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NEW RELEASE!  Fits Ford Festiva WD/WF 01/1997 - 09/2001

New design with all SuperPro features - offering increased comfort, reduced road NVH, cost savings and long service life.

Wednesday, 31 August 2011 21:45

Honda Trailing Arm Pivot Bush

New turbo design bushing offering the complete solution; easy to install, long service life and maintains handling without interrupting passenger comfort.  Fits most Civic models, Concerto, CR-V & Integra

Tuesday, 23 August 2011 23:33

Caster and What Does It Mean

Caster and what does it mean where the SuperPro catalogue mentions notes like the following ;

  • 2 x Offset bushing for caster adjust
  • 1 x Standard bushing & 1 x Offset bushing kit
  • Standard replacement kit

Figure 1

I have studied this angle and its effects on driving and handling in a vehicle over the years and a quick search on Wikipedia gives us a definition and the words from the definition - car racers sometimes adjust caster angle to optimize handling characteristics in particular driving situations. I think this pretty well sums up my reason for an interest in this angle.

Caster angle is the angular displacement from the vertical axis of the suspension of a steered wheel in a car, bicycle or other vehicle, measured in the longitudinal direction. It is the angle between the pivot line (in a car - an imaginary line that runs through the center of the upper ball joint to the center of the lower ball joint) and vertical. Car racers sometimes adjust caster angle to optimize their car's handling characteristics in particular driving situations.

In Figure 1, is the caster angle, red line is the pivot line, grey area is the tire. A positive caster angle is shown with the front of the vehicle being to the left. (Wikipedia)

SuperPro origins were born out of vehicles that were not a pleasure to drive due to caster differences. These were commonly known as a pull to the left cars. Manufacturers tend to build in preset alignment specifications and in many vehicles caster adjustment was simply not offered on an original vehicle suspension system.

When wheel-aligning a car, I always went to great lengths to correct the caster on a vehicle where possible, however this was not possible that often. As a young wheel alignment mechanic, I knew motor sport offered all sorts of suspension angle adjustment so why not offer some to my customers. So, in 1987 the first SuperPro bushing were born, tested and sucessfully starting the large range we now have available.

What does an incorrect caster angle mean;

To all motorists;

  • Unpleasant handling, vehicle veers to one side of the road unless continually corrected by the driver.
  • Tyre wear, is dramatically increased due to steering correction, means extra costs.
  • In correct angles can give heavy or light steering.

To enthusiast motorists;

  • optimizing this angle gives improved handling and tyre grip.

To the wheel alignment technician;

  • an angle that can be adjusted to assist many handling options however the most obvious is;
  • to create a caster offset to negate the steering pull caused by the camber of the road.

The SuperPro bushings offer the technician three options for wheel aligning.

Standard replacement kit;   

This kit contains two replacement SuperPro bushings, designed with a minimum of noise vibration harshness. SuperPro design innovation helps to get a part with a long service life while delivering improved and positive handling and control.

1 x Standard bushing & 1 x Offset bushing kit;

A kit with one replacement bushing and one eccentric bushing, both with SuperPro design innovation. This allows the alignment technician to increase caster on one side of a vehicle and keep the other side standard.

2 x Offset bushing kit for caster adjust; 

This kit offers the alignment technician extra adjustment to change caster on both sides of the vehicle. Or, allowing the enthusiast driver to have an increase in caster on both sides of the vehicle for better performance on the track or for club motorsport work.

Today I delivered an X6 BMW to its owner, normal problem on arrival to our workshop, pulls left and having uneven tyre wear. A SuperPro caster correction kit was fitted and the car was in my different car to drive zone. The steering had feel, the vehicle tracked straight and I know this customer will get a long tyre service life.

 

alignment_castor

Monday, 22 August 2011 23:00

Machining Polyurethane

1.0) INTRODUCTION



Polyurethane is petroleum based synthetic plastic, which is available in many grades. These range from low quality materials such as those used in industrial applications; through to the Ultra high performance Polyurethane we use in our suspension bushings. In most cases there is a bushing to suit the task or we have the ability to create a bushing using our years of experience and intricate design features for your specific application. We are aware of the need for our customers to service their customers until a quality bushing can be acquired to provide a suitable long-term solution. Urethane bushing material is available in a range of sizes to suite your requirements from 25mm OD x 300mm long to 150mm OD x 300mm long which can be turned to give a short term solution. Other uses can be for industrial applications.

2.0) TOOLING



The tool listed below is for average size single-phase lathes suitable for general workshop use. The tooling may be purchased at most major engineering outlets. There are many types of grades of high-speed steel ranging from hard to grind high wear resistant, to the soft easy to grind but will wear easier. For general workshop use we have suggested TECMAX (silver) as it can be ground easily using a general workshop-grinding wheel.

2.1) Square tool bits Ultramax

Ultramax (dark gold) Tool bits are made from M IOOA - molybdenum-cobalt-vanadium type high-speed steel, which possesses a very high 'red hardness". Both the cobalt and vanadium content is higher than the M2 or M42 materials, making the Ultramax Tool bit extremely resistant to the heat of cutting and to abrasive wear. Ultramax Tool bits are recommended for production turning or machining the most difficult to machine materials. Available in square - imperial sizes.

