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Keeping the world’s fastest two-wheel racers under control as they traverse some of the most challenging racecourses provides a major Industry standards help to reduce risks, ensure consistency, and provide a reliable framework for the entire supply chain. Since 1948, the non-profit Friction Materials Standards Institute – better known under its trademarked FMSI – has provided the automotive industry with a standardized part-numbering system for replacement brake components and clutch facings.
What does that mean?
FMSI reverse engineers the basic design of a vehicle’s friction components, documents all aspects in its electronic database and assigns the parts a unique part number beginning with the letter D (hence the term D-Number). FMSI members who produce a replacement friction component, primarily a brake pad, to the design enumerated by a D-Number can assign said D-Number to the part and it will then fit the original vehicle.
And the newly minted D-Numbered part will also fit any other vehicle whose brake system incorporates friction material which matches this D-Number.
According to Frank Oliveto, FMSI president, these unique part numbers help keep order within the crowded automotive brake industry.
“If you’re selling in the marketplace, if you are a friction manufacturer, and your customer says I want this D-Number, you know exactly what vehicles,” said Oliveto, who overseas the organization from a voluntary position. “And they can put it in their box with the D-Number and possibly their own part number.
for those responsible for the design, engineering, manufacture and support of the braking systems.
The full article can be found in the August 2024 issue of The BRAKE Report Magazine. Subscribe here to get our latest issue.
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