Custom marine and offshore friction materials and brake and clutch components
FTL supports marine and offshore engineering and technical teams when a windlass, winch or drawworks brake needs a new lining, an existing brake or clutch is not performing as required, or a legacy friction part can no longer be sourced.
Windlasses, winches and drawworks hold and lower heavy loads through their brakes, and FTL makes the linings that do that work, including two DNV-GL approved grades.
A trusted, accountable supplier since 2003
High-performance friction and braking solutions, backed by decades of in-house expertise and supplied to OEM and aftermarket customers worldwide.
FTL marine and offshore manufacturing credentials
Company standards and registrations
These are company-level standards and registrations. They do not in themselves confirm approval of a material, component or individual marine or offshore programme.
When marine and offshore teams engage FTL
Start with the programme, performance or supply situation that has created the requirement.
A new marine or offshore machine needs a friction solution
The required function and broad operating conditions are known, but the friction material, complete component or repeatable manufacturing route for the winch, windlass, drawworks or gearbox clutch still needs to be established. FTL can support the route from early technical review through material selection or development, prototype manufacture, testing, validation support and controlled repeat production.
A brake lining or clutch facing is underperforming
The engineering team is experiencing inconsistent braking, excessive or unpredictable wear, thermal-performance concerns, or variation between manufactured components or batches. FTL can review the application, current component, friction material, running conditions and available production evidence before proposing the next engineering step.
A marine friction part is no longer available
The original lining, friction block, drawing, supplier or complete component has become obsolete while the vessel, rig or machine must remain supportable. FTL makes replacement friction blocks for marine oil separators and centrifuges through this route, which starts from the existing part, and reviews the available component and application information before proposing redevelopment, prototype, testing and revalidation work.
The current supply chain has too many handovers
Material formulation, machining, bonding, finishing and inspection are divided between separate organisations, creating unclear responsibility when quality, supply or performance questions arise. FTL can connect the relevant stages through one accountable manufacturing route.
The lining or facing needs dependable repeat supply
A grade or component must move into a controlled arrangement covering repeat manufacture as roll, sheet, discs or shapes, inspection, traceability, inventory holding, scheduled call-off, customer-specific packaging and identification, and international delivery.
Where FTL friction materials work in marine and offshore machinery
FTL's marine grades are made for these machines. The right grade for a given brake or clutch depends on the duty, the running conditions, the space available and the evidence the application must provide.
Anchor windlasses, mooring and towing winches
FTL095 is a DNV-GL approved woven lining with fine brass wire, made for anchor windlasses and hoists. FTL129 is made for towing winches and FTL137 for mooring and towing winches: both are closely woven with fine copper wire, perform well in wet and damp conditions, and run dry rather than in oil.
Rig drawworks
FTL095 brings oil resistance and DNV-GL approval to drawworks brakes on onshore and offshore rigs. FTL194, an asbestos-free fibreglass woven grade, is made for drilling and machinery on oilfield rigs where the brake runs dry.
Marine gearbox clutches
FTL127 and FTL128 are rigid moulded clutch materials for marine gearboxes, supplied as sheet and discs. FTL127 runs dry; FTL128 runs dry or oil immersed, and its discs can be gear cut for multi-plate clutches.
Oil separators and centrifuges
FTL makes replacement friction blocks for marine oil separators and centrifuges through its reverse engineering route, which starts from the existing part. FTL's range already includes grades used on centrifugal equipment, among them FTL095 and FTL133.
The lining: the part of the brake FTL makes
On a windlass, winch or drawworks band brake, the lining is the friction material that presses against the drum to slow or hold it. FTL makes the lining material and new bonded components through friction material bonding, supplied as roll, sheet, discs or shapes depending on the grade. FTL129 and FTL137 soften when warmed to between 150 and 180 °C in a bonding oven, so they shape to brake shoes and bands as they are fitted.
A winch drum and its steel brake band: the lining, in green, is the friction material FTL makes.
This page describes an engineering and manufacturing service. It is not a list of stocked parts or a claim that one grade suits every brake. For maritime work in defence, see defence friction materials.
Define the application before selecting the friction material
A material family, coefficient value or existing part number does not define a complete solution on its own. FTL begins by understanding what the component must do and the conditions under which it must operate.
What is the application?
Share:
- The machine: anchor windlass, mooring winch, towing winch, drawworks, gearbox clutch, separator or centrifuge
- The component's function
- Whether the requirement concerns a material or a complete component
- What has prompted the enquiry
Is this a new design or an existing component?
Confirm whether the project involves:
- A new programme
- An existing component under review
- An obsolete component
- A supply-continuity problem
- A performance concern
- A prototype moving towards production
What operating conditions are known?
Useful information can include:
- Dry or oil-immersed running
- Wet or damp conditions
- Duty
- Known wear or performance concerns
- Whether DNV-GL approval is required
What technical information is available?
This can include:
- Drawings
- Partial drawings
- An existing lining or component
- A current data sheet or grade code
- Specifications
- Performance requirements
- Inspection records
- Test results
A complete technical pack is not required before the first conversation.
What must the solution demonstrate?
