Matrix Brakes: High Performance with Low Weight

Composite brakes are REL’s latest innovation in braking technology: REL is proud to introduce the innovative Matrix Brakes. These lightweight brake rotors and drums are made with an advanced aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC) that offer an extended lifetime and unbeatable durability. Suitable for a wide range of automotive, motorcycle and truck applications, composite Matrix Brakes offer high performance and unparalleled stopping power.

Compared to traditional cast iron brake rotors and drums, REL’s composite Matrix Brakes enable:

• 60% weight reduction
• More than three times the life expectancy: 200,000 km lifetime
• Quieter braking
• Higher resistance to wear, warp, and corrosion

Lightweight brake rotors and drums are manufactured using MMC materials originally developed by REL for NASA thermal panels, and offer an unprecedented level of quality. Composite brakes are made from a lightweight aluminum-ceramic composite material that enables increased fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, and the ultra-durable reinforced surface eliminates the effects of wear, corrosion, and deformation. With over three times the life expectancy of cast iron rotors and drums, Matrix Brake rotors and drums will rarely need to be replaced.

Composite brakes are made from REL’s proprietary metal matrix composite, which has been developed specifically for braking applications. Over years of development, REL's engineers have designed the material to exceed the current limitations of cast iron brakes due to weight, strength, and temperature management. The composite brake material used in Matrix Brakes is the first of its kind, and is mixed, cast, heat-treated, and finished to the highest quality.

Lightweight brake rotors and drums by REL are manufactured using a protected aluminum infiltration technology, and machines the finished product to exact specifications. Composite Matrix Brakes can be customized to fit the style and size of your vehicle, and can be further developed for specialized brake systems (see below for more information).

Novel Systems Development

REL develops novel structural metal matrix composite braking systems for a variety of vehicles and purposes. Using their protected MMC technology, they can design special lightweight brake rotors and systems to meet your individual application needs. Metal matrix composite materials have been perfected over years of engineering research and development; we are experienced with the integration of MMCs in both conventional and custom brake systems. Some existing technologies incorporated into our metal matrix composite brakes include:

• Ultra high temperature NASA material technology: Space vehicle applications
• Nano-MMC technology: Interface interaction technology
• Composite MMC technology: Material property tailoring
• Lightweight MMC material technology: Energy saving material for vehicles
• Sustainable technology: Recyclable, environmentally conscious materials/processing

Integrated Design and Testing

REL has the capability to develop lightweight braking systems of any size or scope. To ensure consistent performance, we offer complete design, development, and testing; by integrating services and performing them in-house, we offer a thorough, cost-effective solution.

Using a our custom-built brake dynamometer, we perform brake testing for different size, geometry, and composition variations for various braking applications. The dynamometer was designed to meet REL’s stringent testing procedures, and was fabricated and machined at our facilities. It has the full control and data logging capabilities found in commercial brake dynamometers, and is customized for composite brake testing.

For the development of composite lightweight brake systems, REL uses the latest equipment and time-tested engineering methods; we analyze individual project requirements and design and test a solution that will exceed expectations and deliver results.

Matrix Brakes TM brochure

Link to a new site

Matrix brakes are currently available for motorcycles. REL is working with FTF, LLC and their partners to expand the MATRIX Brakes line into a variety of automotive industries.