Abstract: A powder leveling method and apparatus conducts leveling a thin layer of powder containing fiber to a uniform thickness so as to form friction material having a multi-layered structure. A cavity of predetermined shape having an opening in a flat surface is filled with powder containing fiber so that the powder overflows the opening of the cavity in the flat surface. A cylindrical leveling device is moved in a first direction across the cavity and then in a second direction intersecting with the first direction at a speed greater than the speed with which the leveling device moves in the first direction, so as to trim away the excess powder and make the power in the opening flush with the flat surface.

Abstract: A powder leveling method and apparatus capable of leveling to a uniform thickness a thin layer of powder containing fiber so as to form friction material having a multi-layered structure. A cavity of predetermined shape having an opening in a flat surface is filled with powder containing fiber so that the powder overflows the opening of the cavity in the flat surface. A cylindrical leveling device is moved in a first direction across the cavity and then in a second direction intersecting to the first direction at a speed greater than the speed with which the leveling device moves in the first direction, so as to trim away the excess powder and make it flush with the flat surface.