22 Disc Brake Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for disc brakes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 22 disc brake manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked disc brake companies as of November, 2024: 1.MICO, Inc., 2.LEED Brakes., 3.Tolomatic, Inc..
Table of Contents
What Is a Disc Brake?
A disc brake is a type of braking system used in various vehicles, comprising three main components: the disc rotor, brake caliper, and brake pads. Located inside the wheel, this system is visible from the outside and is known for its high heat dissipation capability, which helps prevent brake fade and water fade.
Uses of Disc Brakes
Disc brakes are utilized in numerous applications where reliable deceleration and stopping of wheels are essential. Their use includes passenger cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, aircraft, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery. Recently, with advancements in electronically controlled braking systems (EBS), disc brakes have also found applications in commercial vehicles, traditionally dominated by drum brakes.
Principle of Disc Brakes
The working principle of disc brakes involves the conversion of kinetic energy into heat energy through friction. When the brake pedal is depressed, hydraulic pressure activates the piston in the brake caliper, pressing the brake pads against the disc rotor. The resulting friction slows down the wheel’s rotation, effectively stopping the vehicle.
Types of Disc Brakes
There are two primary types of disc brakes:
1. Floating Type Disc Brakes
These have pistons on one side of the brake caliper and are commonly used in passenger cars due to their simplicity, light weight, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Opposed Type Disc Brake
In this system, pistons are placed on both sides of the disc rotor, applying pressure evenly. Known for providing high levels of braking force, these are often found in sports cars and large, high-performance vehicles.
Other Information on Disc Brakes
1. Differences From Drum Brakes
Drum brakes work by pressing brake shoes against the inside of a rotating wheel, creating friction to slow down the wheel. While the principle of converting kinetic energy into thermal energy is similar, drum brakes have better constraining power due to a larger contact area and a self-servo effect. However, they have poorer heat dissipation compared to disc brakes, making them more prone to fade phenomena.
2. Life Span of Disc Brakes
The lifespan of disc brakes, particularly the brake pads and disc rotors, varies based on usage. Regular inspection is essential as brake pads typically last between 20,000 to 60,000 miles, and disc rotors around 60,000 miles. High-performance disc brakes may require more frequent maintenance due to increased load and wear.
List of 22 Disc Brake Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- United Kingdom
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Tolomatic, Inc.
H10 Series Hydraulic Disc Brake
Manufacturer Overview
Tolomatic was founded in the 1950s and operates out of Hamel, Minnesota. Tolomatic Is a manufacturer of automation components for industries such as aerospace, agriculture, automotive construction, life sciences, semiconductor, and utilities. Tolomatic has three main product lines which are electric linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, and power transmissions. Electric linear actuators include rodless electro-mechanical actuators, electric rod actuators, as well as custom & modified products. Pneumatic linear actuators include rodless pneumatic actuators, rod-style pneumatic linear thrusters, and custom & modified products. Power transmission includes roller screws, industrial caliper brakes, industrial gearboxes, and industrial cone clutches.
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Columbus McKinnon Corporation
400D Heavy Duty Disc Brakes
Manufacturer Overview
Columbus McKinnon Corporation, founded in 1875 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of intelligent motion products used for automation, conveyance, lifting, and linear motion. Its product range includes handheld transmitters, flexible chain conveyors, lever hoists, industrial linear actuators, and pallet systems used in several industries, including aerospace, entertainment, automotive, metals production, and pharmaceutical. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has manufacturing facilities across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. It has several brands, including STAHL Crane Systems, Dorner Conveyors, Duff-Norton, Magnetek, and Unified Industries.
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WARNER ELECTRIC
Electromagnetic Brakes
Manufacturer Overview
Warner Electric, established in 1927 and based in Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer of electromagnetic clutch and brake solutions. The company offers a broad selection of industrial clutches, brakes, controls, and web tension systems for its main products. The company's products are used in wide range of markets including material handling, packaging machinery, food and beverage, elevator and escalator manufacturing, and agriculture. These brakes are used by various vehicles such as lift trucks, forklifts, military vehicles, and lawn mowers.
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Montalvo Corporation
Standard Series Tension Brakes
Manufacturer Overview
Montalvo Corporation, founded in 1947 with headquarters in Gorham, Maine, USA, is a manufacturer of web handling and tension control parts and equipment. The company's product line includes tension sensing rollers, load cell amplifiers, torque controllers, tension brakes, and web guides. The company also offers consulting for minor modifications to existing process manufacturing equipment as well as client-specific full-turnkey web handling and processing systems. These products and systems are used in the manufacture of textiles, paper, films, foils, and printing.
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Hilliard Corporation
MK Rail & Disc Brakes
Company Overview
Hilliard Corporation was founded in 1905 and headquartered in Elmira, New York. The company is an engineer, manufacturer, and distributor of motion control, braking systems, and filtration products to industries such as power generation, oil & gas, refinery, and steel in their ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing facilities. The company provides direct contact between customers and engineers and has the manufacturing and design capabilities to customize orders to meet any challenge in the motion control and filtration industries, whether the end products are industrial clutches, engine starters, or braking systems.
