Bosch Puts the Brakes on Particulate Dust

Robert Bosch GmbH’s Buderus Guss unit is introducing a brake disc that the company says generates 90% less brake dust than conventional units.

Based on a cast-iron brake disc, the new iDisc uses a tungsten-carbide coating. The friction rings also are mechanically, thermally and galvanically treated before being coated.

The iDisc also is less susceptible to corrosion and gouging marks on the friction ring. Brake corrosion is a concern for electric vehicles, which use regenerative braking to recover otherwise lost energy. Such systems can strain the braking system.

Bosch says the iDisc will be priced between current cast-iron units and expensive ceramic brakes. Production is due to start this month for an unnamed European carmaker.

Citing information from Germany’s Baden-Wurttemberg environmental agency, Bosch says brakes and tires are responsible for 32% of driving-related particulate emissions. Brake dust accounts for half of those emissions.