Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-08-20 Origin: Site
Brake discs are safety-critical components in the braking systems of motorcycles, electric vehicles, and bicycles. During operation, they are exposed to continuous friction, temperature fluctuations, and demanding environmental conditions. Consequently, the chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and post-heat-treatment hardness uniformity of the raw material can directly affect manufacturing quality and product performance.
To meet the production requirements of different brake disc applications, DSM supplies specialized stainless steel grades including 12Cr13, 0Cr13Mn, 20Cr13, and 30Cr13. Our solutions cover material composition, supply specifications, mechanical properties, heat treatment control, and testing capabilities.
DSM stainless steel for brake discs uses chromium as its primary alloying element. By controlling the carbon, silicon, manganese, chromium, and other alloying elements, the material can provide a suitable foundation for different strength, elongation, and heat-treated hardness requirements.
Unit: mass fraction, %
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P≤ | S≤ | Ni≤ | Cr | N |
0.08–0.15 | 0.4–0.8 | 0.7–1.0 | 0.035 | 0.01 | 0.6 | 11.5–12.5 | — | |
0Cr13Mn | 0.045–0.08 | 0.6 | 1.0–2.5 | 0.035 | 0.03 | — | 11.5–14 | 0.008–0.02 |
0.16–0.25 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.6 | 12–14 | — | |
0.26–0.35 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.6 | 12–14 | — |
Each grade has a different carbon content and mechanical property profile. 12Cr13 and 0Cr13Mn can be selected for applications with specific forming and strength requirements, while the higher carbon content of 20Cr13 and 30Cr13 provides a suitable material foundation for subsequent quenching, tempering, and hardness adjustment.
The appropriate grade should be selected according to the brake disc application, target hardness, forming process, and heat treatment procedure.
Consistent thickness and width tolerances help control blank dimensions, machining allowances, and finished-product uniformity. DSM supplies several commonly used thicknesses with a tolerance of ±0.05 mm.
Nominal Thickness (mm) | Thickness Tolerance (mm) |
3.7 | ±0.05 |
4.2 | ±0.05 |
4.5 | ±0.05 |
4.8 | ±0.05 |
5.3 | ±0.05 |
Width Range (mm) | Width Tolerance (mm) |
160–1540 | ±10 |
Additional supply specifications include:
Surface finish: 1D/No. 1, free from scratches
Edge condition: mill edge
Coil inside diameter: 610 mm
These specifications are suitable for slitting, stamping, laser cutting, machining, and subsequent heat treatment.
Each grade offers a specific combination of tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and delivery-condition hardness to support different brake disc manufacturing and performance requirements.
Grade | Tensile Strength, T.S. (MPa) | Yield Strength, Y.S. (MPa) | Elongation, EL | Hardness (HRB) |
≥450 | ≥205 | ≥15% | ≤98 | |
0Cr13Mn | ≥410 | ≥205 | ≥20% | 60–98 |
≥520 | ≥225 | ≥18% | ≤97 | |
≥540 | ≥225 | ≥18% | ≤99 |
These mechanical properties provide an important foundation for stamping, cutting, machining, and subsequent heat treatment. Selecting the appropriate grade helps balance material strength, elongation, and processability.
Following quenching and tempering, brake discs must achieve the required hardness for their intended application. Heat treatment parameters can be adjusted to meet the different hardness targets of motorcycle, electric vehicle, and bicycle brake discs.
Reference hardness requirements include:
Motorcycle brake discs: 37 ± 3 HRC
Electric vehicle brake discs: 36 ± 3 HRC
Bicycle brake discs: 40 ± 2 HRC
Hardness variation across the same brake disc: ≤1 HRC
Quenching temperature, holding time, cooling method, and tempering conditions all influence the final hardness and microstructure. Proper control of these parameters helps achieve the target hardness while maintaining uniformity across different areas of the same disc.
In addition to conventional mechanical properties, microstructure is an important indicator when evaluating the effectiveness of brake disc heat treatment.
DSM can examine and compare the microstructure of motorcycle and bicycle brake discs before and after heat treatment. These observations provide a technical basis for optimizing quenching and tempering parameters and achieving the required hardness and microstructural condition.
Heat treatment procedures can be developed according to the selected grade, material thickness, and target hardness.
Neutral salt spray testing can be conducted to evaluate the corrosion behavior of brake disc materials and finished samples under humid and saline conditions.
Reference test conditions include:
Test temperature: 35°C
Sodium chloride solution: 5% NaCl
Evaluation intervals: 12, 24, and 48 hours
Comparing the surface condition at different testing intervals provides useful data for material selection and corrosion-protection planning.
DSM is equipped with a range of professional testing and laboratory equipment to support the quality evaluation of stainless steel for brake discs, including:
Microhardness tester
Rockwell hardness tester
Electronic universal tensile testing machine
Metallographic microscope
Carbon and sulfur analyzer
Imported scanning electron microscope (SEM)
Imported surface roughness tester
Salt spray test chamber
Tubular heat treatment furnace
DSM has also established quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety management systems, with certifications including:
ISO 9001 Quality Management System
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System
IATF 16949 Automotive Quality Management System
From chemical composition and dimensional tolerances to mechanical properties, hardness, microstructure, and corrosion testing, our comprehensive inspection capabilities support product development and consistent material supply.
DSM stainless steel for brake discs is primarily used for:
Motorcycle brake discs Electric vehicle brake discs Electric bicycle brake discs Bicycle disc brake rotors |  |
Other braking components requiring controlled hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance
According to the vehicle type, component dimensions, and service conditions, DSM can assist customers in selecting the appropriate material grade, thickness, and heat treatment hardness target.
From material composition and precision supply specifications to mechanical testing, heat treatment verification, and salt spray corrosion testing, DSM is committed to providing reliable and professional material solutions for brake disc manufacturers.
For technical data, samples, or supply information regarding 12Cr13, 0Cr13Mn, 20Cr13, and 30Cr13 stainless steel for brake discs, please contact us.
