Abstract: This invention relates to a friction material used for a disc brake pad, which is manufactured by forming a non-asbestos-organic (NAO) friction material composition that contains a binder, a fiber base material, a friction modifier, a lubricant, a pH adjuster, and a filler, which satisfies requirements for the required braking effectiveness, crack resistance, and fade resistance. The friction modifier contains 5-30 mass % of a magnesium potassium titanate, which has the alkali elution rate of 0.1-2.5 mass %, relative to the total amount of the friction material composition. Preferably, the titanate that may be contained in the friction modifier is a magnesium potassium titanate and 5-25 mass % of a monoclinic crystal zirconium oxide relative to the total amount of the friction material composition, and the fiber base contains 1-5 mass % of a fibrillated organic fiber relative to the total amount of the friction material composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a single welded panel from a plurality of material panels by abutting together the material panels using a welder member and irradiating the abutted edges with a welding beam. The apparatus includes two or more bases each provided for each type of welded panel to be manufactured and for supporting the welder member and material panels for the each type of welded panel, and guide rails for guiding one of the bases to a welding beam irradiation region, whereby two or more different types of welded panels can be manufactured.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining quality of a weld bead of an welded assembly of different metal sheets, wherein a slit beam of light is obliquely thrown on the weld bead to make an illuminated band on an upper surface of the welded assembly. A CCD camera disposed above the welded bead photographs the illuminated band to make an image of the illuminated band. The image is treated in an image pretreatment device so that a surface of a transverse cross section of the weld bead can be expressed in the form of one-dimensional data. Characteristics of the cross section of the weld bead are extracted from the one-dimensional data and are compared with predetermined references in a personal computer so that it is determined whether the weld bead is acceptable. Since the speed of data treatment is high, an on-line and real-time determination of the quality of the weld bead is possible.

Abstract: Sheared steel sheet materials are abutted against each other with burrs of the steel sheet materials directed in the same direction. A laser beam is irradiated onto the abutment portion of the assembly of the steel sheets from the sagging side of the assembly. At the same time, a filler wire is supplied to the abutment portion from the same side as the laser beam irradiation. The steel sheet materials are joined together to form a press material. Then, the press material is set in a press machine in a direction that a surface of the press material opposite to the laser beam irradiated surface, faces the exterior when stamped and mounted to a vehicle. Then, the press material is stamped and is formed into a vehicle panel.