Blog 37: Durability testing - Test rig and design changes to avoid delamination

Blog 37: Durability testing - Test rig and design changes to avoid delamination

Delamination was one of the biggest challenges I faced during the development of Hollow Wheels. Early prototypes struggled with the bond between the urethane and the core separating under high-speed, high-heat, or high-stress conditions.

This issue compromises both performance and durability, particularly for riders pushing the limits on rough terrains or steep inclines. For Hollow Wheels to stand out, solving delamination was non-negotiable.

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I knew addressing this issue would require more than guesswork—it demanded precision testing and design innovation. That’s where my custom test rig came in.

The Solution: My Custom Test Rig

I designed and built a durability test rig to accelerate and refine the testing process. This custom-built tool allowed me to simulate the real-world forces and stresses that lead to delamination, providing actionable data in a fraction of the time traditional methods would take.

 

Here’s how the test rig addressed delamination:

  • Simulating Real-World Stress: The rig features a large rotating drum with .5-inch bar stock, replicating repeated bumps and vibrations. In just five minutes, it can simulate 100,000 impacts, providing invaluable data on how the wheels handle mechanical stress.
  • High-Speed Rolling Conditions: With speeds up to 40 mph, the rig mimics the rolling resistance and forces experienced during intense rides, identifying weaknesses in the wheel's bond.
  • Heat Resistance Testing: By running wheels at prolonged high speeds, the rig testing resulted in temperatures exceeding 165°F, revealing how heat impacts the urethane-core bond.
  • Adjustable Load and Resistance: Using weights and brakes, I tested how the wheels performed under varying loads and road resistances, such as uphill and downhill simulations.

 

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Design Improvements

The data from the test rig guided critical design changes to eliminate delamination and improve overall durability:

  1. Core Reinforcement: The hollow core was re-engineered to manage heat expansion and stress distribution, reducing pressure on the urethane-core bond.
  2. Optimized Urethane Formula: After testing over 30 compounds, I settled on a formulation that balances flexibility, durability, and heat resistance.
  3. Advanced Bonding Techniques: Innovative methods strengthened the urethane-core connection, ensuring it withstands extreme conditions.
  4. Iterative Tooling: Over 10 iterations of tooling refined the wheel’s geometry to minimize stress points and enhance overall performance.

 

Real Results

Thanks to the test rig and these enhancements, delamination is no longer a concern. Hollow Wheels are now precision-engineered for durability, offering unparalleled grip, comfort, and long-term performance.

The test rig didn’t just expedite testing—it revolutionized it. It allowed me to measure, analyze, and refine every aspect of the wheel, ensuring that every rider gets a product built to endure the toughest challenges.

Why This Matters

For me, durability isn’t just about making a product that lasts. It’s about ensuring every rider can trust their wheels to perform under any condition—whether cruising, carving, or pushing boundaries. The test rig is a physical manifestation of my commitment to delivering a product that’s been tested to extremes, so you can enjoy every ride without compromise.

 

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  • Set of 4 Hollow Wheels V3
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Hollow Wheels aren’t just wheels. They’re the result of years of relentless engineering, innovation, and refinement—backed by over $100,000 in R&D. And the journey doesn’t stop here. I’ll continue testing, tweaking, and improving because that’s what it takes to make the best wheels on the market.

Thanks for being part of this journey. Let’s ride further, faster, and better together.

Cheers,
Doug

 

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