INin September, the 3 millionth axle rolled off the DAF Trucks Vlaanderen assembly line. This significant event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the plant in Westerlo (Belgium). A large-scale investment in modern production facilities has enabled the creation of a new generation of rear axles, unmatched in terms of efficiency.
To guarantee maximum efficiency and advanced quality of power lines, DAF Trucks company throughout its history independently developed and produced axles for its vehicles. In 1971, production was transferred to the Westerlo plant, where high-end cabs for DAF vehicles are also assembled.
More than 600 front and rear axles are produced every day at the plant, located along the E313 between Liège and Antwerp. “Since each truck is unique, the axles are also assembled to order with specific tasks in mind,” explains George Backwilder, director of the axle manufacturing plant. – Front axles, steering axles, additional drive axles, tandems with single and double wheels, steered axles, axles with and without hub gearboxes – the possibilities offered by DAF are endless. Here in Westerlo, we assemble each axle individually, just as our factories in Eindhoven assemble trucks.”
The main supplier of bus manufacturers
In addition to axles for trucks, DAF Trucks Vlaanderen also produces several thousand axles a year for manufacturers of city and tourist buses. These axles are used all over the world, usually in combination with PACCAR engines, also made by DAF.
Increasing efficiency
From a layman’s point of view, it may seem that the axles of trucks have practically not changed in recent decades. In fact, it is not. The mass decreased significantly, and at the same time, their strength, rigidity and durability of the axles increased. Decisive measures were also taken to improve efficiency: the machining technology was changed for more accurate and high-quality engagement of the gears inside the differential.
A new generation of rear axles
The rear axles for the new generation DAF XF, XG and XG⁺, the launch of which is scheduled for early October, will be a new important milestone in the development of technology. These axles are not only much lighter and stronger than their predecessors, they are also 3% more efficient. This was achieved due to the reduction of friction losses in the axle housing due to the use of new bearings and seals of the drive gears of the on-board transmission and the reduction of the oil level.
Investment in technology
According to Beckwilder, DAF does not plan to stop there: “Currently, DAF invests tens of millions in production in order to fully control the entire axle production process, from welding and sandblasting to the production of hubs. This investment will provide DAF and its customers with a qualitative advantage over competitors, because thanks to this axles will always fit the vehicle reliably and will be able to guarantee durability, high performance characteristics and minimal costs per kilometer of mileage.”
Protection of the population and the planet
The investment will provide a significant improvement in working conditions for the 600 employees of the 25,000 square meter axle manufacturing plant, not to mention environmental benefits. “The equipment will work much more quietly; heavy work will be performed by high-tech methods. Increasing the sustainability of technological processes will allow, for example, to reduce the amount of chemical waste by 98%. In this way, ergonomics and care for the environment go hand in hand with increased quality and efficiency.”