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LEED Brakes.
Disc Brakes
Company Overview
LEED Brakes., established in 2004 and based in Cheektowaga, New York, is a manufacturer, designer, and supplier of drum, disc brake conversion kits, master cylinder kits, and power brake booster kits for muscle cars, street rods, and classic trucks. The company supplies vacuum pumps, proportioning valves, universal brake fittings, power booster brackets, and brake push rods. It is a member of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to serve the motor vehicle aftermarket.
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SAI S.P.A.
Disk Brake
Manufacturer Overview
SAI SPA, established in 1964 and headquartered in Modena, Italy, is a designer and manufacturer of crankshaft radial piston hydraulic motors. The company's main products include a wide range of hydraulic motors and rakes, gearboxes and electronic controls connected to motors for the construction of drive units. The company also offers development joint projects, customization of existing products, and the start-up of prototype machines. The company's services the supply of spare parts, analysis and repair following a breakdown, and the extension of product guarantees.
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VULKAN Group
Hydraulic disc brake
Manufacturer Overview
VULKAN Group, founded in 1889 and headquartered in Herne, Germany, is a manufacturer of marine, industrial, energy, refrigeration, and air conditioning technologies. The company provides tailored solutions to improve systems' technical and economic performance worldwide. It operates through three distinct divisions: marine, industry, energy, and refrigeration and air conditioning technology. It offers highly flexible couplings, cardan shaft couplings, and other drive components. It has a Lokring tube connection technology that is now widely used in applications ranging from OEM production to HVAC system installation and the repair of refrigeration appliances and vehicle A/C systems.
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AISIN CORPORATION
Chassis and Vehicle Safety Systems
Manufacturer Overview
AISIN CORPORATION, established in 1965 and situated in Aichi, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive parts as well as energy- and lifestyle-related products. In a significant move, Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Aisin AW Co., Ltd., combined its business operations on April 1, 2021, ushering in the new entity known as AISIN CORPORATION. Some of its products include transmissions, brakes, engine and car navigation systems, and air conditioning systems.
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EBC Brakes
Disc Brakes
Manufacturer Overview
EBC Brakes, a privately owned company, is a major manufacturer of brake components, established in 2003, based in the UK. The company’s product range includes brake pads for cars, trucks and SUV, brake rotors (discs) for wind farms, for military applications such as the Humvee, armored cars and tanks, railway brake products. Its rotor brake disc range includes cast iron brake rotors for automobiles, stainless steel brake rotors for motorcycles and bicycles and ATV brake pads made in the UK. With a worldwide workforce of over 400 people, it has also a network of fitting centers and stockists all over the world.
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Delphi
Brake Discs
Manufacturer Overview
Delphi Autoparts, established in 1998 and headquartered in Michigan, US, is a manufacturer that offers aftermarket solutions to fuel economy. The company offers a wide range of products, including gasoline fuel systems, diesel fuel systems, maintenance solutions, engine management, and vehicle electronics. It also provides comprehensive diagnostics, test equipment, and robust training to help repair vehicles. Its product delivers fewer hydrocarbons, particulate emissions, and increased fuel savings. Frost & Sullivan recognized the company with the 2017 North American Company of the Year Award. It serves industries such as passenger vehicles, marine vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and more.
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MICO, Inc.
Disc Brakes
Manufacturer Overview
MICO, Inc., established in 1946 and headquartered in North Mankato, Minnesota, USA, is a manufacturer of hydraulic components and controls. The company specializes in producing hydraulic brake systems, brake valves, and hydraulic actuation solutions. The products are used for precision, stability, and the ability to provide optimum braking and control performance, ensuring the safety of various vehicles and machinery. These products find application across diverse industries, including off-highway vehicles, agriculture, construction, and material handling equipment, where the need for precise and responsive hydraulic control is essential.
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ATE
Disc Brakes
Manufacturer Overview
ATE, established in 1906 and headquartered in Schwalbach, Germany, is a manufacturer of a large assortment of brakes and related products. The company fills the gap by providing disc brakes, drum brakes, and brake fluids. It also comes with hydraulic parts, clutch parts, as well as wheel speed sensors. The subcategories of its disc brakes, original brake pads, naturally comply with all the provisions of the ECE regulations and independent tests have confirmed their outstanding friction values.
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Meritor Automotive
Air Disc Brakes
Manufacturer Overview
Meritor Automotive, established in 1909 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA, is a manufacturer of a wide range of automotive components and products. The company specializes in producing axles, brakes, drivelines, and suspension systems for various types of vehicles, including commercial trucks, trailers, and military vehicles. The products are equipped with durability, stability, and advanced engineering, resulting in improved vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. These components find applications in the transportation and defense industries, where robust and optimal-performance solutions are essential.