The programme should establish:
- Required braking or clutch behaviour
- Wear expectations
- Thermal requirements
- Dimensional requirements
- Bonding or assembly requirements
- Inspection requirements
- Acceptance evidence
- Validation responsibilities
How will the component be supplied?
Later programme discussions can cover:
- Roll, sheet, discs or shapes
- Prototype or small-batch quantities
- Expected annual volumes
- Repeat-production schedules
- Inventory holding
- Scheduled call-off
- Packaging, labelling and identification
- Export and delivery requirements
Expected annual volumes and detailed commercial qualification are discussed after the initial application and technical fit have been established.
Three engineering routes for a marine or offshore programme
New Programme Support
For a new winch, windlass, drawworks, gearbox or other marine friction requirement that needs a defined material, component and production route. Support can include:
- Application review
- Material selection or formulation
- Component engineering
- Prototype manufacture
- Testing and inspection
- Validation support
- Transfer into controlled repeat production
Legacy & Obsolete Component Reverse Engineering
For marine machinery that must stay in service after the original lining, friction block, drawing or supplier becomes unavailable, including friction blocks for oil separators and centrifuges. Support can include:
- Existing-component and evidence review
- Dimensional assessment
- Component redevelopment
- Replacement material selection or development
- Prototype manufacture
- Testing and revalidation support
- Controlled repeat supply
Friction System Performance Optimisation
For an existing brake lining or clutch facing with inconsistent braking, wear, thermal or repeatability concerns. Support can include:
- Symptom and evidence review
- Operating-condition assessment
- Material and component investigation
- Prototype or comparative-component manufacture
- Testing and inspection
- Support for the agreed implementation route
What FTL can deliver within a marine or offshore programme
Not every project requires every stage. FTL can support one part of the programme or connect the route from custom friction-material development, through component engineering, machining, bonding, finishing, testing and inspection, into traceable repeat and lifecycle supply.
A controlled path from marine requirement to repeat supply
The detailed route varies by project, but each stage should provide enough evidence to support the next engineering decision.
Establish technical fit
- The application
- The required function
- New, existing or obsolete
- Current programme stage
- Performance or supply concern
- Information available
Define operating and performance requirements
- Brake or clutch type
- Duty
- Dry, wet or oil-immersed running
- Form required
- Whether DNV-GL approval is required
- Existing performance evidence
- Inspection and documentation needs
Establish the material and component route
- Whether an established material may suit
- Whether formulation work is required
- Whether the component also needs development
- Which manufacturing stages apply
- Which information remains unknown
Agree the prototype and test plan
- What FTL will manufacture
- Which variants will be assessed
- Which dimensions or characteristics inspected
- Which tests FTL will complete
- What evidence is required
- FTL responsibilities
- Customer or third-party responsibilities
Manufacture the prototype components
- Material-production stages
- Machining
- Bonding
- Surface preparation
- Finishing
- Assembly
- Inspection
Test, inspect and review
- Agreed testing and inspection completed
- Evidence reviewed against requirements
- Material, geometry or route refined where needed
Support the agreed validation route
- Engineering, manufacturing, test, inspection and traceability evidence within scope
- Final machine, customer or regulatory approval responsibilities agreed per project
Transfer into controlled repeat supply
- Repeat-production controls
- Inspection and traceability requirements
- Inventory holding
- Scheduled call-off
- Customer-specific packaging and identification
- Export documentation
- International delivery
The evidence marine and offshore buyers need before approving a route
Can FTL match or improve the required performance?
FTL can review the current material, component, operating environment and required behaviour before proposing an established, optimised or newly developed material route. Whether performance can be matched or improved depends on:
- Available application information
- Defined operating conditions
- Existing component evidence
- Agreed test conditions
- Acceptance criteria
- Component construction
- Validation responsibilities
No outcome should be guaranteed before that work has been completed.
What does the DNV-GL approval cover?
FTL095 and FTL135.2 are DNV-GL approved friction materials. The approval applies to the material itself, not to a finished brake, winch or component. DNV-GL is the former name of the classification society now called DNV.
How does FTL support consistent quality and repeatability?
The available route connects:
- Friction-material formulation
- Component engineering
- Machining
- Bonding
- Finishing
- Testing
- Inspection
- Production documentation
- Batch and lot traceability
The exact control plan and acceptance requirements are agreed for the individual programme.
Can FTL support more than material supply?
Yes, where the programme fits FTL's confirmed capabilities. FTL can support:
- Material development
- Complete-component engineering
- Prototype manufacture
- CNC machining
- Bonding and finishing
- Testing and inspection
- Repeat manufacture
- Inventory and worldwide delivery
How quickly can FTL support the programme?
There is no standard lead time for every marine or offshore project. Timing depends on:
- Information available
- Material-development work
- Component complexity
- Prototype iterations
- Testing and inspection
- Customer validation
- Production quantities
- Supply requirements
FTL should confirm proposed stages and timing after the initial technical review.
