Wear Resistant Plastic Compound Improves Performance of World's Fastest Bicycle Pump
WINONA, MINNESOTA, USA - (February 26, 2008) - When inventor Julian Peck was developing his award winning Cyclaire bicycle mini-pump, he needed a robust wear resistant material for the bearing component and turned to custom compounder RTP Company for assistance.
Cyclaire's revolutionary technology uses a pull cord system rather than the conventional pumping action normally used to inflate tires, making pumping quicker and less strenuous. The main bearing is a central part of the pull-cord system that includes a strap winding around a pulley, which drives the main shaft. Initially, friction between the bearing and the die-cast zinc shaft was causing the components to wear out too quickly.
"We originally used conventional materials, and those materials failed," said Peck. "Without the bearing, the pump doesn't work. That's why I contacted RTP Company. They were extremely helpful and made the development process very, very simple."
RTP Company recommended a custom RTP 200 Series nylon compound with aramid fiber and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which solved the problem. According to Jeff Kronebusch, Business Manager--Wear Products, at RTP Company, "Aramid fiber increased the wear resistance with minimal counter surface abrasion, while the PTFE provided friction reduction by facilitating internal lubrication and a higher dynamic load-bearing capability. In combination, these two additives decreased the friction coefficients and greatly reduced wear rates."
"RTP Company found the right solution for our product," said Peck. "We have had no problems since. In fact, the bearing is also in the Cyclaire Rapid, which is the fastest mini-pump in the world, and will be specified again in the Cypod, which will be both the smallest and the fastest mini-pump in the world."
For more information call (800) 433-4787 or (507) 454-6900, or visit our website at www.rtpcompany.com.
If you would like more information about this story, or if you would like to speak with a RTP Company spokesperson, please contact Kris Jommersbach at krisj@geminiinc.com
About RTP Company
RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a global leader in specialty thermoplastic compounding. The company has eight manufacturing plants on three continents, plus sales representatives throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. RTP Company's engineers develop custom compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductive, elastomeric, flame retardant, high temperature, shielding, structural, and wear resistant properties. For more information, contact RTP Company via telephone at 507-454-6900 or toll-free 800-433-4787, visit our web site at www.rtpcompany.com or e-mail rtp@rtpcompany.com
Contact: Kris Jommersbach
Gemini Communications
PH: 610-935-1633
Email: krisj@geminiinc.com
