Chip braking

The high frictional coefficient (0.4 to 0.5 compared with < 0.1 for glass fibers) of asbestos fibers is crucial to its utilization in the frictional lining sector. In the manufacture of brake and clutch linings 20 to 60% asbestos is incorporated together with fillers, metal chips and preferably phenol resins and rubber into a composite material, which has to satisfy many requirements. Currently there are asbestos-free so-called semimetallic brake linings, which consist of mixtures of metal fibers, metal powders, cellulose fibers, aluminum silicate fibers and mineral wool bonded with synthetic resins. 

Major polymer applications automotive lighting, ignition and braking systems, carburetor parts, fuel components, chip carriers, phone jacks, IC card connectors, transistor encapsulation, tape recorder head moimts, relay components, motor fans, coil bobbins, sockets, relay units, food choppers, steam hair drier parts, lamp sockets, microwave oven components, pump housings, impeller diffusers, oil well valves, halogen lamp sockets... 

In the UK, as well as the on-going development of the COSHH and CHIP Regulations, new regulations have been introduced for lifting operations, press brakes and woodworking machinery. In addition, a considerable number of new booklets of advice and guidance have been published. 

Toyota practiced 100% JIT supply system with a sole source brake supplier. A major fire in February 1997 destroyed the brake plant and disrupted the production in 20 Toyota assembly plants worldwide costing 1.8 billion in lost sales. A 17-day strike in March 1996 at the Delphi brake plant in Dayton, Ohio shut down 26 GM s North American assembly plants and it cost nearly 1 billion to the company s first quarter earnings (Fitzgerald, 1996). The earthquake that struck Taiwan on September 21, 1999 knocked out the production of memory chips, circuit boards, and other components. It impacted 50% of the world s supplies to major computer manufacturers and their earnings dropped by 5%. Investors reacted more negatively to "Pull-type" supply chains (Dell, Gateway) as opposed to Push-t5qje" supply chains (IBM and Compaq). 

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