Select the marine grade around the complete brake or clutch
Woven brake linings for windlasses, winches and drawworks, and rigid moulded materials for brakes and marine gearbox clutches. Every grade opens its technical data sheet.
| Grade | Type | Form | Used for | Running condition | Supplied as | Dynamic friction co | Static friction co |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTL095DNV-GL approved | Woven | Flexible | Anchor windlasses and hoists; drawworks for onshore and offshore rigs | Suitable in water; oil resistant | Roll | 0.50 | 0.60 |
| FTL135.2DNV-GL approved | Organic | Rigid | Industrial drum and band brakes; crane and excavator brake and clutch linings | On request | On request | 0.40 | 0.45 |
| FTL129 | Woven | Flexible | Marine towing winches | Dry; wet and damp conditions | Sheet, roll, discs, shapes | 0.42 | 0.45 |
| FTL137 | Woven | On request | Marine mooring and towing winches | Dry; wet and damp conditions | Sheet, roll | 0.40 | 0.52 |
| FTL127 | Organic | Rigid | Clutches for marine gearboxes | Dry; suitable in water | Sheet, discs | 0.32 | 0.34 |
| FTL128 | Organic | Rigid | Clutches for marine gearboxes | Dry or oil immersed | Sheet, discs | 0.38 | 0.30 |
| FTL194 | Woven | Rigid | Drilling and machinery on oilfield rigs | Dry; not oil resistant | On request | 0.41 | 0.40 |
NOTE Summary values are indicative and must be read with the full data sheet and its stated test conditions. Further woven grades suitable in water, including FTL144, FTL161 and FTL219, are available on request.
The final decision
The appropriate route may involve:
- An established material
- Optimisation of an existing formulation
- A newly developed material
- A component change alongside the material
- Further application evidence before a change is recommended
Published data is a starting point. Final material selection depends on the application and agreed validation route.
Keep the friction material connected to the finished component
A fragmented route can divide material development, machining, bonding, finishing, inspection and supply among several organisations. FTL can connect those stages through one engineering and manufacturing chain, keeping the material, component and production decisions aligned with one technical and commercial point of accountability. Actual lead-time, procurement or cost improvements depend on the current supply arrangement and agreed project scope.
Engineering capability backed by controlled manufacture
SDTS approached FTL after the original aircraft brake pad was no longer available. FTL worked with SDTS to redesign the pad, establish a suitable material route and manufacture a component aligned with the stated aeronautical technical requirements. The work supported SDTS in certifying a modification applicable to its aircraft.
“To continue flying our aircraft, we approached FTL to find replacement solutions for our brake pad problem, as the original part was no longer available on the market. The quality of our discussions, from both a technical and commercial standpoint, FTL's responsiveness in redesigning the pad with a material that meets aeronautical technical requirements, and their ability to adapt to our aeronautical environment allowed us to certify a modification applicable to our aircraft. The quality of the manufactured product is remarkable. Thanks to FTL, we can continue to fly, land, and brake safely.”
Olivier Moulin 
Customer proof
Marine and offshore supply
FTL's marine range covers brake linings for windlasses, winches and drawworks and clutch materials for marine gearboxes, including two DNV-GL approved grades, FTL095 and FTL135.2. FTL also makes replacement friction blocks for marine oil separators and centrifuges through its reverse engineering route.
- Friction-material and complete-component capability
- In-house machining, bonding, finishing and inspection
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
- Manufactured components supplied worldwide
- Part of n Industries Group since February 2025
Is FTL the right manufacturing route for your marine application?
FTL is a strong fit when:
Your team has an engineering brief rather than a stock-parts request
A winch, windlass, drawworks or gearbox clutch needs a lining or facing to specification
A brake lining or clutch facing shows braking, wear or thermal concerns
An original lining, friction block, drawing or supplier has become obsolete
The application calls for a DNV-GL approved material
Prototype work may need to progress into repeat manufacture
Testing, inspection and traceability matter
You want fewer suppliers across the connected manufacturing chain
The programme requires scheduled or worldwide supply
A different route may be more appropriate when:
You need a stocked part immediately
You are purchasing solely by a standard part number
You need a used brake band relined or refurbished
You need an online catalogue rather than engineering support
Price is the only selection criterion
No technical or manufacturing review is required
Frequently asked questions about marine and offshore friction materials
Where can I source replacement friction blocks for a marine oil separator or centrifuge?
Which brake lining is approved by DNV for marine winch and windlass brakes?
Who supplies brake lining for drawworks brakes on offshore drilling rigs?
Does FTL supply marine brake lining in rolls?
Does FTL reline winch or windlass brake bands?
Which FTL marine grades suit wet or oil-immersed running?
Are FTL's marine friction materials asbestos-free?
What is the purpose of brake lining?
What are the different types of materials used in brake lining?
Does FTL stock marine friction parts by part number?
Can FTL support customers outside the UK?
Ask an FTL engineer about marine brake linings
A part number, a machine, or the problem in your own words.
Bring us the application, drawing or performance problem.
Tell FTL what the component needs to do, what has prompted the enquiry and what information your team currently has.
A short initial brief is enough. The relevant technical, engineering and commercial team members can then review the application, material route, component requirements and most appropriate next step.
Optional drawing or specification upload available. No long technical questionnaire, standard price or guaranteed programme timescale is required before the first conversation.