Engineered Materials Group
Composite Sealing Systems ("CSS") Division
Case Study
Parker CSS Division's Rubber-to-Metal Bonding Technology Expertise Improves Aircraft Cargo Power Drive Unit Wheels and Traction Rollers
Application
One of our customers, a leading provider of products and services used by aerospace companies, airlines, defense organizations, and government agencies around the world, approached us with a nontraditional request. The rubber on their aircraft cargo wheels was delaminating, which adversely affected cargo handling and loading times. Inefficient cargo handling could lead to delays, impacting commercial passenger flights and air freight carriers.
FEATURED PRODUCT: Re-engineered cargo roller wheels with custom elastomer formulated for improved adhesion and bonding
Challenge
Cargo wheels and traction rollers are used in aircraft power drive assist units for both commercial passenger flights and global air freight carriers. These rollers are essential for efficiently moving cargo, including packages, livestock, and other heavy-weight freight items through the aircraft.
Due to the various items being transported, the rollers would encounter materials such as cleaning agents, fuels, and other chemicals, and exposure to animal waste from livestock, like urine and feces, without losing their grip or bonding capabilities. In addition to heavy loads, the rollers had to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
The wheel and traction rollers' geometry and materials of construction, such as aluminum wheels and overmolded elastomers, had to be carefully engineered and for compatibility with a wide range of fluids and debris. Complex analysis of materials of construction, adhesion, bonding, and expert manufacturing controls was paramount to success.
Rubber was delaminating due to heavy weight, media exposure and extreme weather conditions.
Parker Solution
Parker, known for its expertise in adhesives and rubber-to-metal bonding, took on the challenge. We developed a specially formulated, high-strength nitrile rubber compound with improved adhesion to aluminum rollers for this project. The new compound not only improved the bond between rubber and metal but also increased the roller traction. The engineered material had excellent chemical resistance to cleaning solutions, harsh media, and chemicals that could potentially be present in the service environment.
Parker materials and rubber-to-metal bonding technology expertise provided an innovative and effective solution to our customer's cargo roller challenges. The customer benefited from our ability to think outside the box and apply our knowledge to nontraditional requests. The new cargo roller design increased durability, performance, and overall customer satisfaction, proving Parker CSS Division's value as a partner in the aerospace industry.
Contact
Parker Hannifin
Composite Sealing Systems Division
7664 Panasonic Way
San Diego, CA 92154
(619) 661-7000
www.parker.com/css
NEED ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE?