Download 1) Welcome everybody and thanks for joining us today. We are here

1)
Welcome everybody and thanks for joining us today. We are here this morning to talk to you about a global
collaboration between Huntsman Tecnoelastomeri and Raeder Vogel, two companies that are working
together to introduce to market MDI-based polyurethane supersize wheels (diameter >1m).
Huntsman Tecnoelastomeri is a full technology provider in the hot cast elastomer market: we offer both
TECNOTHANE® MDI systems and CASTECH® machines; while Raeder Vogel is a key global player in the
manufacture of polyurethane wheels.
Today I am going to explain about the markets we are approaching with our supersize wheels, their key
performance benefits, and our route to market.
2)
Our first success was with Dango & Dienethal, which recently purchased six wheels from Raeder Vogel,
which have a diameter of about two meters. Dango produces and sells vehicles to the foundry industry. Mr.
Buch, purchasing manager at Dango, has said that the key benefits associated with our supersize wheels
are production improvements and consequently, greater customer satisfaction. Using the wheels Dango
can take advantage of parts with a longer life time, better wear and tear capabilities, and no safety issues:
there is no need to inflate the wheels created by Raeder Vogel and the risk of tires exploding is also
reduced. Furthermore, with our technology, it is possible to decrease noise and reduce the destruction of
concrete.
3)
Applications for the supersize wheels include open pit and underground mining: our biggest markets.
However, the wheels can be used on any vehicle, from underground drilling and special mining equipment
to load, haul and dump (LHD) machines and shuttle cars. We have special and tailor made technologies
than can be adapted according to requirements. In these ‘other’ markets we are approaching both original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and retailers. In the case of retailers we are first communicating with
decision makers in mining. Because the use of our technology will affect retailer sales (our PU wheels are
more durable than rubber) we need mining equipment specifiers to ask for our technology and convince
retailers to purchase it.
4)
Now, let’s speak briefly about the performance of these supersize polyurethane wheels in comparison to
alternatives made from rubber – our main competitive material.
What’s key in mining is cost, particularly now that low oil and gas prices are negatively affecting the value
of mining To measure wheel cost, cost/tes transported is considered. This is of course linked to durability,
and polyurethanes have a lifetime that is about three to four times higher than rubber. On top of that, due
to higher loading capacity (also three to four times higher than rubber), we can produce wheels at half the
thickness of rubber. The abrasion resistance of polyurethane is also double that of rubber as is resistance to
impact, which is very important in mining. Here, tear strength is five times that of rubber. Another
advantage is starting and rolling resistance, which can result in lower fuel consumption. With regard to
traction or slip resistance, the performance of polyurethane is almost the same as rubber.
5)
The tailor made options available from polyurethane-based systems offer other advantages too. With
polyurethanes you can have different colors that can be used for communication or better visibility in
mining environments; for example, yellow or red. You can have different thickness parts. We can use
different MDI system technologies depending on market requirements. Furthermore, it is safer and easier
to replace polyurethane wheels in mining as it is simple to do so – as you can see from these pictures. Lastly,
as previously mentioned, with our wheels there is no risk of blowouts and you do not need to inflate
wheels for use in difficult environments such as mines.
6)
One final point to stress is that we can offer lower thickness wheels that have comparable properties. This
enables OEMs to produce lower height vehicles. This is key when vehicles have to go inside small tunnels.
In fact, we have just received an order from an OEM that is going to produce similar vehicles to test this
concept. This is our first sale in mining so we’ll be monitoring data and results closely and using the
information to prove our value proposition and scale up our sales in the short term.
7)
To conclude, I would like to summarize our route to the market.
As mentioned previously, at Huntsman Tecnoelastomeri we are able to supply a full technology offer to the
elastomer manufacturing industry through our CASTECH machines and TECNOTHANE MDI systems. To
produce its PEVOTEC supersize wheels Raeder Vogel uses our full pack technologies. To produce one wheel
takes almost one month, including post curing, compared to six months for a rubber wheel. – so there are
big production savings available Then, Raeder Vogel – with its worldwide network of offices and
warehouses – is able to supply supersize wheels all around the world. Raeder Vogel also has a service
structure close to mining customers to provide just-in-time assistance.
Thanks for your attention.