Question 1

Asbestos Brake Pads

Accepted Answer

What are the disadvantages of asbestos materials?

Asbestos (also known as asbestos fiber) was widely used in the past, particularly in construction materials, insulation, and friction materials, but it has several major disadvantages, especially concerning health and environmental impacts.

Carcinogenicity: If asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs, they can cause severe health hazards. Asbestos has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Environmental Pollution: Asbestos fibers can disperse into the air and remain in the environment for a long time without decomposing, leading to persistent pollution risks.

Difficult to Handle: The disposal of asbestos waste requires special procedures, as improper handling can release fibers into the air, posing risks to workers and the surrounding environment.

Legal and Regulatory Issues: Many countries have banned or strictly restricted the use of asbestos, so products made with asbestos materials face legal and market limitations.

Safer Alternative Materials: Today, there are many safer alternative materials available, and the advantages of asbestos (such as heat resistance and chemical durability) are no longer irreplaceable.

What replaces asbestos in brake pads?

Ceramic brake pads:
Currently, widely used ceramic brake pads are made from ceramic fibers, adhesives, and other synthetic materials.

Ceramic brake pads have good heat dissipation, produce less brake dust, are less likely to cause brake disc wear, and, unlike asbestos, are not harmful to health.

Organic brake pads (NAO, Non-Asbestos Organic):
Made by blending cellulose, aramid fibers (such as Kevlar), glass fibers, rubber, and other organic compounds.

NAO brake pads typically produce less noise and are suitable for light vehicles, but their heat dissipation and durability may not be as good as other types of brake pads.

Semi-Metallic brake pads:
Semi-metallic brake pads are made by blending steel, iron, copper, and other metal fibers with adhesives.

They offer good heat dissipation and braking performance, making them suitable for high-performance and heavy-duty vehicles, but they may produce more noise and wear compared to organic materials.

These alternative materials not only effectively replace asbestos, but also offer a variety of options based on the needs of different vehicles, better adapting to the modern demands for performance, comfort, and environmental sustainability in transportation.

What are the health hazards of asbestos?

Respiratory System-related Diseases
Asbestos primarily enters the body through inhalation, and its effects on the respiratory system are the most obvious.

(1) Asbestosis
Cause: Long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers, which deposit in the lungs and irritate lung tissue.
Mechanism: Fibers irritate lung tissue, leading to chronic inflammation and fibrosis, reducing lung elasticity.
Outcome: Can lead to further heart and lung function failure.

(2) Lung Cancer
Cause: Asbestos fibers irritate and damage lung cells, leading to cancerous changes.
High-risk groups: Smokers and those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of lung cancer.

(3) Mesothelioma
Cause: Asbestos fibers deposit in the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium, triggering cancerous changes.
Characteristic: A rare and highly fatal cancer, strongly associated with asbestos exposure.

Global Asbestos Usage Status
Countries with a Ban: According to statistics, over 60 countries worldwide have completely banned asbestos.
Major Producing and Using Countries: Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and others remain the main producers and consumers of asbestos.

Reasons for Promoting Asbestos Ban and Challenges
Reasons:
Medical research has confirmed that all types of asbestos (including chrysotile) carry carcinogenic risks.

Challenges:
The cost of alternative materials is relatively high, making it difficult for economically underdeveloped regions.
The economic interests of asbestos-exporting countries hinder the promotion of a comprehensive ban.

Reminder: This article is for reference only. For specific situations, please consult a professional.

ADUI is a specialized brake pads manufacturer. We offer brake pads in a variety of materials and can adjust performance and lifespan according to customer needs, providing products that best meet client requirements.

Question 2

How to Choose Brake Pads for a Car

Accepted Answer

When selecting brake pads for a car, it is important to consider the following three factors

Friction Coefficient: A higher friction coefficient indicates greater braking force, commonly known as "strong braking with good feel." Generally, a coefficient above 0.3 is considered adequate, and above 0.4 is deemed high-performance. If your driving style is more aggressive and often requires emergency braking, it is recommended to choose brake pads with a higher friction coefficient.

Material: Brake pads can be classified into five categories based on material, including asbestos, non-asbestos, semi-metallic, composite, and carbon fiber ceramics. Different materials exhibit varying performance under different operating temperatures.

