Tie rods are key linkages in suspension systems. When it comes to choosing a manufacturer for OEM tie rods used in an agricultural or construction machine, you want a partner who can produce strong, reliable tie rods to withstand heavy environmental conditions.
Where do you buy your steel?
Steel is one of the most important elements when making a tie rod. Quality steel means the difference between a long-lasting linkage and one that succumbs to pressure under heavy load due to tough working conditions. Knowing the source of the steel is helpful as the amount of chromium can vary slightly.
>>>Read: What You Need to Know About Chinese Steel in Bearings<<<
What kind of testing do you do to the steel?
It’s not enough for a manufacturer to say that they buy high-quality steel. How do they prove that each batch meets their standards? And, what are their standards – a recognized international standard or an internal standard? Some companies use both, such as the GB standard plus:
- Strict specifications on inclusion and carbide distribution
- Heat treatment to increase material impact load capacity
- Adding diffusion normalizing heat treatment
Can you trace back an end product to the steel lot?
For an agriculture or construction OEM, risk management is paramount when it comes to product development. Knowing that your tie rod supplier can trace the final product back to a specific steel lot that was tested for adherence to the manufacturer’s standards gives peace of mind.
The ability to trace a product throughout the manufacturing process also means that you have a supplier who takes customer specifications and internal production requirements seriously.