1. Industry Trend Analysis
As the logistics industry thrives and freight volumes continue to rise, the market for semi-trailer axles, as a crucial transportation tool, is also showing strong expansion trends. Currently, China’s semi-trailer axle assembly market is massive and is expected to grow steadily with an annual growth rate over the next few years.
Policy guidance has played a crucial role in driving industry development. National strategies such as Made in China 2025 have actively promoted the upgrading and transformation of manufacturing, creating an extremely favorable environment for the semi-trailer axle assembly market. The government strongly encourages technological innovation and green development, accelerating the market’s move towards more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. For example, the high focus on green logistics and energy conservation has led to a significant increase in demand for axle assemblies with high performance and low emissions.
In terms of technological development trends, digitalization and intelligence have become significant drivers propelling the market forward. The intelligent axle assembly system based on Internet of Things technology can achieve remote monitoring, fault prediction, and maintenance optimization, significantly enhancing operational efficiency while effectively reducing maintenance costs. Moreover, the growing popularity of electric semi-trailers has also introduced new demands for axle assemblies, compelling manufacturers to continuously develop more adaptable products.
From the perspective of market competition, major domestic manufacturers have successfully secured a certain market shares. Leading companies have significantly enhanced their competitiveness through technological innovation and brand building. In the future, as the market continues to develop, the demand for high efficiency, low energy consumption, and intelligent levels will become increasingly stringent. Companies need to continuously strengthen their R&D and supply chain management capabilities to better meet market demands.
2. Materials and New Technologies
2.1 Material application
2.1.1 High-strength Alloy Steel
At present, the commonly used material for semi-trailer axles is high-strength alloy steel. This kind of steel has high strength and toughness, can withstand large loads and impact forces, and ensure the reliability and durability of axles under complex working conditions.
2.1.2 Aluminum Alloy Materials
Aluminum alloys boast advantages such as low density, light weight, and excellent corrosion resistance. With continuous advancements in aluminum alloy manufacturing technology, aluminum alloy axles have gradually gained prominence in the market. Although the cost of aluminum alloy axles is relatively high, their significant weight reduction effectively reduces vehicle energy consumption and improves transportation efficiency. They hold broad application prospects in transport scenarios where cost sensitivity is low and high performance is prioritized.
2.1.3 Composite Materials
Carbon fiber reinforced plastics and other composite materials possess excellent properties such as high strength, low density, and corrosion resistance, making them widely used in the aerospace industry. In recent years, with the gradual reduction in the cost of composite materials, their application in semi-trailer axles has also gained attention. In the future, composite materials are expected to see broader use in axle manufacturing, further promoting the development of lighter and higher-performance axles.
2.2 Application of New Technologies
2.2.1 One-piece Extrusion Process
By using the one-piece extrusion process to produce axles, it can reduce the number of connection points between components, enhance the overall strength and stiffness of the axle, while also reducing errors in the manufacturing process, improving its mechanical property largely. For example, axles manufactured using the forging one-piece extrusion process have a more compact internal structure and better mechanical properties.
2.2.2 Heat Treatment Technology
Advanced heat treatment technologies, such as integral heat treatment forming, can improve the micro-structure and properties of axle materials, enhancing the hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength of axles.
2.2.3 Surface Treatment Technology
Electroplating, painting, galvanizing and other surface treatment technologies can form a protective film on the surface of the axle to prevent rust and corrosion and prolong the service life of the axle. At the same time, surface treatment can also improve the appearance quality of the axle and enhance the market competitiveness of the product.
2.2.4 Intelligent Sensing Technology
Installing various sensors on the axle, such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and displacement sensors, can monitor the operating condition of the axle in real time, enabling intelligent management of the axle. Through intelligent sensing technology, potential faults in the axle can be detected promptly, allowing for early corrective measures to prevent accidents and ensure transportation safety.
3. User Guide and Operation Manual
3.1 Pre-use Inspection of New Cars
Before the first use of a new car, it is necessary to check all parts of the axle, including whether the tire pressure is normal, whether the bolts and nuts are fastened, whether the braking system is sensitive and effective, and whether the bearing lubrication is good. Only when the axle is in the best condition can it be put into use.
