What are the different types of brake calipers?

Brake calipers come in several different types, each with specific designs and applications. Here are the main types of brake calipers:
Fixed Calipers
Design and Function:
Structure: Fixed calipers are rigidly mounted to the suspension and do not move relative to the rotor.
Mechanism: They use pistons on both sides of the rotor to clamp the brake pads onto the rotor.
Advantages:
Performance: Provide better braking performance due to even pressure distribution on both sides of the rotor.
Heat Dissipation: Typically offer better heat dissipation, making them ideal for high-performance and racing applications.
Disadvantages:
Cost: More expensive to manufacture and maintain.
Complexity: More complex design and installation process.
Floating (or Sliding) Calipers
Design and Function:
Structure: Mounted on slides or pins, allowing them to move laterally.
Mechanism: Use a single piston on one side to push the brake pad, while the caliper itself slides to apply pressure to the pad on the opposite side.
Advantages:
Cost: Generally less expensive than fixed calipers.
Simplicity: Easier to manufacture and install, making them more common in mass-produced vehicles.
Disadvantages:
Performance: May not provide as even pressure distribution as fixed calipers, potentially leading to uneven brake pad wear.
Maintenance: Can be prone to sticking if the slides or pins are not properly maintained.

Single-Piston Calipers
Design and Function:
Structure: Typically a type of floating caliper with one piston.
Mechanism: The single piston pushes the inner brake pad against the rotor, and the caliper body slides to press the outer pad against the rotor.
Advantages:
Cost: Economical and widely used in many vehicles.
Simplicity: Simple design makes them easier to maintain and replace.
Disadvantages:
Performance: Less braking force and heat dissipation compared to multi-piston designs.
Multi-Piston Calipers
Design and Function:
Structure: Can be fixed or floating, with two or more pistons.
Mechanism: Multiple pistons apply more even pressure across the brake pad, enhancing braking performance.
Advantages:
Performance: Improved braking force and more even pad wear.
Heat Management: Better heat dissipation due to larger surface area and more even pressure.
Disadvantages:
Cost: More expensive than single-piston calipers.
Complexity: More complex design and higher maintenance requirements.
Opposed-Piston (or Dual-Piston) Calipers
Design and Function:
Structure: A subtype of fixed calipers with pistons on both sides of the rotor.
Mechanism: Opposed pistons move towards each other to apply even pressure on both sides of the rotor.
Advantages:
Performance: Excellent braking performance with even pressure application.
Durability: Typically very durable and efficient for high-stress applications.
Disadvantages:
Cost: Higher cost due to more complex manufacturing.
Size: Larger and heavier than single-piston designs.
Electromechanical (Electronic) Calipers
Design and Function:
Structure: Typically found in modern electronic braking systems, often used for parking brakes.
Mechanism: Use electric motors to apply braking force instead of hydraulic pressure.
Advantages:
Convenience: Allows for features like automatic parking brake application.
Integration: Easily integrates with advanced vehicle systems like automatic parking and electronic stability control.
Disadvantages:
Complexity: More complex electronic components that may require specialized maintenance.
Cost: Higher cost due to advanced technology.
Understanding the different types of brake calipers and their specific advantages and disadvantages is crucial for selecting the right caliper for a given application, whether for everyday driving, performance, or specialized vehicle needs.