Generally, the most commonly used materials are semi-metallic and ceramic composite. For cost-effectiveness, semi-metallic materials can be chosen, while ceramic composite materials are preferred for their resistance to dust.

In addition to the above three points, when selecting brake pads, you can also consider the following factors:

Brand: It is recommended to choose brake pads from well-known brands for better quality assurance.
Price: You get what you pay for; higher quality usually comes at a higher price.
Reputation: Reviews and feedback from other car owners can serve as valuable references for your purchase decision.

Analysis of ADUI Products

Street Version: Typically made primarily from semi-metallic materials, if your wheels tend to get blackened, chances are they are made from this material. They are relatively inexpensive compared to other materials and provide average braking performance. Target Users: Suitable for those who do not drive aggressively and frequently brake.

Road Performance Version: Primarily composed of ceramic composite materials, these brake pads prevent dust from sticking to the wheels after use and are less prone to heat fade compared to semi-metallic materials. Target Users: Suitable for those concerned about dust accumulation making wheels difficult to clean and causing them to appear dirty.

Sport Edition: Primarily composed of ceramic composite materials, this version offers higher temperature resistance and braking performance compared to the Road Performance Version. Target Users: Suitable for occasional spirited driving and mountain driving enthusiasts.

Competition Edition: Primarily made of semi-metallic composite materials, offering extremely high temperature resistance and braking power. Target Users: Suitable for frequent high-speed braking.

Track Edition: Made from ceramic composite materials, these HH high-performance brake pads rival expensive foreign brands in terms of quality. Target Users: Ideal for track racing and rally racing.

ADUI BRAKE offers brake pads & Custom Brake Pads to meet the specific needs of our clients.With 25 years of experience in custom production Brake Pads for a variety of material. If you need an experienced and skillful Custom Brake Pads supplier, please Contact us.

Question 3

What is the Purpose of the Grooves on the Brake Pads?

Accepted Answer

The grooves on brake pads serve several important functions:

Water and Dust Removal: The grooves help expel water and dust during braking, thereby maintaining the friction between the brake pad and the brake disc, ensuring stable braking performance.
Heat Dissipation: The grooves increase the surface area of the brake pad, aiding in heat dissipation. This helps reduce the thermal fade of the brake pads and discs at high temperatures, maintaining consistent braking performance.
Noise Reduction: The groove design can alter the contact between the brake pad and the disc. The beveled edges, known as chamfers, prevent excessive noise during friction, thus reducing the noise generated during braking.
Even Wear: The grooves help the brake pad wear more evenly, preventing rapid localized wear and extending the life of the brake pads.
Increased Friction: The grooves can increase the surface friction of the brake pad during braking, enhancing braking efficiency.
Wear Indication: The depth of the grooves can indicate the wear level of the brake pads. As the brake pads are used, the grooves become shallower. When the grooves become almost invisible or completely disappear, it indicates that the brake pads are nearing the end of their service life and need to be replaced. This provides a visual indicator for vehicle owners or mechanics to assess the condition of the brake pads, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the braking system.
These combined functions enable the brake pads to provide more stable and effective braking performance under various driving conditions.

Can brake pad grooves be customized?

The design of grooves affects brake system performance, including drainage, heat dissipation, noise, and friction. Manufacturers typically produce standardized brake pads based on specific vehicle requirements and design standards.

Besides the wear on the grooves of the brake pads, does the brake disc also suffer damage?

The grooves on brake pads typically wear due to friction against the brake disc, which is also a contributing factor to disc wear. When you brake, the friction between the brake pad and disc causes surface abrasion on both components. The grooves on the brake pads serve multiple functions during this process, such as facilitating drainage, removing dust, and enhancing friction. However, they also come into contact with the disc surface, contributing to its gradual wear over time.

Generally, brake disc wear progresses more slowly compared to brake pads, but prolonged use may eventually necessitate disc replacement or resurfacing. Proper brake maintenance and usage can extend the disc's lifespan. This involves regularly inspecting both the brake pads and discs, and promptly replacing excessively worn parts to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the braking system.

