<div class="htmlview paragraph">The brake rotor has been steadily developed since the first disc brakes were introduced in the late 50s. With the increasing demands for high performance, trouble-free brake systems, the rotor manufacturers, working closely with the automotive industry have made much progress in rotor metallurgy, design and development.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Some of the results are described in this paper, particularly the importance of casting techniques and the evolution of rotor design for improved cooling and high energy capacity.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The role of the rotor as friction partner with the brake linings within the total brake system is shown to be of major significance.</div>