CLUTCH PLATES & FRICTION PLATES

What really makes the ultimate clutch plate? A plate that meets or exceeds all customer requirements while offering all of the premium benefits without the premium price. When you look at performance, shift characteristics, durability, and noise, our plates perform better often without costing more.

We provide a flat plate, with very low variation and a consistent finish. The unique steps in our manufacturing process make a product with added benefits and added value without unnecessary added cost.

We Offer More Clutch Plate Solutions
There are three partners that determine the shift quality, durability, and, ultimately, the warranty cost of an automatic transmission: the steel clutch plate, the friction plate assembly and the transmission fluid.

For many years, automotive manufacturers have looked to the friction plate and fluid for solutions to problems. Today, the industry can look in another direction for answers to transmission challenges - that direction is Means Industries.

Solid Modeling & Computer Analysis
By putting our parts through computerized duty cycles, we work on developing more durable, longer-life parts. Using finite element analysis, we can also look for any problem areas and correct these - even before a single part is made. We don't just find solutions to transmission challenges, we also make sure the solution can be produced effectively.

ISO/TS 16949 CERTIFIED We are committed to maintaining certification in the same way that we have been committed to every aspect of quality.

Thickness & Parallelism
Poor thickness control will affect the running clearance and durability of the clutch. Poor parallelism contributes to clutch noise and shudder. Superior characteristics start with a reliable steel supply. This is why we carefully select our suppliers and then certify incoming product before it is used in our processes.

Surface Finishes
The surface finish of a clutch plate should be compatible with its partners; the friction plate assembly and the transmission fluid. Knowing the best surface finish for a given application is the job of the Means engineers. The unique characteristic common to all clutch plates is the amount of variation in the surface finish. Means is better equipped to limit this variation.

Bearing & Surface Perpendicularity
Our manufacturing process minimizes roll-over, allowing more surface contact on the part. We produce conventionally blanked edges, except where the application requires more precise control. In cases where the ultimate edge is required, we can, and do, supply edges that are more precise, including better perpendicularity and improved bearing ratios. These improvements can even surpass fine blanking.

Flatness
Means Industries takes several steps to ensure that our clutch plates are flat. Poor flatness characteristics can affect the running clearance of the clutch, which contributes to clutch durability and shift performance problems. We use the best coil straightening equipment to ensure it is already flatter going into the die. Additional steps include the use of specialized tools that contribute to flatness. Plus, very sophisticated mechanical and heat setting techniques are used after blanking to enhance the flatness characteristic. The final result - the ultimate flatness.

Success Means Keeping the Momentum
In addition to millions of standard clutch plates, we also produce other transmission components and assemblies.

Wave Plates Turbulated Plates Apply Plates Backing Plates Clutch Packs

We can provide a special option for OEMs. We assemble packs with the correct number and order of steel plates, wave plates, and friction plates stacked together. We assemble and then measure the packs to ensure that they meet customer specifications. Ergonomic issues can be solved by using Means Clutch Packs. It can also reduce future warranty claims because our process avoids damage to individual plates.

Being the Best Means Something
Outside of OEMs, Mean Industries is North America's largest manufacturer of wet clutch reaction plates. Over the years we have built a wealth of knowledge in the manufacturing of proprietary reaction plate surfaces.

Means Industries is currently developing new features in clutch plates - many covered by patent applications. We are working with specialized heat treatments and modified surface finishes that give a file-hard surface. In many cases, these surfaces are designed to work with specific friction paper to achieve the proper clutch performance and durability.

As a result of our commitment to technology, we are changing industry standards by raising the baseline on performance and quality. As the automotive industry advances, we plan to be right along side our customers as partners, looking for the best solutions.

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