ADUI BRAKE offers brake pads & Custom Brake Pads to meet the specific needs of our clients.With 25 years of experience in custom production Brake Pads for a variety of material. If you need an experienced and skillful Custom Brake Pads supplier, please Contact us.

Question 4

The Ultimate Brake Pad Guide

Accepted Answer

Brake pads are essential components of any vehicle's braking system, providing the crucial friction needed to slow down or stop a moving vehicle safely. Here's everything you need to know about Disc brake pads:

What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads generally consist of a metal backing plate and a friction material. The metal backing plate provides structural support for the brake pad, ensuring proper integration with other components of the braking system. The friction material, situated on the surface of the metal backing plate, is the part that comes into contact with the disc, generating friction to slow down or stop the vehicle. These friction materials are typically composed of wear-resistant materials to ensure durability and braking performance.

Types of Brake Pads:

1

Organic Brake Pads

Made from natural materials like rubber, glass, and resins. They offer quiet operation and smooth braking but may wear out faster and produce more brake dust.

2

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Formulated with metal fibers and other materials, offering improved heat dissipation and durability compared to organic pads. They are suitable for a wide range of driving conditions but may produce more noise and brake dust.

3

Ceramic Brake Pads

Constructed with ceramic compounds, providing excellent heat resistance, durability, and low noise levels. They produce less brake dust and offer consistent braking performance, making them popular for everyday driving.

4

Carbon Fiber Brake Pads

Utilize carbon fibers for their high temperature tolerance and lightweight properties. They offer exceptional braking performance, especially at high speeds, and are commonly used in high-performance and racing vehicles.

How Do Brake Pads Work?

The working principle of vehicle brake pads.

Brake pads function within vehicles based on the principle of friction. The main operational procedure is as follows:

Application of force: When the driver presses the brake pedal, the hydraulic system transmits pressure to the brake caliper, or mechanical systems deliver force to the brake pads.
Compression of brake pads: The brake caliper contains brake pads. When force is applied, the brake caliper compresses the brake pads onto the rotating disc.
Generation of friction: The compressed brake pads come into contact with the surface of the disc, generating friction. This causes the disc's motion to decelerate, simultaneously converting kinetic energy into heat energy.
Deceleration and stopping: After friction occurs, the motion of the wheels slows down, and the vehicle follows suit, ultimately stopping. This enables the driver to control the vehicle's speed and stop.
Release of brakes: When the driver releases the brake pedal, hydraulic or mechanical systems release the brake pressure, allowing the brake pads to separate from the disc. This enables the wheels to resume free rotation, allowing the vehicle to continue moving forward.

Brake pads create friction against the surface of the disc, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy to achieve deceleration or stopping. This plays a crucial role in the vehicle's braking system, ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers. More information

The working principle of bicycle disc brake pads.

When the rider presses the brake lever, it pulls the brake cable, transmitting pressure to the brake caliper. This pressure compresses the brake pads inside the caliper against the wheel's rim or disc. The friction surface of the brake pads makes contact with the wheel's rim or disc, generating friction force.

This slows down the rotation of the wheel's rim or disc, converting the bicycle's kinetic energy into heat energy, thereby decelerating or stopping the bicycle. When the rider releases the brake lever, the brake caliper releases the brake pads, allowing them to separate from the wheel's rim or disc, and the bicycle resumes normal operation." More information

The working principle of brake pads for E-bike/E-motor.

The operating principle of brake pads for E-bike/E-motor is similar to that of traditional cars or motorcycles, but with some specific features for electric vehicles. Here is the basic working principle:

Brake System Type: E-bike/E-motor typically use a disc brake system, where the brake caliper is fixed to the frame and the disc is attached to the wheel.
Operation: The rider activates the brake system by pulling the brake lever or pressing the brake pedal.
Hydraulic or Mechanical System: The brake system can be hydraulic or mechanical, depending on the vehicle's design and model. Hydraulic brake systems use hydraulic pressure to transmit force, while mechanical brake systems use mechanical structures to transmit force.
Brake Pads and Disc: When the brake lever or pedal is operated, hydraulic or mechanical force compresses the brake pads inside the brake caliper against the rotating disc, generating friction. This slows down or stops the rotation of the wheel, thereby decelerating or stopping the vehicle.
Brake Release: When the brake lever or pedal is released, the brake caliper releases the brake pads, allowing the disc and wheel to rotate freely again, enabling the vehicle to continue moving.

