METHOD FOR FUSING A HARD CERAMIC-METALLIC LAYER ON A BRAKE ROTOR

摘要

A fused ceramic-metallic surface is formed on a supporting rotor (12) substrate for enhancing the service life and/or braking effectiveness of a vehicular brake assembly (10). The ceramic-metallic layer is produced by spreading a precursor slurry (32) on the friction surfaces (20, 22) of the rotor (12). The slurry (32) is dried and then irradiated in specific zones or predetermined areas (30) using a high powered diode laser (42). A copper mask (34) acts as a template by providing openings (38) which correspond precisely in shape and location to the predetermined areas (30) to be fused. The mask (34) includes a reflective mirror surface (36) which reflects away laser energy from areas of the friction surface (20, 22) that are not intended to be fused. Finish grinding or machining may be required to obtain the desired tribological surface for engaging friction pads (18) carried in a caliper (16). ® KIPO & WIPO 2009