This is the followup post to the exploration of the cold forge and CNC hub factory I posted about recently. Once hubshells have been forged or machined, they are painted (outsourced) and then returned to be completed: cartridge/sealed bearing and axle assembly.
Painted hub is placed on the bearing setter.
Bearings are there on the left. Axles on the right.
Bearing is seated then pressed into position
Just like that.
Then it is on to hub body assembly. . .
Pawls and their springs are installed by a lady who is extremely good at her job. This is a tricky operation. You would not, of course, be catching up on any reading at the same time.
So many freehub bodies without their pawls against a background of micro-component complexity. The successful bringing together of the four (3 pawls to one body) means that cyclists get to hear the soothing and healthy buzz of pawls on hubshell.
On a general point, in a conversation with the boss over general industry issues, one important issue is the commencement of a running changeover to 11speed compatible hub bodies. It seems that there is great enthusiasm in the market for this new direction. Expect to see a great deal of innovation and experimentation around this theme in the medium term.
The workspace is chaotic, but ordered. I like the ensemble of allen wrenches, hacksaw blade, and leafy plant.
Final touches leads to . . .
. . . a set of completed hubs.
Here’s a sneak look at the product of ODM collaboration. This is a BMX hub destined for a European customer.
The result of further ODM collaboration. These are destined for the UK. The effect is achieved by a laser etching process.