The brake pads of E-bike/E- motor generate friction when they come into contact with the disc, converting the kinetic energy of the wheels into heat energy, achieving deceleration or stopping. This provides E-bike/E- motor with better braking performance and control. More information

The working principle of brake pads for industrial/agricultural machinery.

The working principle of brake pads for industrial/agricultural machinery is similar to that of other vehicle braking systems. When the operator applies the brakes, the brake system transfers pressure to the brake pads, causing them to make contact with mechanical components（such as discs）, thereby slowing down or stopping the machinery's motion.

When the brakes are released, the pressure is released, and the brake pads separate from the mechanical components, allowing the machinery to resume normal operation. More information

Choosing the right brake pads is crucial for vehicle performance and safety. Different vehicles may require different types of brake pads to meet their performance and usage requirements. For instance, high-performance vehicles might necessitate brake pads with higher temperature tolerance and more robust braking capabilities, while daily-driven passenger cars might prioritize comfort and longevity.

The performance of brake pads is influenced by various factors, including the quality of the friction material, the compatibility of the friction material with the disc or drum, the design of the braking system, and operating conditions. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to factors such as vehicle type, usage, and environment when selecting and installing brake pads to ensure they deliver stable and reliable braking performance.

ADUI BRAKE offers brake pads & Custom Brake Pads to meet the specific needs of our clients.With 25 years of experience in custom production Brake Pads for a variety of material. If you need an experienced and skillful Custom Brake Pads supplier, please

Question 5

How Does a Brake Wear Indicator Enhance Vehicle Safety and Maintenance?

Accepted Answer

If the braking distance has increased, there are several things you should pay attention to:

Brake Pad Wear: When brake pads wear down, it can impact braking performance and lead to an increase in braking distance. Check the thickness of the brake pads and replace them if they are excessively worn.

Brake Fluid: Ensure that the brake fluid in the braking system is at the proper level. Low fluid levels can affect brake pressure and, consequently, braking performance.

Brake Disc Wear: Worn or warped brake discs can also contribute to an increase in braking distance. Inspect the condition of the brake discs and, if necessary, repair or replace them.

Brake System Leaks: Check for any leaks in the brake lines or brake cylinders, as brake fluid leaks can result in decreased braking performance.

Resistance or Sticking: Examine wheel bearings and brake components for abnormal resistance or sticking, as this can affect the responsiveness of the brake system.

ABS System Issues: If your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ensure that the ABS system is functioning correctly, as malfunctions can impact braking performance.

If you notice a significant increase in braking distance, it is recommended to seek assistance from professional technicians immediately for a thorough inspection and potential repairs to ensure road safety.

What is a Brake Wear Indicator ( Brake Squealer )?

A brake wear indicator ( Brake Squealer ) is a crucial component in automotive maintenance. It is a device designed to monitor the wear of brake pads and provide a visual or audible alert when the brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan.

The Importance of Brake Wear Indicators:

The brake wear indicator is a crucial component in engine maintenance and diagnostics. It provides a simple yet effective way to monitor the wear of brake pads, allowing drivers to take proactive measures to prevent engine damage. Here are some key reasons why the brake wear indicator is important:

Early Detection of Brake Wear: The brake wear indicator serves as an early warning system, alerting drivers when brake pads are approaching the end of their lifespan. This enables drivers to plan and schedule the replacement of brake pads before they are completely worn out.

Prevention of Engine Damage: When brake pads wear down, the metal backing plate comes into direct contact with the brake disc, generating friction and heat. This can lead to engine damage and a reduction in overall engine performance. Timely replacement of brake pads can prevent such damage and ensure the longevity of the engine.

Enhanced Safety: Brake pad wear can compromise the braking performance of the vehicle, resulting in increased stopping distances and reduced control over the vehicle. The brake wear indicator helps maintain optimal braking performance, ensuring the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users.

