Precise, Consistent Molding. Every Time.
Designing performance bushings and mounts for BMWs from the ground up means we must research, develop and build entirely new components for our manufacturing processes. This includes our very own molds. Producing our own molds allows us complete control over our designs, tolerances, and ultimately, the precision fitment of AKG Motorsport’s parts on a vehicle.
Our Polyurethane Is Not Their Polyurethane.
Like most materials in life, polyurethane is not created equal. It is available in a wide range of compounds and durometers, from an even wider range of suppliers. It can have a variety of characteristics, with quality ranging from substandard to high-grade. Both cheap polyurethane and questionable manufacturing processes are leading causes of pre-mature component failure.
It is extremely important to use both a quality compound and a sufficient durometer, both of which are able to withstand the abuses of automotive performance applications. For this reason, we use the highest-quality, US Military Spec polyurethane available – and why you should demand nothing less.
And Our Processes Are Not Their Processes.
A precision-designed mold means nothing without the use of high-quality polyurethane, but it’s the molding process that ultimately dictates the quality, durability and consistent reliability of AKG performance parts. This is why we use state-of-the-art polyurethane manufacturing processes.
Our ISO 9001:2015 certified processes contain many important steps, including constant machine calibrations and a continuous, stringent analysis of raw materials. Add in-house product evaluations and real world testing under racing conditions for a process unrivaled by any other.
Plastics Need Not Apply.
Polyurethane is an elastomer in the rubber family; it is not a plastic. We specifically exclude the use of plastics (Delrin, UHMW) and nylons in all of our motor mounts, transmission mounts and suspension bushings. Through years of research and product testing, we’ve come to the conclusion that neither hard plastic nor nylon are suitable for use in these locations, due to these materials’ lower impact and abrasion resistance, as well as their lack of memory – important characteristics for these applications.
By lack of memory, we mean that if Delrin, UHMW or nylon is compressed, it does not return to its original dimensions and is forever deformed – something unacceptable in a high-tolerance, automotive performance application. AKG’s high-quality polyurethane does have this memory and will revert to its original, intended design. It also has a much longer life expectancy than plastics, nylons and conventional rubber.
AKG 75D > Delrin
We also exclude the use of Delrin (a plastic) in our motor mounts, transmission mounts and suspension bushings due to its brittleness. Our proprietary 75D polyurethane compound has virtually the same hardness as Delrin, but is not a brittle material and is therefore much better suited for these applications in virtually every way.
