WHILE most people tyres with rubber, another essential component is carbon black, which gives automotive tyres their colouring as well as their stiffness, strength and abrasive resistance, is another essential component.
However, particles of carbon black, which need to be dispersed throughout synthetic and natural rubbers when tyres are produced, are notoriously abrasive, according to Vesconite Bearings, a supplier of thermopolymer products.
“As a result, tyre manufacturers tend to experience difficulties with parts of their manufacturing plant, and especially their bushings, when producing some of the one billion tyres that are manufactured globally,” the company said in a statement.
It added that when tyre manufacturer in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) experienced these difficulties, it turned to Gahreez Industrial and Plastics founder Gahreez Hammond, who is an important supplier of bearing and polymer wear material to the automotive industry.
Hammond recommended bearing material Vesconite Hilube as a replacement for brass bushings on the presses.
“Vesconite Hilube can handle abrasive applications, is internally lubricated, carries a high load, and does not swell,” he said, adding that having implemented the use of Vesconite Hilube, the tyre maker had been satisfied with the results and consistently using it in this application for several years.
Hammond said other companies in the automotive industry, including OEMs and factories supplying seats, roof liners and other automotive components, have also switched to the product.
Approximately 80% of the companies he supplies are associated with the heavy-machinery-intensive automotive industry.
