Roadlink reman ‘ticks all the boxes’
Commercial vehicle brake specialist Roadlink International has outlined some of the environmental and cost benefits of opting for remanufactured brake parts.
The perception of remanufacturing is changing in the automotive industry, the company says, and with it an understanding by fleet operators of just how important the product is to an optimum total cost of ownership (TCO) of a truck or fleet.
Roadlink emphasises its longstanding belief in the remanufacturing process, reflected in the company’s ongoing investment in reman and its commitment to helping reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
“Roadlink remanufacturing promotes quality whilst also offering a competitively priced, environmentally friendly alternative,” the firm said.
“While the rise in environmental awareness plays a massive part in the popularity of remanufactured product – such as the reduction of raw material consumption, reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions – it is important to remind ourselves just what is meant by the definition of ‘remanufactured.’”
The company cites the Centre for Remanufacturing and Reuse (CRR) which states: “Remanufacturing is the process of returning a used product to at least its original performance with a warranty that is equivalent to or better than that of the newly manufactured product.”
In commercial vehicle parts terms, the process of remanufacturing a part is similar to the original production process, says Roadlink – the difference being that remanufacturing involves the restoration of a component to its original condition.
“Remanufacturing promotes the re-engineering of a product to the same or indeed better than the OE equivalent,” the company continued.
“It’s clear to see why the quality of such parts, much more competitively priced, attracts so much attention and use.
“This price difference between the new and remanufactured product plays a massive part in calculating the TCO of a vehicle and provides confidence up and down the supply chain that the remanufactured parts used offer high performance, longevity and serious value for money.”
The popularity of all things remanufacturing has also brought about its own challenges and competition, the firm contends; in automotive braking, cheaper, lesser quality products branded ‘new’ are flooding the market.
But the popularity of remanufactured products remains undiminished, it says, with the sector believed to have an EU market potential of €90bn by 2030.
“Roadlink remanufactures its brake calipers and shoes with the entire vehicle lifecycle in mind,” said the company.
“Remanufactured calipers are fully-tested and produced to the highest standards thanks to its extensive state-of-the-art production facility and distribution operation, which are certified to the latest ISO9001:2015 quality and ISO14001:2015 environmental standards.”
Roadlink’s brake shoe reline operation is also approved to these ISO quality and environmental standards; and the firm adheres to a 15-stage production process for relining brake shoes.
This involves rollers being checked where applicable and shoe platforms linished. This is where the shoe platform is passed over a moving abrasive belt, which removes any high spots from the platform of the shoe, so that linings fit correctly.
They are then treated with an anti-corrosion long lasting water-based paint, unique to Roadlink.
An inspection is undertaken after each stage and shoes come supplied with a full warranty. Every Roadlink exchange brake shoe carries a unique serial number that allows for total product traceability.
The company’s relined brake shoes carry the ‘Brake Assured’ symbol, which guarantees that they are fully remanufactured to the highest product quality and safety standards.
Quality riveting is key to the production process, Roadlink says.
“When shear braking force is applied, if there is a gap present between rivet shank and brake lining, or rivet shank and brake shoe platform, there is potential for the lining to move,” the company added.
“Once this occurs, the movement will increase rapidly, with consequent failure of the shoe assembly.
“Roadlink’s detailed production process for relining brake shoes ensures there is no gap between the rivet shank and brake lining / brake shoe platform.”
The brake lining is secured to the brake shoe in four distinct ways. These include the downwards ‘clamp force’ on the rivet head, and the friction between the underside of the lining and the surface of the shoe.
In addition, the force applied when inserting rivets causes the rivet to swell into the gap of the rivet hole in both the lining and the shoe, thereby ‘locking’ the lining firmly to the shoe platform. The rollover on the underside of the shoe secures the rivet in place from underneath.
These four different forces ensure everything is entirely locked into place.
