Smithers Rapra Introduces Additional Wheel Testing Capacity and Capabilities at North American Lab

AKRON, Ohio - Aug. 29, 2018 - PRLog -- Smithers Rapra, a world leader in rubber, plastics, and composites testing expertise, announced today the addition of new wheel testing capabilities at its Tire and Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio. The new machinery is currently operational and can test most car, SUV, and light truck wheels in the passenger vehicle market.

Smithers Rapra is able to test wheels up to 24"x13" with a machine load rating of 5,000 ft/lb. A PLC computer controls the load and speed to be applied during testing periods, as well as monitoring the deflection.

"Recent trends toward larger wheel sizes on SUVs and trucks have created a need for testing of larger diameter wheels," said Dr. Jim Popio, Vice President - North America, Smithers Rapra. "This new machine addresses the shift in the wheel market by accommodating 24-inch wheels and using more sophisticated data controls in product analysis for our clients."

All new bearings and controls will also benefit Smithers' clients, as the laboratory performs precisely controlled and repeatable wheel testing to meet exact specifications. Tests conducted by Smithers can help OEMs and aftermarket manufacturers better understand the life and performance of the wheel, their liability positions, and their warranty potential.

Smithers Rapra operates tire and wheel testing laboratories in North America and China, covering a wide variety of services, such as fatigue (https://www.smithersrapra.com/testing-services/by-sector/...), impact, hydrostatic burst, strain gauging, rim contour, metallurgical (https://www.smithersrapra.com/testing-services/by-sector/...), and coating analysis. Smithers' wheel testing specifications cover a wide variety of industry standard tests including SAE, SFI, ABNT, ASTM, and ISO, as well as real-world and on-road tests, such as torque retention studies. For more information about Smithers Rapra, visit www.smithersrapra.com.

About Smithers Rapra:

Smithers Rapra has been a trusted partner of the plastics and rubber industries for over 90 years. Our business is built around delivering a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic testing services to support a wide range of industry sectors including tire, automotive, polymer products, oil and gas, medical device, pharmaceutical, transport, packaging, industrial, and consumer products. A member of the Smithers Group of companies, Smithers Rapra is one of six member companies providing technology based services to a diverse set of industry segments. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the lifecycle of our clients' products. For more information, visit www.smithersrapra.com or www.smithers.com.

You can reach the Smithers Rapra North America office at:

425 West Market Street

Akron, Ohio 44303

Telephone: 330-762-7441

www.smithersrapra.com