a high heat conductivity, so that the friction heat can dissipate rapidly. The friction plate must be able to withstand a high compressive load and have an adequate hardness.

The most common friction materials are copper and paper. However, ceramic facings are becoming more popular in some applications because they offer higher performance and are less expensive than copper. These facings can also be made to withstand a greater number of braking cycles than copper.

A clutch friction plate is a piece of metal that is sandwiched between the engine flywheel and the steel pressure plate in a vehicle. It is a critical component of the power transmission system, and it is designed to transmit a specific amount of power from the engine to the transmission. It allows the driver to change gears without jerking or stalling the vehicle.

Design

The friction plate in a clutch is subjected to constant or variable pressure which can be manual, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic. The force is exerted axially from the drive to the inner and outer plates which are connected via a ring of friction elements (disk). The friction torque depends on the surface pressure, the friction element design and the temperature of the disc.

The lubrication condition of the friction material influences the COF and wear depth of the lining. 

In wet applications the lining is soaked in oil and shears against a steel mating plate. This produces a high level of friction and requires low clamping forces. Ceramic liners are currently the choice of most OEMs as they offer durability and are gentle on matting surfaces. 

Applications

A clutch is a device that transmits power from the engine to the transmission and then to the drive wheels. To do this, it uses friction to generate a force that opposes the rotation of the flywheel and the pressure plate. The pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel and has a friction lining mounted on both sides.

The friction plate can be cork based, paper based or resin and fiber based depending on the type of clutch it is used in. The type of friction lining and the choice of plate surface pattern can also affect performance.

The plate surface pattern can help prevent premature wear by allowing a proper amount of heat to be dissipated. In addition, ceramic friction materials have a higher friction coefficient and can handle a greater amount of torque than traditional organic friction plates. This makes them a great option for high-performance racing applications and street-strip vehicles that need quick gear changes.

Maintenance

Each time you press the clutch pedal there is a moment when the friction plates are slipping against each other, like rubbing two pieces of sand paper. Over time this can wear them down.

Clutch friction plates are designed with wear resistant materials that help them last longer, allowing gear changes to be made smoothly without the jerking that often occurs with standard paddle clutches. Clutch plate upgrades are becoming increasingly popular with road cars, as their higher torque capacities allow them to be used for long periods of time on the road without stalling or jerking.