Plastic frames on test
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• M&G Tankers and Trailers of Lye near Stourbridge is developing a range of subframe systems using fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) which are said to suit any type of chassis.
The design comprises a onepiece moulding of sandwich construction with integral fixings. It is produced using the closed-mould technique used for the company's FRP road tanker of the mid-seventies. Prototype frames are now undergoing stress analysis and finite element tests: following trials the first models will be used beneath 7.31m (24ft) bodies on 17-tonne rigids which are due to enter service this year.
Once they have been proven in service other models will be launched for drawbar outfits and semi-trailers. They will be available to bodybuilders for about the same price as all-aluminium frames.
A number of sectors including the breweries are said to be "very interested" in the concept. M&G's general manager Brian Field says that FRP subframes are lighter than conventional systems, are uniformly made and eliminate the need for cross-members. There are also environmental benefits as less energy is required to produce them than with an aluminium or steel fabrication.
The only metal inserts will be compression-type fixings to suit any form of bodywork.
Field says they have a high resistance to abrasion and although any type of body flooring can be used he recommends ultra high density polyethylene.
As most trucks tend to have hardwood floors this would be another ecological benefit. It would be eminently suitable for use with reefers due to its thermal characteristics and resistance to moisture.
M&G has also developed steel and extruded aluminium underframe systems to suit metal body floor bearers. The metal channelling will be pre-punched, forming lugs that will accept any type of body-mounting bracket.
According to sales director Gerald Broadbent: "The final design will be fully sympathetic with any manufacturer's requirements". Like the FRP subframe the metal systems will be used initially on 17-tonne rigids.
M&G's 60-strong workforce is building up to 15 trailers a week with 10`!. of its 9,300m2 (100,000f0 site devoted to refurbishing. The company also imports Italian-made tanker barrels from OMEP: a non-tipping version recently entered Rugby Cement's fleet.