AKEBONO REPORT 2014

44/72

noise and greater durability for use in the McLaren P1TM ultra-highperformanceroad car on a mass-production basis. The incorporationof this new material also helps prolong the product life ofbrake pads, contributing to resource savings.Moving forward, Akebono is striving to develop proprietarymaterials with the aim of differentiating itself and securing its competitiveedge.A Vehicle Incorporating Akebono’s FNC FinishedRotors NMWS “2014 North American Truck ofthe Year”In tandem with U.S.-based General Motors Corporation, Akebonodeveloped brake components, such as calipers, rotors and brakepads, for use in the Chevrolet Silverado, a vehicle that was namedthe “2014 North American Truck of the Year.” The rotors arefinished using the ferritic nitro-carburizing (FNC) process and thusdeliver superior braking performance as well as low noise andvibration while boasting an industry-leading product life, which,in turn, contributes to resource savings. Moreover, FNC finishinghelps maintain the appearance of wheels, thereby adding morevalue to rotor products.Developing Products Free of EnvironmentallyHazardous SubstancesIn North America, regulations on environmentally hazardous substanceshave been tightened due to anxiety over the impact ofbrake dust on the ecosystems of rivers and gulfs.In response, Akebono is striving to develop technologies thatreduce the volume of brake dust generated from the use of frictionmaterials while extending the product life of brake pads.Also, Akebono promotes the development of products with alower environmentally hazardous substance content. In accordancewith in-house guidelines, which set forth stricter regulations onbrake raw materials than required by law, Akebono painstakinglyexamines these materials’ possible impact on the environment andwork environment even from the product design and developmentstages.Developing Proprietary MaterialsThe theme of one development project carried out at AkebonoResearch & Development Centre was creating a proprietary brakeconstituent that would improve the performance of friction materialsat high temperature ranges. Under this project, we developed anew solid lubricant material with a thermal decomposition temperatureof around 800°C, which is higher than that of any similarmaterial. Moreover, the new material contributed to superior frictionperformance as well as improved braking performance (μ)and stability by helping raise seizure resistance to approximately30% above that of conventional materials. This accomplishmentenabled Akebono to supply friction materials with less brakingInitiatives at the Design and Development StageAkebono is working to deliver brakes that are friendly to both people andthe environment by creating products free of environmentally hazardous substances while pursuing a longer life for its products.Painstakingly examiningmaterial data to avoidburdening the environmentFurther efforts are under way tocreate more proprietary materialsAn FNC finished rotor that contributes tolonger brake lifeTOPICSSatisfying U.S. Regulations on Chemicals Used in Brake Friction MaterialIn 2014, new regulations were enforced in California and thestate of Washington, the United States, setting limits on copperand other specified substance content in brake pads, liningsand friction materials produced on and after January 1, 2014.Moreover, these regulations oblige manufacturers to label theirpads and linings using Friction Materials Edge Code Markingsthat indicate compliance. In response, a number of Akebono’sbusiness units, including its U.S., Japanese and Asian productionbases that manufacture friction materials destined for theAmerican market, aswell as development,quality assurance, salesand production engineeringsections worldwide,have striven toensure compliance withthese requirements through across-the-board collaboration thathas resulted in their functioning truly as “One Team,” “Oneakebono.” Looking ahead, we will painstakingly continue toimplement measures aimed at complying with state laws andother regulations, such as package labeling statutes.Voice of AssociateYuko Matsumoto, Automotive Sales DepartmentNo. 2, Automotive Sales DivisionAs we endeavored to ensure compliancewith the U.S. chemical substance regulations,ilearned difficulty of securing the smoothcollaboration of a number of different businessunits while identifying some areas of our weaknesses. I willdraw lessons from this experience so that we can better handlethe next challenge that comes our way.A brake pad labeled with Friction MaterialsEdge Code Markings

※このページを正しく表示するにはFlashPlayer9以上が必要です