Disc Traceability Code ©

A code that unifies different part numbers that actually all point to the same basic product. No mater IAM or OE, the DTC© is telling you that the individual part numbers are actually the same basic product.

WHAT DOES A DTC© NUMBER DO?

It indicates that brake discs are the same. Where design details can be different, like venting type, in-board/out-board venting, slotted or drilled surface – the essential basic product is the same.
IAM & OE manufacturers will use the opportunity to identify a small change, with a different part number. Indicating a difference, while the DTC© will tell you they are still the same basic product.

HOW TO GET A DTC© NUMBER?

The DTC© is created by 6th Gear Automotive Solutions Ltd. in 2014, based on the parameters of OE numbers. The OE number is the basic source and from there the research starts if different OE numbers are actually the same.
Supersessions by manufacturers are undoubtedly determined with the same DTC©, but manufacturers who are using the same platform (PSA/VAG/FCA) or using Brake Specialists to design the braking system (Brembo/TMD/CBI), can result in a same brake disc fitted on different cars, which are not that obvious. Due to the fact they have the same DTC©, it is clear that the disc is the same basic product.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DTC NUMBER?

DTC’s © are most important for the IAM, Independent After Market. For Whole sellers, to avoid having double stock in their warehouse, to increase volume for one DTC© to their manufacturers instead of ordering lower quantity of multiple discs. Saving money in stock, transportation and increase availability.
But also brake disc manufacturers, that can use the DTC© as an indicator and ensure they won’t spend money and valuable time on R&D for a part that they actually already have.

Examples:

Easy examples are Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. These both vehicles look the same and have the same discs (depending on specific engine). Although the OE numbers are different, they are actually the same, to be determined by an equal DTC©.
Fiat/Chrysler, Peugeot/Citroen/Fiat/Lancia combinations, Dacia/Renault are well known for exchanging similar platforms and braking systems, but also in the Trucks (Commercial Vehicles) we see combinations; Volvo/Renault have similar discs, but specifically for trailers who are using axles from Meritor, Knorr, SAF also can use the same disc, identifiable by a similar DTC©.
DTC 40062121 is a disc used for the VAG group, so there is no surprise that a VW Sharan and Skoda Alhambra sharing the same disc, but this disc is also used on a Ford Galaxy (7D0615301B/7M3615301A/1141782).

Variants:

Discs having the same DTC©, do not have to be 100% identical. Think of a brake disc that is originated from OEM. When the OEM decides to develop a bi-metal disc, it can be adopted by the IAM as a regular disc, meaning one cast iron version. Both discs would have the same DTC©, but are not identical. A brake disc that OE has slotted or drilled surface treatment, while IAM doesn’t, have both the same DTC©. Coating, accessories, iron composition/material, packing methods etc. do not have any effect on the DTC©.

DTC© CONTENT:

The DTC© always start with 4006, which indicate that this is a brake disc. The intention to enlarge this system to other product groups are open (4008=drums, 4001=pads etc). The remaining 4 digits are random, they do not have any logic for solid or vented, front or rear, just a regular number. Resulting in the limitation for 9,999 different DTC’s©. Currently we identified about 6,000 different DTC’s©, and verification/expansion are a continues action provided by 6th Gear Automotive Solutions Ltd.
Currently the DTC’s© are used by Testing Laboratries like Greening Inc. in Detroit, to determine the choise of disc to test for the UN ECE R90 regulation and ensure that all car models this disc is applicable for, will be listed, calculated on Kinetic Energy and validated.
Meaning, UN ECE R90 tests executed with the use of DTC’s© increases the road safety (all applicable carmodels are validated) and expands the range for disc manufacturers that are certified (more partnumbers into one R90 certificate).