Overview

At Industrial Brake & Friction Supply (IBFS), we’re committed to delivering high-performance, OEM-compatible solutions for demanding off-highway applications. This case study highlights our P206 hybrid friction material, developed as a high-quality aftermarket alternative to friction discs and steel plates used in CAT® 16M motor grader braking systems.

The Challenge

Operators of 16M graders working in heavy mining environments reported:

• Excessive wear rates in standard friction discs

• Harsh engagement and poor NVH (noise, vibration, harshness)

• A need for smoother, longer-lasting brake performance under high loads

Our objective was to offer an aftermarket disc solution that delivers equal or improved performance versus the OEM part—without compromising reliability.

The IBFS Solution

We developed a wet friction disc and steel plate set using our P206 high-energy hybrid friction paper, designed to handle the harsh duty cycles of large graders.

IBFS Part Numbers:

• 6665 – Friction Disc (aftermarket equivalent to CAT® PN 351-0925)

• 6668 – Steel Plate (aftermarket equivalent to CAT® PN 284-9557)

The P206 material is engineered to:

• Improve NVH characteristics for smoother braking

• Reduce wear over long-duty cycles

• Maintain consistent friction in high-temperature, high-energy conditions

• Enhance oil flow and cooling with an advanced groove design

Testing & Performance

Our lab conducted a 5000-cycle dyno test, comparing our P206 friction disc to the standard OEM material.

Key Results:

• Friction Performance: Comparable stopping power to OEM
• NVH: Smoother engagement with lower vibration and noise
• Wear: P206 exhibited a lower wear rate over the test duration
• Durability: Improved heat dissipation helped extend service life

These results validate that IBFS P206 is a reliable, long-lasting alternative for fleets seeking cost-effective performance without sacrificing quality.

Real-World Results from the Field

After extensive in-house testing confirmed the durability and performance advantages of our P206 friction paper, we collaborated with a major mining contractor operating a fleet of CAT® 16M graders in Western Australia. These machines work in high-temperature, high-load conditions, making them an ideal proving ground for our upgraded disc and plate set. 

The fleet maintenance team installed our IBFS P206 friction discs (PN 6665) and corresponding steel plates (PN 6668) during a scheduled brake rebuild. Over the course of several months, the graders were monitored for engagement quality, brake noise, disc wear, and overall performance. 

Feedback from the site was overwhelmingly positive:

“Since switching to the IBFS friction discs in our CAT 16M graders, we’ve seen a noticeable improvement in brake smoothness and wear life. Our maintenance team found that after 2,000 hours, the discs were still performing exceptionally well. It’s clear this material was designed for tough mining conditions.”

This field experience reinforced the results of our lab testing and confirms the P206 as a robust, OEM-alternative material for demanding applications where uptime, safety, and performance matter. 

Whether you’re managing a fleet of 16M graders or other heavy equipment, IBFS has the experience, testing capability, and product range to deliver OEM-compatible solutions that outperform expectations.