Cost Savings: Regular monitoring and timely replacement of brake pads help avoid costly repairs and the replacement of other engine components. Addressing brake wear issues early on can prevent more extensive engine damage and related expenses.

ADUI BRAKE offers brake pads & Custom Brake Pads to meet the specific needs of our clients.With 25 years of experience in custom production Brake Pads for a variety of material. If you need an experienced and skillful Custom Brake Pads supplier, please Contact us.

Question 6

Top 10 brake mistakes technicians can make.

Accepted Answer

Top 10 brake mistakes technicians can make.

1. Neglecting brake slides and hardware: Merely placing new pads and abutment clips where the old ones were won't suffice. The caliper bracket slides must be clean and rust-free. Avoid excessive force with a wire brush, especially since some automakers apply anti-corrosion coatings to brake caliper bracket lands. If deposits persist after using brake cleaner and a nylon brush, using a wire wheel or file may worsen corrosion.

2. Neglecting guide pin lubrication: Many shortcut methods overlook this step. Guide pins on floating calipers should be thoroughly cleaned with solvent, and fresh grease should be applied. Since the grease is subjected to high heat and pressure, it's crucial to use grease specifically designed for calipers. Never reinstall a torn boot on a car. Failure to maintain the guide pins is a primary cause of uneven pad wear. Additionally, avoid using impact tools to remove or install guide pins, as most guide pins are plated with anti-corrosion material, and spinning them in a bore could damage the plating.

3. Reversing Brake Pad Installation: A Common Occurrence! When a vehicle enters your workshop, the owner often complains about friction noise in the braking system after replacing the car brake pads.

4. Neglecting Disc Measurement: It is crucial to measure the thickness and runout of the brake discs consistently. Using discs that do not meet specifications can result in safety issues, such as cracks and diminished braking performance. Furthermore, failure to address lateral runout may lead to complaints of shimmying during braking.

5. Neglecting to machine the rotor when installing new pads is a common oversight. A fresh rotor surface is essential for optimal brake performance, enabling new pads to deposit a thin layer of friction material. Old deposits on the rotor can contaminate the new pads, leading to performance and noise issues.

6. Not properly torquing the caliper bracket bolts: Not all caliper bracket bolts are the same. Torque ranges can vary from 30 to 110 ft./lbs. Also, some bracket bolts can be torque-to-yield or require liquid tread lockers. If you see an aluminum knuckle, look up the torque specifications.

7. Over-torquing caliper guide pin bolts is a common rookie mistake. Using excessive force can lead to bolt breakage, but usually, only 25 to 35 ft./lbs. of torque is needed, so apply gentle pressure with a 13 mm wrench.

8. Installing a caliper upside down is a major issue during bleeding. If bleeders are at the bottom instead of the top, it's challenging to remove all the air. Always confirm left and right calipers before starting the job to avoid this mistake.

9. Choosing inexpensive brake pads solely based on price, without considering quality, features, and reputation, is a common mistake, especially for beginners.

10. Hanging a brake caliper by the hose is a damaging mistake. It can harm the hose's internal structure, leading to issues like a soft pedal or even a rupture. Avoid this to ensure proper brake system function.

What is friction material?

Friction materials are components applied to power machinery, relying on friction to perform braking and transmission functions. They mainly include brake linings and clutch facings. Brake linings are used for braking, while clutch facings are used for transmission.

Any mechanical equipment and various vehicles in motion must have braking or transmission devices. Friction materials are crucial components in these braking or transmission devices. Their primary function is to absorb or transmit power through friction. For example, clutch facings transmit power, and brake linings absorb kinetic energy. They enable mechanical equipment and various vehicles to operate safely and reliably. Therefore, friction materials are widely applied and play a crucial role in various applications.

Types of Asbestos-Free Friction Materials.

1. Semi-metallic Friction Materials: Applied to disc brake pads for sedans and heavy-duty vehicles. The composition typically includes around 30% to 50% of ferrous metallic substances (such as steel fibers, reduced iron powder, foam iron powder). It is named semi-metallic due to the presence of these iron-based metallic components. It is one of the earliest materials developed as an asbestos-free alternative. Features: Good heat resistance, high power absorption per unit area, high thermal conductivity, suitable for braking under high-speed and heavy-load conditions in automotive applications. However, it has drawbacks such as significant brake noise and edge cracking.

