The unique selling point of the iDisc (the “i” stands for innovation) is a tungsten-carbide coating that is currently only available from Buderus Guss. The technology is based on a conventional cast iron brake disc. Every year, the Bosch subsidiary produces up to 20 million of these discs at its German locations in Breidenbach and Ludwigshütte.

To transform a conventional disc into an iDisc, the friction rings are mechanically, thermally, and galvanically treated before being coated. All this is part of a process developed by Buderus Guss and Bosch researchers over a period of many years.

In addition to the significant reduction in brake dust, the carbide coating also ensures greater operating safety. The braking performance is similar to that of a ceramic brake, especially when it comes to fading, as the reduction in stopping power following repeated braking maneuvers is known.

Like a ceramic brake disc, the iDisc is highly stable in this respect and loses little deceleration performance. Wear is also significantly reduced. Depending on the strength of the carbide coating, the iDisc’s service life is twice that of a normal brake disc.

The iDisc also eliminates gouging marks on the friction ring, as well as corrosion—a major advantage, especially in electric cars. Because they recover braking energy via recuperation, electric cars put less strain on the brakes and have to contend with rust formation on friction rings. The temporary slight decline in responsiveness during braking associated with this does not occur with the iDisc.

Buderus Guss notes that there is an aesthetic argument for the iDisc as well. With a shiny carbide coating, wear-resistant and corrosion-free, it is a match for the trend toward open rims. The 90% reduction in brake dust with the iDisc also eliminates the need to regularly clean rims with aggressive cleaning products.

In terms of price, the iDisc is roughly three times more expensive than a normal cast iron brake disc, and three times less expensive than a ceramic brake disc. The price is likely to continue falling as production volume increases.

The iDisc has everything it takes to replace the conventional cast iron brake disc and become the new standard in the brake disc market. Given the continued particulate pollution debate in many countries and large cities around the world, there is nothing standing in the way of its breakthrough.

—Gerhard Pfeifer, managing director of Buderus Guss

For cars alone, demand for brake discs stood at more than 330 million units worldwide in 2016.