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Wagner
Disc Brakes
Manufacturer Overview
Wagner, an innovator of braking technologies which started in 1891 in St Louis, Missouri, is a manufacturer of brakes and all brake components for passenger cars, medium-duty, and commercial applications. The company’s main products include brake pads which are designed with comprehensive coverage for different automobile types, driving habits and conditions with superior braking performance and lighting products including headlights, taillights, and all other vehicle lights which meet the SAE standards. Wagner also provides services such as brake system inspection, brake pad testing, as well as technical resource tips to guide their customers.
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Twiflex Ltd.
Disc Brakes
Company Overview
Twiflex Ltd., founded in 1946 and located in Bedford, United Kingdom, is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of braking technologies for industrial applications. The company offers products such as disc braking systems, flexible couplings, and disc brake calipers, as well as shaft clutch couplings and locking braking systems. The products find ideal applications in the mining, metals, and energy sectors. The entertainment and propulsion systems markets also benefit from these products. The company is 9001:2008 certified and offers a return-to-base refurbishment package with support and repair services.
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W.C. Branham, Inc.
Caliper Disc Brakes
Company Overview
W.C. Branham Inc., established in 1981 and headquartered in River Falls, Wisconsin, United States, is a fluid power and power transmission component manufacturer and B2B supplier. The company's primary products include air-over-oil intensifiers, caliper disc brakes, and pneumatic linear actuators. It also works with clients to produce custom products, with experience in parallel gear drives, guided pneumatic actuators, and 5-way gear drive/lead screw assemblies. These products are primarily used for industrial automation solutions, vehicle drive systems, and overhead pneumatic door opening systems for car washes, car care retail centers, and automobile dealerships.
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Stromag
1CA2 Electromagnetic Disc Brake
Company Overview
Stromag, founded in 1932 and based in Unna, NRW, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of power transmission components. The company's product range includes Brakes, Clutches, Couplings, Limit Switches, and SIOT Monitoring and control. These components are used in various machinery ensuring smooth operation and efficiency. It serves industries such as Amusement Rides and ski Lifts, Cranes and hoists, Elevators and escalators, and Farms and agriculture. Additionally, the company provides services such as customized solutions, technical support, and product maintenance.
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ACR Holdings, Inc.
Disc Brakes
Company Overview
ACR Holdings, Inc., founded in 1986 and located in Chicago, Illinois, is a manufacturer, distributor, and designer of air disc braking products and accessories. The company produces brake chambers, wear sensors, hydraulic calipers, air disc pads, and caliper rebuild kits. The products are utilized in transportation, commercial vehicles, OEM, lubrication, and construction industries. The company offers a four-hour training program for brake technicians and mechanics for technical understanding of new technologies on multiple platforms.
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Jagwire
Disc Brakes
Company Overview
Jagwire, established in 1995 and headquartered in Changhua City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of integrated cables and housings control system products. The company’s products include DIY cable kits, hydraulic hoses, brake pads, inner wires, and brake rotors. The products are used in tidal turbines, grinding mills, theme park rides, conveyors, and cranes. The company is ISO 9001/ TS-16949 certified and works with brands such as Ridley, Norco, Glode, Felt, and Bianchi.
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Princess Auto Ltd.
Disc Brakes
Company Overview
Princess Auto Ltd., founded in 1933 and based in Winnipeg, Canada, is a supplier of an assortment of tools and equipment with over 50 stores across Canada. In 1977, it opened its first store in Edmonton, Alberta, and became a retailer. The company serves several workers, including inventors, farmers, and tradespeople and stocks products such as outdoor power equipment, hand tools, and hydraulics. It sells items from several brands, such as Dealer’s Choice, Braber Equipment, and King Canada, and it also has a foundation that provides financial assistance to trades students enrolled at Canadian colleges.
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Disc Brake Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MICO, Inc. |
11.2%
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| 2 | LEED Brakes. |
8.0%
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| 3 | Tolomatic, Inc. |
7.6%
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| 4 | Wagner |
6.1%
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| 5 | EBC Brakes |
5.4%
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| 6 | Columbus McKinnon Corporation |
5.1%
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| 7 | Delphi |
4.9%
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| 8 | ATE |
4.9%
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| 9 | Meritor Automotive |
4.5%
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| 10 | SAI S.P.A. |
4.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the disc brake page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- AISIN CORPORATION: 116,649
- Delphi: 850
Newly Established Company
- EUROMAT srl: 2000 (24 years ago)
- Twiflex Ltd.: 1946 (78 years ago)
- MICO, Inc.: 1946 (78 years ago)
Company with a History
- VULKAN Group: 1889 (135 years ago)
- Wagner: 1891 (133 years ago)
- Hilliard Corporation: 1905 (119 years ago)
Disc Brake Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Tolomatic, Inc.
- Columbus McKinnon Corporation
- WARNER ELECTRIC
- Montalvo Corporation
- Hilliard Corporation
- LEED Brakes.
Global Distribution of Disc Brake Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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6 | 50.0% |
Italy
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2 | 16.7% |
United Kingdom
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2 | 16.7% |
Germany
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1 | 8.3% |
Japan
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1 | 8.3% |
List of Disc Brake Products
4 products are listed.
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Brake lining for motorcycles and four wheels
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