2.2) Square tool bits - Supermax

Supermax Tool bits are made from M42 - tungsten-molybdenum-cobalt type high speed steel and possess greatly increased resistance to abrasion and a very hard "red hardness" or 'hot hardness'. They are therefore able to withstand high cutting speeds and are specially suited to production turning or machining of high alloy steels.

2.3) Square tool bits - Tecmax

TECMAX (silver) are made from M2 - tungsten-molybdenum type high-speed steel, giving them greater toughness and resistance. They are most suitable for turning or machining low alloy and free machining steels and most non-ferrous materials. Available in square ­imperial sizes, round - imperial and metric sizes.

2.4) Recommendations for Initial Users

  • Tool steel for machining poly x 2" x 3" square Tool bits - Tecmax (silver)
  • Tool steel parting tool for parting poly. M42 tungsten-molybdenum ­cobalt
    high-speed steel.
  • Holder for parting tool. Tool bit size. Note: This may change to suit different machines.

 

3.0) SPEEDS & FEEDS



3.1) Speed

These are a guide only and may vary depending on tool design, temperature and holding methods.

Drilling speed is 50% of turning speed.

P1

OD mm

70 DURO

80 DURO

90 DURO

93 DURO

ALL

2000

2000

2000

2000

3.2) Feed

P2

FINISH

70 DURO

80 DURO

90 DURO

93 DURO

Smooth

 

.083mm/REV

.133mm/REV

. 133mm/REV

Medium

 

.166mm/REV

.266mm/REV

. 266mm/REV

Coarse

 

.266mm/REV

.382mm/REV

.382mm/REV

 

4.0) TOOLING DESIGN



The most common method of sharpening is to use a bench grinder with a rough wheel to give the initial shape and then a fine stone to give the required finish. When grinding square tool bits it is recommended that they are kept as cool as possible to protect the integrity of the tool bits. This can be achieved through continually dipping the tool bit in a container with a mixture of cutting oil and water. This is even more important on the softer tool bits, as excess heat will reduce the strength and ultimately the life span. For standard machining the high-speed steel tool is to be sharpened to provide large rake angles where required. Large rake angles are required, as the feed rates are much higher for poly than metals.

If the rake angle is not great enough the poly will rub on the side of the tool causing the lathe to use excess horsepower to drive the spindle. Excessive heat build-up will occur causing excessive tool wear, reduction in tool life and the poly may start to melt rather than cut. Extra top rake can be introduced through grinding a channel along the cutting edge using the corner of the grinding wheel. Some operators prefer to use a thin cutting wheel (1mm thick) on a small hand grinder to grind the groove on the cutting edge. After the final shape has been achieved the cutting edges are polished using a fine oilstone to allow the Poly to flow over the surface with a minimal amount of friction and ensuring the cutting edge is as sharp as possible. This is important, as it will allow the swarf to flow away giving good visibility and longer tool life. There are some standard tool designs for turning poly, standard, tapered shoulder and straight shoulder designs.

Picture P3 shows some basic tool designs that are used in turning poly. These designs can be modified to produce tooling for various turned shapes.

p3 

4.1) Parting Tool

Parting tool is to be sharpened to a knife-edge.

p4 

 

5.0) JOB HOLDING



5.1) The finish on poly is usually quite smooth and is covered with a thin layer of mould release. This combined with the flexibility of poly can be quite dangerous if not held correctly when machining. When holding in a chuck it is recommended to use a 240-grit emery cloth wrapped around the poly with the grit side against the surface of the poly.

p5

5.2) Jobs can also be held on mandrels inserted into the ID (Inside diameter) of the bush. This is good on smaller diameters and for turning the OD (outside diameter) of the poly. If the poly should spin on the mandrel then either knurl the mandrel, or if it still spins then a small amount of Loc-tite 406 can be applied. NOTE: - DO NOT PUT IN CONTACT WITH SKIN

pg6

5.3) A live centre can be used when parting off long jobs but it is not recommended for general turning as the poly is not rigid enough to not flex under normal turning loads.

p7p8 

 

6.0) DRILLING



To drill poly it is important to use a sharp drill with a standard drill design. When drilling poly, allowances for the drill size need to be made as the hole will be smaller than the drill size and the poly will flex away from the drill. Drill speeds are lower than turning speeds to reduce chatter. To open a hole using a drill, leave the drill in the hole once it has been drilled and leave the chuck turning. The friction between the drill and the poly will cause the poly to melt and the hole will enlarge.

p9p10

7.0) PARTING



When parting off thick sections of poly a standard parting tool design can be used, but the face left will need to be trimmed as it will tend to melt as it cuts. This is a popular method when parting off a length to machine as shown in FIGÃ P7 and P8.

