Air Springs from ContiTech Deliver High Performance Even at Extreme Temperatures
Increasing demand for air springs that can withstand extreme temperatures
Sleeve air springs for cab suspension now also suitable for use between -40°C and +100°C
Hi-temp air springs for vehicle axles with increased service life
Hanover, September 2016. ContiTech has further expanded its range of temperature-resistant air springs. Sleeve air springs for cab suspension are now also suitable for extreme temperatures between -40°C and +100°C. As a result, they meet the increasing requirements for components placed under extremely hot application conditions in particular. “We expect that this new temperature-resistant design will become the standard for the commercial vehicle industry in the future. Therefore, all future ContiTech sleeve air springs for cab suspension will be produced using the new compound suitable for extreme temperatures. This compound not only guarantees significant improvements in high-temperature applications, it also extends the reliable range at minus temperatures,” says Holger Brüning, head of the driver’s seat and cab suspension segment at ContiTech Air Spring Systems.
ContiTech has been focusing on the high temperature resistance of its air springs for many years now. As a result, the sleeve air springs for the driver’s cab are already suitable for temperatures between -35°C and +80°C or -40°C and +70°C. However, over the last few years the requirements have intensified significantly. One reason for this is the new emission standards, which are resulting in significantly increased temperatures in the engine compartment. At the same time, the installation spaces in many vehicles are getting ever smaller, meaning that air springs are placed even closer to other vehicle components and are therefore more exposed to the rising temperatures.
Long-lasting even at high temperatures
The use of axle air springs under extreme temperatures is also posing major challenges for developers and manufacturers. In extremely hot regions, temperature, ozone, and UV radiation accelerate the wear process of vehicle components.
The narrow installation space in vehicles can also intensify this process. To meet the high requirements under extreme climatic conditions, ContiTech has developed the “hi-temp” air springs for vehicle axles. The “Hi-Temp Level 1” series, which is already in production, is based on a chloroprene rubber (CR) compound that has been further optimized to counter the effects of heat and aging and presents the ideal solution for use in the face of aggressive temperature influences. “Our tests in the climatic chamber have shown that the air spring offers twice the service life of a standard solution at a temperature of 80°C,” explains Eckard Neitzel, head of product development at ContiTech Air Spring Systems. We have also already been able to confirm these results in practice.
Under the project title “Hi-Temp Level 2”, ContiTech is working on increasing the maximum operating temperature of axle air springs subjected to high mechanical loads to 100°C or more. To achieve this, new elastomer materials are being used and impressive results have already been obtained on the test bench. The series launch is planned for the middle of next year.
Captions
Continental_pp_Schlauchrollbalg.jpg
Sleeve air springs for cab suspension are now also suitable for extreme temperatures between
-40°C and 100°C.
Photo: ContiTech
The hi-temp air springs developed for use in extreme temperatures are based on a chloroprene rubber (CR) compound and can be identified by the sun symbol.
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2015, the corporation generated sales of €39.2 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs approximately 215,000 people in 55 countries.
As a division in the Continental Corporation, ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industrial specialists. Its customers can be found in key industries such as machine and plant engineering, mining, the agricultural industry, and the automotive industry. With around 43,000 employees in 44 countries, the company uses its development and material expertise for products and systems made of rubber, plastic, metal, textile, and electronic components to combine these with individual services. ContiTech always thinks in terms of customer-friendly and environmentally-friendly solutions – going well and truly beyond its roots as a producer of rubber products. With sales of €5.4 billion (2015), this international technology partner is active with core branches in Europe, Asia, NAFTA, and South America.
Contact for journalists
| Antje Lewe | Christopher Schrecke |
| Spokeswoman | Head of Media Relations and Internal |
| Head of Media & Public Relations | Communications |
| ContiTech AG | Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket |
| Phone: +49 511 938-1304 | Continental |
| E-mail: antje.lewe@contitech.de | Phone: +49 69 7603-2022 |
| E-mail: christopher.schrecke@continental-corporation.com |
This press release is available in the following languages: German, English
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