Soucy Baron exceed the high standards Dodge requires for elastomeric couplings

Soucy Baron
Industrial
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Dodge Industrial is known globally for its leading mechanical power transmission products. The elastomeric couplings that Dodge provides must comply with strict specifications and meet high standards to cushion shock loads, dampen vibration and withstand exposure to various chemicals and other hostile environments. The stiffness of each coupling is a primary factor in determining the best coupling for each application.

Power transmission products from Dodge must meet both performance and appearance standards. Dodge needed a manufacturer that could not only meet technical specifications, but also provide custom white markings on the rubber areas of the couplings.

As Soucy Baron is known for innovative manufacturing solutions, developing custom rubber compounds and solving NVH (Noise, Vibration Harshness) issues, Dodge asked for assistance with several manufacturing requirements. First, the Dodge E10 coupling needed to provide corrosion resistance and eliminate cracking. The previous process coated both the metal and rubber areas of the coupling. The coating chemically changed the physical properties of the rubber, increasing the likelihood of cracking. 

Soucy Baron engineers changed the coating to Chemlok® and modified the application process so that the metal rings are coated before the rubber is bonded onto the coupling. In addition, Soucy Baron used their compounding expertise to develop specific formulas for each size coupling in the E series. The compound is now optimized for each individual size coupling rather than using one formula for all size couplings and changing the molding time in an attempt to meet stiffness requirements. 

The second requirement was to develop a means of marking the couplings with a white Dodge logo that met the aesthetic branding requirements set by Dodge. The marking process had to be fast enough to keep up with the overall production rate and ensure that the white didn’t turn yellow after being applied to the black rubber component. To meet Dodge’s marking requirements, Soucy Baron developed a customized automated marking process that maintained the bright white color called for by Dodge.

Soucy Baron’s refined coating process using Chemlok® reduced the amount of coating required, improved the efficacy of the coating and didn’t compromise the physical properties of the rubber. This new coating and process went beyond simply meeting the requirements set by Dodge; it also produced a significant improvement in the fit, finish and overall aesthetic look of the coupling.

The custom compounds Soucy Baron developed for each size coupling have improved quality at a fundamental level compared to simply adjusting molding times for different sizes. With the size-specific compounds, Soucy Baron can consistently produce optimized parts with excellent stiffness performance well within acceptable tolerances. 

The automated marking process and equipment that Soucy Baron developed delivers the precision and repeatability needed to ensure that the final branded parts meet the high quality levels demanded by Dodge.

 “Optimizing the coating process, developing custom compounds, doing tool trials and molding trials, while also developing a marking system put our expertise to good use.” - Patrice de Martin, Project Lead, engineering at Soucy Baron.

Dodge appreciates the increased quality, improved production efficiency and brand enhancing marking of the parts produced by Soucy Baron. Dodge continues to work with Soucy Baron on new projects.

DODGE is a trademark and brand of DODGE INDUSTRIAL, INC.

CHEMLOK® is a registered trademark of LORD CORPORATION.

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