Document X7nngmEBoRO0Jgjxa7vGqbewJ

i4>CX An IC Industries Ccr-.cjry i 1 i Mr. T. D. Baughman Supervisor Brake Section Heavy Truck Chassis Design 20000 Rotunda Drive - Room 2235 Dearborn, MI 48121 Ab*z Corporation Friction Products Division Suite ris 3001 West B<9 Bes-e- Rd Troy Ml 48394 (3t3t 43-4400 October 31, 1980 Subject: Non-Asbestos Non-Metal!ic Drum Brake Lining Dear Tom: John Brown has been keeping well up to date regarding the results of our tests in Jennerstown on your L9000. It appears like our product development people, along with our research activity, have developed a couple of formulations that are improvements over our widely-used high volume 693-551C and -551D materials. I am specifically referring to our 931-162 and 931-92. The purpose of this letter is to tell you about them in order to assure you that a production run of trucks utilizing this material is not only feasible but a timely, logical approach to take. These friction materials contain no asbestos. They do utilize the same types of binders and friction modifiers used in our asbestos materials. For all practical purposes, we pulled out the asbestos and put in fiberglass. We arrived at fiberglass after evaluating numerous other materials against performance and cost. Fiberglass, being a man-made material, is available from a variety of suppliers and Is found to be more consistent shipment to shipment than natural asbestos fibers. We also do not anticipate any difficulties with OSHA or any government agencies regarding fiberglass in the form we are using. Insofar as manufacturing processes are concerned 931-162 and 931-92 are essentially the same as our standard heat and pressure processes. There are some minor changes relative to times and techniques. I cannot go into further detail because that would disclose proprietary information. I want to assure you these materials have not been presented to you directly out of the laboratory. In March 1980 we released a non-asbestos formula 931-66 for the aftermarket on 15" brakes for hydraulically-braked medium duty trucks. We planned this vehicle as our first target in order to increase lining and drum life. Test results showed that our SCF-ABEX-2402 Hr. T. D. Saughrnn io/3i/no Pace 2 new material improved both of these characteristics. Thus far over 2,000 sets have been self; end we are netting very positive unsolicited feed back from the field. The majority of our business is in the medium and heavy truck area sc our next aim was to get an original equipment release of nen-apbestos heavy duty blocks. Oynnmcmcter tests as our customers and at cur Pose-rdi Center '.-ere completed. One Jcnnerstown test was successfully ce mlc-ted In conjunction with a major brake sueolier and vehicle manufacturer. Field test installations arc underway on a number of fleets. Our first on-high1,.'ay order has just been received and the other Jennerstovo test program with you and Rockwell has thus far been very successful. A program is also underway to introduce 931-102 into t'-e block after market. The introduction date is not firm but it '..'ill at least bo b>/ January 1001 or sooner. This block, like the 15" strip material, will be sold under the Starlinc trade name. Several months ago v/e started work with another vehicle manufacturer to specifically develop a non-asbestos material to be used on a roar drum, brake for a front wheel drive passenger car. Progress has been rood, passing the parking brake test with ease whore many other non-asbestos materials failed. All parameters of F"Y$S 105 were massed, 'hoar was so minimal that rather than ask us to change the formula, we have keen advised they want to rebalance the brake system so our rear material will do more of the work. We have also been in close contact with your research laboratory and have supplied samples of our non-asbestos materials. Results have shown our material to be stronger than the standard asbestos-based material relativ to transverse rupture strength and shear. Considering all ether aspects, none have been found to be significantly less desirable than present asbestos materials. '' We feel we are the best lining supplier in the business. We have a 13 dynamometer Research and Engineering Center in i'ahwah. iiew Jersey, which Is second to none in the world. According to all the figures we can gather, we are the largest heavy-duty friction material supplier r.nd our development dollars and manufacturing equipment expense are being spent to maintain that position. Yours truly, /la S' bcc: Blwarsson*' ADIndelicato REflelson CV,'Cowan 0. J. Lukas Vico President, Original Equipment Sales JJBrown