Rotor weight saving vs. heat capacity
Paragon Performance 2-piece rotors provide weight savings by utilizing lighter aerospace grade aluminum hats. Unnecessary material on the aluminum hats are taken out for additional weight reduction, while maintaining proper structural integrity and strength. However, Paragon do not sacrifice heat capacity and performance of the rotor ring (disc ring) for a more appealing rotor weight.
During braking, the brakes slow down the vehicle by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy, and produce heat. Whether the brake system is able to withstand the heat and convert energy is critical. Rotor rings with higher mass allow higher heat capacity by providing more mass to absorb and dissipate the energy generated (as a heat sink). Auto manufacturers choose certain OEM rotor and pad size for a reason. Paragon do not reduce rotor size (annulus) for weight reduction purposes since this could greatly affect braking performance and safety. Repeated stops from high speed (high temperature track condition) create tremendous amount of heat and are more demanding to the rotors. If the heat capacity of the rotors cannot withstand the heat, thermal cracking may occur and hence shorten the life of the rotors.
Rotors with higher mass can help prevent brake fade, which is not uncommon during track events. Brake systems (rotors, calipers, and brake pads) are designed to work well until a certain temperature. After the system has reached temperatures beyond the limit, the brake pads will start to gas out and form an air cushion between the brake pads and rotors. The pedal will remain stiff, while the driver may experience less or even zero braking power. Rotors with higher mass are able to take up more heat, and therefore can effectively prevent brake failure situations like this.
Reduced unsprung / rotational mass do allow better overall acceleration, braking, and cornering performance. However, it is also important to maintain the balance between rotor weight reduction and proper, adequate heat capacity. Paragon Performance 2-piece rotors may not be the lightest on the market, but they do feature superior heat absorption and dissipation characteristics optimized for performance driving and motorsport uses.
Using lightweight aluminum in the hat section of the rotor will not create any negative effects on thermal characteristics of the brake system. Instead, better cooling in the brake system and surrounding components can be achieved due to heat conductivity of aluminum. Wheel bearing operating temperature is lowered compared to standard 1-piece rotors. Many components surrounding the brake system are sensitive to heat. With lower temperature, these components can last longer and hence lower long-term maintenance cost.
