OK1 Karts: the new MKB.V2 brake system
The new international regulation applied in the current homologation cycle has made the MINI category even more demanding and competitive than it already was, and IPKarting lived up to the challenge.
In order to further improve the high-quality standards of the Monster EVO 3, the IPKarting technicians created the new MKB.V2 brake system. Thanks to the expertise and hard work of the Research and Development department, this technical innovation benefits from the use of state-of-the-art technologies both in the design and production phases as well as from a significant care in the selection of materials.
Let us review the details.
CALIPER
The caliper chosen for the new OK1 MINI kart is directly derived from the front-brake caliper installed on KZ karts. The MKB.V2 system is characterised by a 4-piston caliper, with each piston having a diameter of 19 mm, and features special grooves to improve heat dissipation.
The goals that guided the entire project were those of minimising wheel lock up and enabling a smoother and more controlled braking.
Coherently with IPK’s manufacturing philosophy, the caliper is accurately machined from a solid block of metal and numerically controlled machinery is used in order to minimise the overall weight. Furthermore, IPKarting focuses on every functional and aesthetic detail of the accessory to make the difference.
With regards to the assembly, the company preferred a radial attachment, which provides increased rigidity compared to a traditional attachment and is adopted on the senior karts too.
BRAKE DISC
The MKB.V2 system installed on the OK1 Monster EVO 3 is equipped with a floating and self-ventilated brake disc, which is 149 mm in diameter and 11 mm thick. Thanks to a meticulous analysis of the drilling and milling processes of its surface, the IPKarting technicians managed to improve the cooling system as well as the cleaning of the pads. This innovation also sees a consistent friction between the disc and the pad, which is maintained even after repeated use. Additionally, the milling process guarantees greater sturdiness, therefore significantly reducing the risk of cracks and breakage.
MASTER CYLINDER
IPKarting has always concentrated on the master cylinder too, as it is a key component of the braking system that transforms the force applied to the pedal into pressure of the pads against the disc. Following careful evaluations, the company decided to install on the MKB.V2 model the same pump that equips the karts in the higher categories. A 19 mm piston functions inside it, while a stroke recovery tank, placed above the cylinder, is designed to keep the brake pedal stroke consistent with the wear of the pads. Furthermore, the Xeramic DOT 5.1 brake fluid ensures longevity and uniform performance as well as ideal viscosity at all operating temperatures. As all the other IPK accessories, the master cylinder is machined with numerically controlled machines and completed with an anodising treatment.
BRAKING PADS
Another valuable feature of IPKarting’s brakes has always been the ample range of pads, with the consequent benefit of being able to adapt to the characteristics of any track as well as of any driving style. Three distinct solutions are available for the MKB.V2 system.
SOFT: green coloured, it is manufactured with the softest friction material and provides a powerful braking even by applying little pressure on the pedal. This feature obviously comes at the expense of the wear period, which is quicker.
MEDIUM: red coloured, as the name suggests, it represents the middle ground between the SOFT and the HARD models. As a matter of fact, IPK chassis are equipped with the MEDIUM pad in their standard version. Its adaptability to every track condition as well as to every driving style is the outcome of the development work carried out with the drivers of IPKarting’s official racing team.
HARD: blue coloured, it guarantees a highly reduced wear as a result of the friction material’s hardness. It is optimal for the drivers who prefer a gentle braking or are used to applying a lot of pressure on the brake pedal.
