Clutch Material - AutoWorks

Clutch Material

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Clutch lining materials encompass a variety of options including Organic, Ceramic, Kevlar, and Feramalloy.

Among these, Organic materials are favored by the majority of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). They provide durability, enable seamless engagement, and are gentle on mating surfaces. However, they have a tendency to underperform in high-temperature conditions and necessitate significant clamping force to sustain grip, as evidenced by a lower coefficient of friction around 0.32. Typically, Organic friction discs are designed as full face discs, constructed from ingredients such as phenolic resins, metallic powder, or metal oxides, which are either molded or woven.

Heavy-duty alternatives contain a greater amount of metallic elements in their formulation and use a pressure plate with enhanced clamping value.

 Kevlar, much like Organic materials, demands considerable clamping force due to its comparative coefficient of friction. Its strength lies in its remarkable heat resistance, as it can endure 40-50% more heat than Organic materials. In addition to offering smooth engagement and reduced wear on mating surfaces, Kevlar friction materials often have a lifespan two to three times longer than their Organic counterparts. They are particularly effective for slightly modified vehicles or for off-road applications.

 Ceramic materials boast the highest coefficient of friction, ranging from 0.48 to 0.55. This characteristic allows their use with lower clamping force pressure plates or high-output applications. However, Ceramic clutches are notorious for causing significant wear on mating surfaces and may exhibit shuddering during engagement. While they handle heat effectively, slippage can lead to severe wear, resulting in damaged pressure plates and flywheels. The composition of this material includes a blend of sintered bronze, ceramic compounds, copper, tin, iron, silicon dioxide, and carbon, making them ideal for racing applications.

Feramalloy represents a newer material that may potentially replace Ceramic facings. It offers comparable wear resistance and temperature tolerance while providing a superior static-to-dynamic ratio, leading to a smoother engagement experience with reduced shudder compared to Ceramic clutches.

It's worth mentioning carbon-carbon setups, where both the friction material and mating surfaces consist of amorphous carbon. This particular aspect enhances grip as temperatures rise, and the material is incredibly lightweight. However, the production costs are significantly elevated, making carbon clutches largely reserved for high-end motorsport applications. A viable alternative could be the integration of a carbon clutch disc with a steel flywheel and pressure plate.

The dialogue around single and twin plate clutch setups deserves a separate discussion.

The company is recognized as the leading supplier of Inorganic high-temp clutch material globally. We are your go-to destination for diverse clutch material requirements. Our expert team is dedicated to assisting you in locating the products that suit your specific needs.

At Mantic Clutch USA, we provide two primary types of clutch materials: Organic and Ceremetallic. Each material serves specific purposes based on driving style and horsepower levels. Both options are ideal for daily driving and present a significant improvement over conventional OE-style clutches. Let’s review some of the features and advantages to help identify the best choice for your vehicle.

Organic 

This material is excellent for everyday drivers looking for more power than stock, as it offers smooth engagement and release. While an Organic clutch can handle robust use, it may not withstand repeated heavy loads due to its risk of overheating. For track enthusiasts, the ceremetallic variant is recommended. The break-in period typically ranges from 300 to 500 miles. It provides better torque capacity and heat resistance compared to stock models while maintaining exceptional drivability. Ideal applications include naturally aspirated, turbocharged, supercharged, or nitrous-enhanced vehicles.

Torque Capacity at Crank: 600

Torque Capacity at Wheels: 500-525

Ceremetallic 

This material is more aggressive than Organic and is designed to accommodate higher power levels and enhanced durability. It's the most sought-after option among drivers who use their vehicles daily yet enjoy weekend track days. Typically, those opting for ceremetallic material have forced induction, nitrous, or turbo applications, with even larger naturally aspirated vehicles often gravitating towards this robust choice.

Despite its strength, the pedal effort remains relatively low—about a 12-15% increase compared to the stock clutch feel—making it suitable for heavy-duty use. Thanks to the material's nature, this clutch engages almost instantly, allowing for quick, precise shifting that helps maintain RPM levels while delivering power efficiently. The break-in period is approximately 500+ miles, dependent on driving habits.

Torque Capacity at Crank: -

Torque Capacity at Wheels: 820-850

Which Clutch Should I Choose? 

When selecting a clutch, it’s essential to choose the friction material that aligns with your power levels, driving style, and future objectives. Our Organic variant is capable of handling a broad spectrum of uses, from daily driving to limited racing. Conversely, the Ceremetallic option stands out as the most durable and suitable for serious builds seeking the best clutch performance without transitioning to a complete race specification system. If you have a supercharger, heads and cams, or a single/twin turbo setup, we recommend the ceremetallic material!

Check out this informative article from LSX Magazine featuring our clutch expert Geoff Gerko, as he discusses the installation of a Mantic Twin Disc clutch in a Camaro.

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Please reach out to our tech line at (919) 500- from 9 am-5 pm EST for additional assistance.

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