CARBON BRUSHES FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Carbon brushes for the automotive industry - tailored to every application

Schunk Carbon Technology is the global market leader in carbon brushes for automotive electric motors. Several hundred million carbon brushes are installed annually in vehicles around the world—in traction motors, fuel pumps, and comfort and safety systems. This trust is built on decades of material expertise, close development partnerships with leading OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and certified series production in accordance with IATF 16949.

Carbon Brushes for the Automotive Industry

The material makes the difference—we know the right one

No two carbon brush applications in the automotive industry are identical. Traction motors, fuel pumps, HVAC fans, and windshield wipers have fundamentally different requirements. Schunk offers one of the broadest ranges of materials on the market and, drawing on decades of OEM experience, selects the technically and economically optimal material for every application.

Key Design Parameters

Several technical factors play a central role in the design process. These include current and voltage as well as rotational speed and peripheral velocity. Ambient temperature and exposure to media such as fuel, oil, or moisture must also be taken into account. Equally important are the counter-running material – such as copper commutators or slip rings – as well as prevailing vibration conditions and EMC requirements, all of which are critical to a reliable design.

Technical Options & Additional Features

For optimal application, we offer custom-tailored carbon brush compositions precisely matched to the respective operating conditions. Highest quality standards are ensured through highly automated production facilities. In addition, comprehensive testing capabilities are available for reliable pre-screening. Furthermore, flexibility in press direction enables improved commutation.

Traction Motors & Starters

Designed for fast ramp-up times, high pulse currents, and long service life. Anisotropic material structures enable uniform current distribution and minimal heating during operation.

Fuel Pumps

In constant contact with fuel, carbon brushes require fuel-compatible material formulations—chemically resistant, resistant to swelling, and with optimal electrical conductivity. Proven service life spanning hundreds of millions of operating cycles.

Air Conditioning & Fan Motors

Optimized start-up behavior, precisely tuned operating characteristics, and minimal noise levels for blower motors under varying speeds and temperatures.

Comfort Systems

Power windows, seat adjustment, windshield wipers, sunroofs, mirror adjustment—long service life at low speeds and absolutely quiet operation to meet the highest comfort standards.

ABS & Safety-Critical Systems

100% testing, zero-defect philosophy. Fast ramp-up times and stable performance under all operating conditions—for systems where reliability saves lives.

Your benefits with carbon brushes from Schunk

Global market leader—several hundred million automotive carbon brushes annually
Widest range of materials for all vehicle applications
Customized geometries and contact configurations
IATF 16949 certified, 100% quality inspection
Early involvement in OEM development projects

Any questions?

Contact us for your solution

We’re a long-standing automotive supplier and understand the current challenges facing the automotive industry. Our experts will find the right carbon brush for you.

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