ConMet Introduces TruTurn™, a Fully-Machined Brake Drum

3-24-2004

Louisville, KY – Consolidated Metco Inc. (ConMet), the leader in lightweight/low maintenance component technology for the heavy-duty transportation industry, announced today at the MidAmerica Trucking Show the introduction of a new brake drum known as TruTurn™.

TruTurn’s fully-machined finishing process, both inside and out, creates improved dimensional consistency and a uniform wall thickness which translates into improved performance characteristics for the end user. "The TruTurn brake drum is truly unique in that it is machined on the outside as well as the inside," explains Rob Edstrom, ConMet’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Through this process the drum is ‘turned to balance,’ which means it is inherently balanced, as well as having its strength optimized because the drum wall thickness is uniform around the circumference."

TruTurn’s fully turned process gives it its strength because there’s no need for weld-on weights or balance cuts which can weaken a standard drum. The result is a drum with less potential for cracking, lower per stop temperatures, a more uniform distribution of temperature and braking forces, which results in a longer life-cycle. TruTurn’s uniform wall thickness also contributes to more consistent thermal expansion and, therefore, minimizes brake judder and vibration for better braking performance.

Painting the outside surface after machining instead of before means the TruTurn drum has better paint coverage than the competition’s drum and is less susceptible to rust generation and corrosion.

"TruTurn meets the needs of customers who are looking for improved brake performance at a cast drum price," notes Edstrom. "Plus, it’s perfect for fleets who are concerned with extending component life."

Engineering tools such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA and solidification modeling were all used in the development of the TruTurn brake drum. TruTurn is precision manufactured with a patent-pending process to supply the very best in product quality, ensuring safe and worry-free vehicle operation. Stringent quality controls are maintained throughout the entire manufacturing process on all ConMet products, and the TruTurn is no exception. The TruTurn brake drum has been through rigorous testing, and has exceeded accepted criteria in braking performance and durability. Certified to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 121 standards, TruTurn surpasses the requirements of all OEM truck and trailer manufacturers in North America.

With the introduction of TruTurn, ConMet now offers a family of brake drums to complement its lightweight CastLite® brake drums standard cast drums.

Consolidated Metco, a major Class 8 truck supplier, is a subsidiary of AMSTED Industries, one of the world’s largest transportation component manufacturers, specializing in products that serve the rail, heavy-duty vehicle, automotive, construction/building, and general industrial markets. Amsted is also one of the largest 100 percent employee-owned companies in the United States. For additional information about ConMet or its advanced line of products, call 800-547-9473.

Media Contact

For more information on any ConMet news, please contact:

Mark Jorgensen
Marketing Communications Manager
Consolidated Metco, Inc.

Phone: 503.978.6689
Fax: 503.240.5443
mjorgensen@conmet.com