Rubber-made tires are the norm for use on mining vehicles but wear down quickly, contribute towards microplastic pollution and are costly so the Air Suspension Wheel (ASW) has been developed with this in mind. The tire design from Global Air Cylinder Wheels (GACW) is engineered with an inner steel hub that's connected to an outer steel drum through a series of nitrogen-filled chambers and oil dampers. The outer drum is wrapped in either solid polyurethane or steel-treaded shoes that are rated to last up to five-times longer than conventional tires without overheating or deforming.
The Air Suspension Wheel comes with a higher upfront cost compared to rubber tires, but has a far lower ownership cost with a design that can be easily repaired as required.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Sustainable Tire Innovation
- Replacing rubber tires with steel-made alternatives significantly reduces microplastic pollution in the mining industry.
- Extended Tire Lifespan
- The use of polyurethane or steel-treaded shoes in tire design allows for a lifespan up to five times longer than traditional tires, minimizing waste.
- Cost-efficient Vehicle Maintenance
- Despite higher initial costs, the Air Suspension Wheel's design reduces overall ownership costs through enhanced durability and ease of repair.
Sectors Adopting This
- Mining Equipment Manufacturing
- Incorporating durable and sustainable tire solutions into machinery can revolutionize operational efficiency and environmental impact.
- Automotive Parts and Accessories
- Innovative tire technologies like the Air Suspension Wheel open new markets for durable and repairable automotive components.
- Environmental Technology
- Addressing pollution from conventional tires aligns with growing demand for technologies that mitigate environmental harm.
