brake drum for a vehicle from composite material and methods for their manufacture.

摘要

The composite brake drum, particularly adapted for motor vehicle applications, includes a reinforcement assembly (30) embedded within the cylindrical portion (16) of the drum (10). The reinforcement assembly (30) is preferably made from steel wire stock and includes a plurality of circular loops (32) spaced axially within the brake drum cylindrical portion (16). Axially extending locator wires (34) are mechanically fastened to the reinforcing loops (32) and serve to locate the loops (32). End portions (38, 36) on the locator wire (34) contact only one of the mold halves (46) forming the mold cavity (50) and enable the device to be essentially self-locating without crossing the parting line (48) of the mold. By not crossing the parting line (48), the position of the loops (32) is maintained within acceptable tolerance limits from the finished friction surface (24) of the drum. The composite brake drum (10) is fabricated by pouring molten iron into the mold and then performing finish machining operations. IMAGE