When parting off a thin section (3mm) a modified blade is required as in FIG P4. Depending on the thickness to be parted the angle of the tool is to change. If the section to be removed is 10mm thick the blade is to be at 90 degrees to the job, but if it is only 3mm thick then the angle will be 80 to 85 degrees. This angle will change depending on the hardness of the poly and the diameter. There is no exact formula for the angle of the parting tool, however it is recommended that before cutting the final job that a sample piece be parted to determine the correct angle.

 

8.0) MACHINING A SHACKLE



  • Mount SPROD in chuck using correct mounting procedure.
  • Part off a length to machine, hold in chuck and drill to correct size.
  • Mount on spindle and turn step to required size.
  • De-burr with file and face head to required thickness. Final de-burr and shackle is complete.

 

9.0) COTTON REEL



9.1) Mount SPROD in chuck.

cotton_reel1

9.2) Drill Centre Hole.

p9.2

9.3) Cut Internal Recess.

outer_recess

9.4) Plunge tool into required depth and then repeat at other end of bush.

p9.4

9.5) Plunge cut out the centre.

p9.5

9.6) Part to length and de-burr at the same time.

p9.6

9.7) Mount on metal pin and trim both ends to length.

p9.7

 

10) SUMMARY



This document is provided to give an insight to the machining of Polyurethane to qualified tradespersons only and should not be used by any person who does not have the necessary qualifications to operate the required machinery. All required safety procedures and precautions must be applied.

This document has outlined some of the basic information required for machining polyurethane to produce bushings. These basic principles can be extended as required to produce any shape required. This document does not delve into milling or grinding although these too are machining operations that are able to apply to poly in order to achieve the required shapes. Just remember to apply the basic principles outlined in this document.

 

SuperPro continues to innovate with a new web site

Making it easier than ever to sell suspension parts and polyurethane bushings SuperPro has designed a new web site for both retail and trade customers. Read the article here.
 
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association magazine – July 2011 issue

Lighter, leaner, smarter SuperPro product

SuperPro gives its customers the edge with SuperPro value add technology. SuperPro claims it likes to innovate and
these latest additions definitely support that claim. Read the article here
 
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association magazine – July 2011 issue

Thursday, 09 June 2011 22:54

Corporate Profile


11 About SuperPro


SuperPro is an innovative Australian manufacturer of automotive polyurethane suspension bushings and parts based in Brisbane, Queensland. These specially formulated, high quality components are designed to create suspension solutions for better stability, handling and control in both on and off-road applications.

Manufactured in Australia
  • Biggest range of polyurethane bushes & sway bar bushing kits
  • Quality solutions, global service with replacement and performance applications
  • Designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia
  • Unlimited Warranty*

With over 30 years of experience in suspension and chassis systems in some of the toughest environments in the world, SuperPro is a member of a group of products and services that involve service workshops, wheel alignment specialists and wholesale distribution centres for a variety of suspension products. The company is focused on quality, service and innovation and has an enviable reputation in its core markets.

In Australia, the range is widely distributed and available through most leading wholesalers and retail outlets. These include Burson Auto Parts, Fulcrum Suspensions and SuperCheap Auto. SuperPro is also the preferred choice of many suspension and chassis service specialists. 

 


 

Polyurethane: The base of SuperPro

Polyurethane is an elastomer base material, and is a class of “Thermosetting” synthetic polymer that involves the reaction of various types of isocyanate resin with curing agents, to give an extremely durable material with the best features of rubber and plastic. SuperPro is unique as it is the only polyurethane product range fully backed by a professional research and development program based on many years of hands on experience in the suspension industry. The SuperPro brand of Polyurethane has received an excellent reputation in recent years for it’s consistent quality and extensive range. SuperPro is not only an accepted product in Australia, but now has acceptance and is being exported to an international market.



The SuperPro Range

SuperPro's extensive product range is supported by a full time, dedicated R & D Team. This results in products suited for all markets and global applications, yet still designed and developed in Australia for maintaining the highest quality and reliability of supply. Superpro has deep experience in 

  • Alignment Products
  • Complete Bushing Kits
  • Performance Suspension
  • Suspension Bushes
  • Roll Control Products
  • Sway Bar Bushing
  • Universal Products

 


SuperPro: A Global Reach

earthWe have global vehicle application coverage including poly bushing and suspension parts. Though the range is generally uniformly supported, some distributors work in specialised areas like 4 x 4, performance, industrial and commercial. SuperPro is currently available in all the major world markets and has dedicated representation in Europe, UK and North America. Active SuperPro representatives can be found in:

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australia
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • New Zealand
  • North America
  • United Kingdom

 

 

 

SuperPro’s years of experience, innovation and use of durable materials are credited with the development of a Bush kit solution for the Land Rover Discovery Series 3 in a report in Junes edition of Professional Motor Mechanic.

The Group N Bush Kits are said to provide a great improvement for Rally drivers as well as delivering low maintenance and durable solution.

"SuperPro Impreza Group N Bush Kit. For flat-out flat fours!" from www.jdmlegion.com

"SuperPro Impreza Group N bush kit - for flat-out flat fours" from www.easier.com

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