Transmission Thrust Ring Converted From Aluminum To Molded PEEK Material By Minnesota Rubber & Plastics Components Provide Longer Operating Life, Are Lighter Weight And Easier To Assemble

Minneapolis, Minnesota: Thrust ring components used in heavy duty vehicle transmissions are molded of a high performance PEEK material by Minnesota Rubber & Plastics resulting in less surface abrasion and longer life than the aluminum components they replace.

During operation, the thrust ring component acts as a rotating planetary carrier for helical shaped ring gears in transmission assemblies. The thrust load forces generate heat, potential wear and abrasion. With the new PEEK component design from Minnesota Rubber & Plastics, thrust ring durability was increased significantly while maintaining required performance levels.

According to Minnesota Rubber & Plastics, the material compound includes a high percentage of PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) for its high temperature esistance of 400 – 450°F (204 – 232°C), carbon fiber for high wear resistance and PTFE for low friction qualities.

The new thrust ring component design also provides assembly benefits. The previous aluminum component design had two locating holes which required riveting operations. Accurate alignment was required to avoid wasted components and possible performance issues.

By contrast, the new Minnesota Rubber & Plastics' designed component features self-aligning extensions at each end that press fit quickly and accurately into the transmission assembly ring gears. Potential alignment issues were eliminated along with scrapped components.

In addition to costing less than aluminum components, requiring less assembly time and providing longer operating life, the Minnesota Rubber & Plastics components weigh 50 percent less, an important consideration in today's automotive designs.