Friction plates for the mining industry

FMC long life mining friction solutions

For more than 25 years, FMC has been the brake and friction materials supplier of choice in the mining industry. We have built up a vast range of parts for specialist mining use cases, developed through many years of research, innovation, and experience.

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The mining industry is an important foundation for modern life. Extracting precious metals and natural resources supports supply chains and large-scale operations. Working conditions within the commercial mining industry are complex and often unpredictable. So vehicles and infrastructure must be able to handle things like: 

  • Long operational hours 

  • Demanding terrains 

  • Constant wear on parts

To improve performance for mining equipment, quality friction materials are especially important. Our friction materials: 

  • Improve efficiency 

  • Increase uptime 

  • Reduce costs 

  • Reduce replacements 

  • Support employee and operator safety

With 25 years of experience in manufacturing, testing and supplying high-quality friction plates for mining equipment, choose FMC as your trusted partner for friction materials.

    Graders

    The friction solutions we offer for mining

    • Brakes
    • Differentials
    • Transmissions
    • Master Clutches
    • Steering Clutches
    • Winches
    • Torque Limiters
    • Swing Brakes
    • Travel Brakes
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    We support a wide range of heavy mining vehicles

    Mining Trucks

    Mining Trucks

    Wheel Loaders

    Bulldozers

    Excavators

    Excavators

    Graders

    Graders

    Wheel Loaders

    Wheel Loaders

    LHD Equipments

    LHD Equipments

    Winter

    Performance in extreme temperatures

    Mining equipment has to operate in extreme temperature conditions, meaning the friction plates must be reliable. From intense heat in open-pit environments to cold, underground locations. These extremes can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of friction components, affecting safety, reliability, and uptime.

    Our mining friction solutions are engineered to deliver performance you can trust across wide temperature ranges. Increasing operational efficiency, reducing downtime and ensuring equipment reliability even in the harshest conditions.

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    Heavy Duty

    Designed to withstand high loads

    Continuous operation, heavy loads, and abrasive environments place significant stress on mining equipment, leading to accelerated wear and increased maintenance requirements.

    FMC mining products are designed to withstand demanding duty cycles and high loads. This helps to: 

    • Extend component life
    • Reduce maintenance intervals
    • Minimise unplanned downtime
    • Lower the total cost of ownership for mining operators
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    Global distribution

    We are dedicated to stocking and distributing our range of mining friction products worldwide. If you are unsure whether we distribute to your region, please contact a member of our team to learn more.

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    Friction materials serviced to mining industry standards

    Safety is a fundamental priority in the mining industry. Reliable braking and friction systems are essential to protecting personnel and equipment. FMC friction solutions for mining equipment are developed to meet industry standards and deliver consistent, predictable performance. Our ISO 9001 accreditation represents our commitment to consistently meeting customer and regulatory requirements. Our FMC mining products help operators maintain control of machinery, reduce operational risk and support compliance with health and safety regulations across mining operations.

    Frequently asked questions about mining friction parts

    • Q. What friction materials does FMC manufacture for the mining industry?
      Answer

      FMC mining solutions include an inclusive range of wet friction discs, brake plates, and clutch plates. These are specifically designed for heavy-duty mining equipment. Our friction materials are designed to withstand the extreme conditions found in mining operations, including:

      • High loads
      • Contamination from dust and debris
      • Continuous heavy use

      From haul trucks and excavators to drilling rigs and conveyors, we manufacture friction components that deliver reliable performance underground and on the surface.

    • Q. Why are specialist friction plates essential for mining equipment?
      Answer

      Mining machinery operates under some of the most demanding conditions of any industrial application. Friction plates for mining must endure enormous torque loads, extreme temperatures, and constant exposure to abrasive surfaces.

      Standard friction materials simply cannot deliver the durability and consistent performance required. FMC’s mining-specific friction plates are manufactured using advanced materials and processes that ensure extended service life, reduced downtime, and optimal braking and transmission performance in these challenging environments.

    • Q. What types of mining equipment use FMC friction materials?
      Answer

      Our friction materials are used across a wide spectrum of mining applications, including:

      • Underground loaders and LHDs
      • Surface haul trucks
      • Wheel loaders
      • Excavators
      • Drilling equipment
      • Conveyor braking systems. 

      Whether your operation involves coal, metal ore or mineral extraction, FMC mining friction solutions can be tailored to meet your specific equipment requirements.

    • Q. Can FMC supply custom friction plates for mining applications?
      Answer

      Absolutely. We understand that mining operations often require bespoke equipment and specifically tailored parts. Our in-house equipment allows us to develop custom friction plates for mining equipment of any specification. From reverse engineering obsolete parts to designing solutions for prototype machinery, FMC works closely with mining operators and OEMs to deliver precisely what’s needed.

    • Q. How do FMC friction materials improve mining equipment performance?
      Answer

      High-quality friction plates for mining directly impact operational efficiency and safety. FMC friction materials offer:

      • Superior heat dissipation
      • Consistent friction coefficients under varying conditions
      • Exceptional wear resistance

      This gives equipment smoother gear shifts, more predictable braking response, reduced maintenance intervals, and ultimately, lower total cost of ownership for your mining fleet.

    • Q. Is FMC certified to supply friction materials for industrial mining applications?
      Answer

      Yes. FMC holds ISO 9001 certification, demonstrating our commitment to quality management and consistent manufacturing standards. Since 1991, we have supplied friction materials to mining operations and equipment manufacturers worldwide, building a reputation for reliability and technical excellence across the sector.

    • Q. What is the typical lead time for FMC mining friction components?
      Answer

      Lead times vary depending on whether you require standard or custom items. Many common friction plates for mining applications are held in stock for rapid dispatch, whilst bespoke components are manufactured to order. Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements and timescales.