Brake Rotors Show Sharp Improvement

Autoparts Report, Nov 15, 2000

Testing on brake rotors that underwent the deep cryogenic tempering process show an improved operating life of as much as 350 percent and more, Brunson said. Brake pads also have shown a similar improvement after treatment, he added.

The process is currently being evaluated on brake rotors on dual purpose vehicles operated by the Davis County (Utah) Public Works Department. The vehicles, which are Dodge Durangos, are in operation 24/7 for EMC and police work. According to Doyle Talbot, Cryocon's Project Manager, Brake Rotors, the Davis County vehicles rack up about 4,000 miles each week. "Every Monday, these vehicles were brought in for maintenance and the front rotors would be replaced. After treatment by Cryocon, rotor replacement was reduced to every nine weeks." Some rotors have lasted as much as 13 weeks, he said.

This represents a significant cost savings to Davis County, as new rotors cost $140 per vehicle, while cryogenic treatment cost between $50-$60 per vehicle. Talbot said the process was also being tested on brake drums for over- the-road 18-wheelers and on heavy-duty coal trucks.

Other near-term use of Cryocon's patented process in the auto sector will likely be in high performance racing engines and transmissions, Brunson said. Precision components maintain their tolerances under extreme conditions after they have been treated with the cryogenic process, according to Brunson.

The company also sees a large potential in the rebuilding/recycling of auto parts. Consumers would likely be willing to pay a premium for longer lasting components, Brunson speculates. Other components that would benefit from this process include transmissions, clutches, differentials, pistons, valves, and crankshafts, according to the company.

Cryocon's clients ship their products to the company's facility for treatment. However, the company said it can build a treatment facility at a client's site if the economies of scale warrant on-site treatment. The treatment process can be incorporated into the clients production line, if necessary, Brunson said.