3.2 Daily Operation Precautions
During vehicle operation, sharp braking and acceleration should be avoided to prevent excessive impact on the axle. At the same time, the goods shall be loaded in strict accordance with the rated load of the vehicle, and overloading is strictly prohibited. Overloading can subject the axle to excessive pressure, not only shortening its lifespan but also severely threatening driving safety. Additionally, when passing over a bumpy road or speed bump, you need to slow down in advance to reduce the bumps and vibrations on the axle.
3.3 Special Situation Response
If the vehicle is submerged for an extended period or if the axle gets wet, stop immediately and check. If the semi-trailer briefly passes through a flooded area, promptly visit the nearest service station to inspect the axle components for any residual water, sand, or other contaminants after driving.
If the vehicle has been submerged for a long time and the water level exceeds the wheel hub cover, a thorough inspection and treatment must be conducted before re-use. This includes opening the wheel hub cover to check for signs of water ingress inside, examining whether the lubricating grease and bearings in the wheel hub system have failed or damaged; checking if there is any mud or sand on the surface of the brake pads and rinsing them with plenty of clean water; marking the current gap position of the self-aligning arm, adjusting the gap to its maximum, and repeatedly pressing the brake to see if the self-aligning arm gap can return to its original marked position to determine if it operates normally; checking if water has entered the connection between the disc brake cylinder push rod and the brake caliper; and checking if water has entered the exhaust port of the dual-chamber cylinder to prevent airway blockage leading to brake failure.
4. Installation and Use
4.1 Installation Steps
First, the axle is connected to the semi-trailer beam through the suspension system, and the bolts and nuts at the connection parts are fastened reliably to meet the specified torque requirements. During the installation process, attention should be paid to the installation angle and position of the axle, to ensure that the axle is perpendicular to the beam, and the axle distance between each axle meets the vehicle design requirements. Installing the braking system, including the brake chamber, brake lines, and brake pads, ensures that the brake lines are tightly connected with no leaks, and adjusts the clearance between the brake pads and the brake drum or disc appropriately to ensure good braking performance. Installing the wheel hubs and tires, mounts the wheel hubs on the axle ends, tightening the hub nuts, and installing the tires while securing the tire bolts to the specified torque. After installation, you need to check the tire dynamic balance and four-wheel alignment to ensure the stability of the vehicle during operation.
4.2 Installation Precautions
During the installation process, appropriate tools must be used, and operations should strictly follow the procedures to avoid damage or improper installation due to incorrect handling. Attention should be paid to the cleaning of each part to prevent impurities from entering the bearing, braking system and other key parts, affecting the normal operation of the axle. After the installation is completed, it needs to be fully adjusted and checked, including the exhaust of the braking system, the test of the braking effect, the inspection of the tightening of each part of the axle, etc., to ensure that the axle is correctly installed before it can be put into use.
5. Maintenance and Maintenance
5.1 Regular Inspection
Check the appearance of the axle regularly to see if there are any deformations, cracks, or other abnormalities.
Inspect the tire wear; if there is abnormal wear, adjust the four-wheel alignment or replace the tires promptly.
Regularly check the braking system, including the wear of the brake pads, the operation of the brake chamber, and whether there is any leakage in the brake lines. When the brake pads wear down to near their maximum thickness, they should be replaced immediately; if you notice any abnormal operation of the brake chamber or leakage in the brake lines, repair or replace the relevant parts promptly.
Regularly check the lubrication of the bearings and replenish or replace the lubricating grease. Generally, bearings need to be inspected and maintained after a certain mileage.
5.2 Maintenance Points
Keep the axle clean, regularly remove dust, mud, and other debris from the surface of the axle to prevent corrosion and wear.
Lubricate all connection points of the axle periodically, such as the pins and bolts in the suspension system, to ensure smooth movement and reduce wear. When the vehicle is parked for a long time, start it regularly to rotate the axle and prevent rusting due to prolonged inactivity. Additionally, park the vehicle in a dry and well-ventilated area to avoid moisture and rust on the axle.
The semi-trailer axle, as a critical component, directly affects the vehicle operational safety and transportation efficiency. Understanding industry trends, product features, usage methods, and maintenance points is crucial for both vehicle owners and logistics companies. This knowledge helps them make more informed decisions, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of their semi-trailers.
