Abstract: A copper powder-free friction material which is made by sintering and intended for friction surfaces of couplings or brakes contains powdery and/or granular metallic and non-metallic components, at least 50% by weight of the non-ferrous heavy metal component being brass powder.

Abstract: A friction or rubbing element for clutches, brakes, bearings or the like consists of a metal ring element with at least one uneven friction or rubbing surface which is substantially rotationally symmetrical about the ring axis and comprises a spray-sintered lining directly sintered thereon. To produce this lining the ring element is arranged in a level position together with a sinter mould disposed substantially concentrically to the side of the friction or rubbing surface in such a manner as to maintain an annular gap. After filling the annular gap with sinter powder, the complete assembly is heated to sintering temperature. The sinter mould material has a coefficient of thermal expansion which in the case of an internal sinter mould is greater than and in the case of an external sinter mould is less than that of the ring element, pressure being applied during sintering by virtue of the different temperature expansion.