BPW have initiated the series production of a forged aluminium hub
The new hub is targeted at lightweight trailers. The hub can reduce axle weight by 18 kg (40 lb) and therefore reduce the weight of a three-axle unit by 54 kg (119 lb). Customers in Germany and Sweden are already obtaining the benefits of the new hubs. For hauliers, weight economies translate into higher load capacity. BPW has provided a simple calculation to illustrate the value of the gain: a weight reduction of 54 kg (119 lb) enables a heating oil tanker to carry an additional 64 litres (14 gal). The extra load capacity enables the carrier to boost revenues by as much as 540 euros a year. The number of journeys is reduced by the vehicles' enhanced operating efficiency. Thanks to lower CO2 emissions, the environment benefits as well. When the vehicle is empty or carrying a part load, the lighter vehicle weight is reflected in decreased fuel consumption.
Cataphoretic dip-coating with zinc-phosphating gives the aluminium hub ideal protection against corrosion. These treatments also serve as a primer for top coats. For air-sprung running gear equipped with the new aluminium hub, BPW grants its 5+3-year ECO Plus Warranty, which includes three years of cover for the brake cylinders, shock absorbers and air bags. The hubs can be retrofitted to existing axles on request.
The forged aluminium hub is initially available for nine-tonne axles with the BPW disc brake ECO Disc (TSB 3709 and TSB 4309), zero offset and the 335x10 wheel connection. It is combined with the BPW air suspension AirLight. Source