Joint axle project
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THE prototypes of the Rockwell/IVECO joint axle project will be exhibited at the Motor Show in October.
These axles are the result of the technical agreement reached between Rockwell and IVECO to produce a family of axles with a capacity ranging from 6.8 to 13 tonnes.
" The axles will be produced at the former Fiat bus factory at Cameri for general availability by late 1983.
The joint company is known as Rockwell CVC (commercial vehicle components) and the resultant axles will be available to any interested company.
The formation of Rockwell CVC was to guarantee a high volume for the axles with the resultant cost benefits.
Rockwell's existing factory — Maudsley (United Kingdom) — will continue to supply specialised axles for low volume needs while the Magirus plant at Ulm will still produce the hub reduction axles.
The Rockwell CVC axles will all be single-reduction designs but the company accepts that the low (numerically high) axle ratios required by off-road vehicles need hub-reduction axles because of the necessary ground clearance.
The factory is 30km north of Milan and has a potential capacity of up to 100,000 units per year following a $200m investment which includes a significant level of automation and robotics. Future axles will also incorporate Rockwell's experience in the USA with aluminium.
For the 13-tonne axles, for example, specifying aluminium for the housing and the hubs will save 60kg (1351b) on a solo axle and up to 100kg (2251b) for a tandem.
Rockwell CVC marketing and engineering support will eventually be carried out in two tiers.
One tier directed to original engineering manufacturer requirements will provide technical assistance in the application and installation of the axles while the other tier will be in contact with the vehicle users.
Below: The prototype of the Rockwell CVC axle will be shown at Birmingham in October.