Development and Production of Weight-Reduced Steel Hat Brake Discs: A Contribution to Automotive Lightweighting

2026-01-0821

9/14/2026

Authors
Abstract
Content
The automotive industry's transition towards electrification, particularly in the passenger car (PC) and light commercial vehicle (LCV) segments, has intensified the focus on vehicle lightweighting to maximize battery range and efficiency. Conventional brake systems in electric vehicles (EVs) are subject to minimal mechanical wear due to regenerative braking, making corrosion the primary cause of component failure and replacement. This paper details the development and production of an innovative lightweight brake, which addresses these challenges. The "Cast-In" brake disc combines a traditional gray cast iron friction ring with a pre-finished, deep-drawn steel hat through a specialized composite casting process. This design achieves a significant reduction in unsprung mass—1.6 kg per disc in a 390mm x 36mm example—directly contributing to improved vehicle dynamics and energy efficiency. Key manufacturing challenges, including ensuring a robust material bond, preventing casting defects, and sealing the steel hat during casting, have been overcome through advanced process controls, simulation, and a patented sealing system. Furthermore, a novel, enhanced corrosion protection system has been developed and validated to meet the required service life of over 10 years, addressing the specific demands of e-mobility. With production scheduled to begin in April 2026, this technology is a milestone for modern braking solutions in the era of electrification.
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/2026-01-0821
Citation
von Reth, T., "Development and Production of Weight-Reduced Steel Hat Brake Discs: A Contribution to Automotive Lightweighting," Brake Colloquium & Exhibition - 44th Annual, Palm Desert, California, United States, September 20, 2026, https://doi.org/10.4271/2026-01-0821.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Sep 14
Product Code
2026-01-0821
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English