The Friction Materials Standards Institute (FMSI) is expanding its global OE brake pad coverage, collecting and standardizing original equipment service brake pad applications from vehicle manufacturers worldwide, with contributing members and affiliates in Mexico, Latin America, Europe and China. According to General Manager Garrett Oliveto, FMSI delivers that application data to its members and annual subscribers using its standardized part numbering system. The institute is also adding vehicles-in-operation (VIO) data and developing a rotor catalog mapped to the FMSI D number.
Global OE Brake Pad Coverage Beyond North America
Oliveto says the effort extends FMSI’s work well past North American applications.
“We are not just NA applications,” Oliveto said. “We have global contributing members and affiliates, in Mexico, Latin America, Europe and China.”
FMSI, founded as a trade organization in 1948, created the standard part numbering system for brake and clutch facings.
How Does the FMSI D Number Work?
According to FMSI, its electronic database is built by reverse engineering the OES service brake pad. The institute then collects, characterizes and standardizes that data into a single global language known as the D number.
FMSI also documents what comes in the box. The institute uses “talking pictures” and 360-degree spins of the OES service kit to show kit contents.
Oliveto says FMSI keeps a physical parts library of OES kits at its office in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
New and Extended Collaboration Agreements
FMSI says it has recently extended or signed new collaboration agreements with five organizations:
- AMECA
- IDF
- Motor
- SAE
- S&P Global
FMSI Rotor Catalog and VIO Data
FMSI is adding VIO data to its portfolio and developing a rotor catalog that will be mapped to the FMSI D number. The institute lists an expected launch date of late 2028.
