Document JvNN6aqyJmV8r65ednbnJy6ZO

FILE NAME: Abex (ABX) DATE: 1980 May 27 DOC#: ABX126 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo RE Non-Asbestos Materials An cC S n tu s lrie s Company Date: May 27, 1980 Subject: NON-ASBESTOS MATERIALS From : To: B. Iwarsson Steve Conway Memorandum On Frank Herlihy's request, I am hereby submitting a summary on the status of our non-asbestos program. . TECHNOLOGY First, it should be realized that the technology to produce friction materials with non-asbestos formulations has existed for many years. The problem has been to do so without a major price and weight penalty. The most common solution was based on a resin-bonded metallic formula tion; and, over the years, we have successfully produced blocks, strips and disc brake parts on this basis. However, until recently, the only serious commercial application of RBM materials was to be found in high performance passenger car disc brakes. This technology was developed by our European operation and later adapted for application in the U.S. Early in 1979, we developed a non-asbestos/non-metallic formulation for strip linings. After considerable dynamometer and vehicle tests, a revised version was introduced to the marketplace in 1980. In order to produce the same basic formula in blocks, we first had to solve some manufacturing process problems. This was accomplished in the Spring of 1980. The blocks are currently being dynamometer and vehicle tested by Abex as well as by Rockwell and Eaton. We expect to introduce these blocks in cormiercial quantities later this year. ASBESTOS REGULATIONS The current limit of 2f/CM3 is in jeopardy. A new limit of 0.2f/CM3 has been proposed by NIOSH and OSHA. Although implementation might be delayed by court action, the end of asbestos as a raw material for friction products is in sight. SPNY 003566 NON-ASBESTOS MATERIALS To: Steve Conway May 27, 1980 Page 2 MARKET Strip Lining -- Until so legislated, the market would probably not demand hon-asbestos materials for the reason that they are asbestos-free. However, the market might demand non-asbestos materials based on their technical capabilities and performance characteristics. And that is pre cisely the essence of our marketing program for these new materials. This new generation of friction materials offers a significant improvement in wear rate for both the lining and the drum. The fact that this first commercial application of non-asbestos/non-metallie formulations was made for the school bus market has further improved the reception it has received. Block -- We are currently road testing non-asbestos/non-metallie blocks that have been dynamometer tested and look extremely good. As pre viously stated, introduction of asbestos-free blocks in commercial quantities will take place later this year and will probably have an immediate application in those areas where drum wear has been a major problem. Again, it will be for technical reasons that this material finds a niche in the marketplace Disc Brake -- Other than RBM materials, we do not have a viable non-asbestos formulation at this time. However, we do expect to be testing a new non-asbestos/non-metallic formulation before the end of the year. MARKETING During 1979, we had friction material manufacturers announce their intention to have a complete non-asbestos line by 1981 or 1982. Shortly thereafter, some of them introduced the first formulations. Abex elected to keep a very low profile since our materials were still being tested and reformu lated. Since new materials always are subject to more rigorous testing by the O.E. manufacturer, we elected to do our homework thoroughly before intro ducing our new formulations. This paid off: our competitors failed with their candidates, and we succeeded with ours. When we knew that we had a viable product, it was introduced under the name of STAR LINE. This name was arrived at after thorough evaluation of other possibilities; such as, "XL," "Tiger," and "Alpha," etc., all of which were discarded for one reason or another. The name STAR LINE applies to all non-asbestos formulas; the metallic version is called STAR MET. SPNY 003567 NON-ASBESTOS MATERIALS To: Steve Conway May 27, 1980 Page 3 All STAR LINE materials have at least one thing in common: they are high quality, high performance materials that thus cost more than other formulations. In summary, I would like to point out that the new STAR LINE has been exceptionally well received in the marketplace. However, I hasten to also point out that requirements from the Aftermarket are extremely small; and in the O.E. market, our customers' interest is primarily based on a concern for anti-asbestos legislation. Please find enclosed also some samples of existing and future advertising programs. Bl/ad cc: F. Herlihy Enclosures B. 'Iwarsson SpNY 003568 /-k *X: November l8, 190 Abex Corporation RailroatH'Foducts Group Ms. Grace Duffy, Industrial Hygienist United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Suite 600, U00 Penn Center Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 152; REFERENCE: Follow-up Inspection Dear Grace, To confirm our^telephone conversation on Tuesday, November 18, 19^0, it is now the position of Abex Corporation to limit follow up OSHA inspections only to those areas that have been cited. Therefore, on your follow up visit, we will allow sampling for crystalline silica (quartz) and only in the cleaning room and shakeout area. Please be assured that our decision to limit the OSHA follow up inspection is based solely on sound business policies and principles. The importance of safety and health and of complying with OSHA regulations has always received a great deal of attention at our Meadow Lands - RPG plant. . We hope you understand our position and that the fine relationship we have i enjoyed with your office will not be damaged. JFNrkle ce: G. 0. Frick bcc: N. E. Prost ' 'Jtarekexxsg R. A. Martinson G. A. Johnson J. F. Bartemus Sincerely yours, James Y j Nieves Director of Personnel V% SPNY 003582