2. NAO Friction Materials: Broadly refers to non-asbestos, non-steel fiber friction materials, although a small amount of steel fibers is present in modern disc brake pads. The base material in NAO friction materials is typically a mixture of two or more fibers (mostly inorganic fibers, with a small amount of organic fibers). Therefore, NAO friction materials are non-asbestos mixed fiber friction materials. Brake linings are usually short fiber types, while clutch facings are continuous fiber types.

3. Powder Metallurgy Friction Materials: Also known as sintered friction materials, these are produced by mixing and pressing powdered materials, typically iron-based or copper-based, and sintering them at high temperatures. Suitable for braking and transmission under higher temperature conditions, such as in aircraft, heavy-duty trucks, and heavy construction machinery. Pros: Long service life; Cons: High product cost, significant brake noise, heavy and brittle, substantial wear on mating surfaces.

4. Carbon Fiber Friction Materials: A type of friction material made using carbon fibers as reinforcement. Carbon fibers have high modulus, good thermal conductivity, and heat resistance. Carbon fiber friction materials exhibit the best performance among various types of friction materials. The unit power absorption per area of carbon fiber friction pads is high, and they are lightweight, making them particularly suitable for producing aircraft brake linings. Some high-end cars abroad also use carbon fiber brake pads. Due to their high cost, their application is limited, and production is relatively low. In the composition of carbon fiber friction materials, besides carbon fibers, graphite and carbon compounds are also used. The organic binding agents in the composition also undergo carbonization treatment, so carbon fiber friction materials are also referred to as carbon-carbon friction materials or carbon-based friction materials.

For heavy motorcycles with engine displacements exceeding 250cc, what is recommended?Why is this material recommended?

For heavy motorcycles with engine displacements exceeding 250cc, it is recommended to use semi-metallic brake pads or ceramic compounds material brake pads. These materials typically offer better heat resistance, durability, and braking power to ensure safety and performance during high-speed riding and sudden braking. Or use the “Contact us” form, an agent will be assigned to assist you.ADUI-Motorcycle brake pad brand recommendations!

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When replacing the brake pads on a motorcycle with new ones, if the tire cannot be turned, is this normal?

Of course, this is not normal. After replacing the motorcycle brake pads with new ones, if the tire does not turn when rotated by hand or turns with great difficulty, it indicates that the brake pads are gripping the disc. In this case, clean the caliper pistons, push them back to the bottom, and reinstall the brake pads to resolve the issue!

What materials of motorcycle brake pads do you offer, and what are the characteristics of different materials?Can I customize brake pads?"

We offer three versions of motorcycle brake pads and also provide customized brake pad services. ADUI BRAKE INDUSTRY INC. - brake pads company.One of the best OEM & ODM disc brake pads manufacturer in Taiwan.Feel free to Contact Us anytime."

Street Aggressive Version
Characteristic
Organic Compounds/Ceramic
Low dust
Low noise
Temperature: 0-400°C

Advantage
Low abrasion
Long-lasting
Environmental protection
Rotor friendly

Application
Suitable for riding frequently.
For commuter and leisure use.

Sports Version
Characteristic
Ceramic Compounds
Low dust
Low noise
Temperature: 0-500°C

Advantage
Middle abrasion
Braking performance and temperature resistant are better than genuine parts.
Environmental protection
Rotor friendly

Application
For mountain road, commuter, and sometime heavy riding users.
Suitable: down to 250cc motorcycle / scooter

Heavy-Racing Version
Characteristic
Ceramic Compounds
Middle dust
Slight noise
Temperature: 0-600°C

Advantage
High temperature resistant suitable for heavy-racing
Excellent braking power with high friction

Application
For the demands of competition, downhill and high performance use.
Up to 250 cc type Suitable

Automobile Brake Pads FAQ

Asbestos Brake Pads

How to Choose Brake Pads for a Car

What is the Purpose of the Grooves on the Brake Pads?

The Ultimate Brake Pad Guide

How Does a Brake Wear Indicator Enhance Vehicle Safety and Maintenance?

Top 10 brake mistakes technicians can make.