CLEVELAND, Ohio — Alcoa Wheel Products has patented its Dura-Flange aluminum wheel surface treatment which the company says protects against rim flange wear in heavy-duty applications.

The specialized protectant was developed for applications where loads are heavy and prone to shifting, such as logging, tanker and heavy hauling.

“Excessive rim flange wear is a phenomenon experienced by a number of heavy hauling fleets across North America, Australia and Europe, and this development has proven to be the answer to one of their primary safety and maintenance concerns,” said Mark Holtz, marketing and technology manager, commercial vehicle wheels, Alcoa Wheel Products. “Wheels with excessive rim flange wear can develop a sharp edge that must be removed. This treatment eliminates the maintenance necessary to maintain the rim flanges when wear occurs.”

The product was tested extensively in Canada, Alcoa told Truck News in a recent interview. The company says the treatment provides a protective shield that prevents up to 90 per cent of rim flange wear, extending the life of the wheel.

For information, visit www.alcoawheels.com.