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Genuine Wichita Replacement Friction Discs for Brake Press
*Severe damage on
non-genuine friction disc shown above
A metal fabricator located in the UK recently installed non-Wichita Clutch replacement friction discs
in a 24-inch Wichita spring set brake used on one of its large brake presses. After 4 months of
apparent acceptable performance, the non-genuine discs failed, causing considerable damage to
the brake housing.
The plant’s maintenance manager ultimately replaced the unauthorized discs with genuine Wichita
replacement friction discs. Unfortunately, the customer incurred the additional cost of replacing
most of the brake’s damaged metal components. The cost of lost production time was substantial.
Genuine Wichita Clutch replacement friction discs are manufactured using proprietary highstrength
wear resistant polymers with molded composite teeth. All replacement Wichita Clutch
brand friction discs are precisely matched with mating Wichita clutch and brake components for
ease of installation and consistent high-torque output. Wichita discs feature high heat resistance to
combat unforeseen application problems. Integral air grooves provide cooling and longer life.
Recently one of Wichita’s custom-built dynamometer test stands was used to test friction discs
produced in Taiwan, with some troubling findings. When tested over a period of one hour, the
non-genuine friction discs exhibited extremely unstable results, as well as aggressive wearing of
the metal components, all of which would lead to increased costs and more frequent servicing.
Facilities and maintenance managers are occasionally approached by companies that offer “low
cost,” unauthorized replacement parts for use on Wichita clutches and brakes. However, as in this
instance, customers often end up paying much more in terms of damage and lost production costs.
Highlights
- Genuine Wichita Clutch
replacement friction discs
- Proprietary high-strength
wear resistant polymers
- Molded composite teeth
- Precisely matched with
mating Wichita clutch and
brake components
- Integral air grooves provide
cooling and longer life
- 2-year warranty