‘Autothane’® axle cushion simplifies 4x4 suspension

A new axle cushion, designed for mounting directly to vehicle chassis of 4x4, sports utility and other trucks, is simplifying suspension manufacture, as well as providing the benefits of Hyperlast’s ‘Autothane’® microcellular elastomer.

Capable of retaining its original shape after arduous testing, the ‘Autothane’ axle cushion limits the travel of an axle in a controlled manner, while enabling compression at a predictable, progressive rate.

It also provides considerable stability during both longitudinal and transverse angled impacts, and reduces both vehicle weight and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for pads welded to axles in order to bear the impact of conventional jounce bumpers. Developed specifically for vehicle suspension systems, ‘Autothane’ is not only astonishingly durable, but also very flexible, enabling rapid tuning of the axle cushion’s properties during ride and handling development.

In addition to its excellent hydrolytic stability and dampening properties, ‘Autothane’ demonstrates exceptional resistance to chemicals, grease, ozone and microbial attacks, as well as to water, salt, oils and fuels. Its high performance is unaffected by extremes of temperature or climate.

When combined with innovative mould design and efficient manufacturing processes, ‘Autothane’ is ideal for mass production, and is used in many diverse applications requiring engineered polyurethane to isolate noise, vibration and shock, such as jounce bumpers, spring aids, bodymounts, seals and gaiters, and tie rod isolators.

Autothane components are manufactured by Licensees in China, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Already employed widely by leading automotive manufacturers, including BMW in its MINI, Renault, Ford, GM, AvtoVaz, Mazda, Kia, Scania and Proton, ‘Autothane’ component applications are used in a variety of vehicle types from saloon cars to freight vehicles, Formula 1 racing cars and 4x4, sports utility and other trucks.

Ref:22-1728
September 2005