WIX Filters Introduces New Line of Heavy Duty Radial Lip Seal Air Filters

Thursday, 29 September 2005

WIX Filters has introduced a new line of Heavy Duty Radial Lip Seal Air Filters that features advancements such as metal end caps with handles, molded polyurethane radial seals and hot melt stabilizing beads designed to improve performance and ease of use.
The HD Radial Lip Seal Filter design, patented by WIX, features a metal end cap with a handle on the closed end that strengthens the filter assembly and provides a handle for easy installation and removal, as well as a molded polyurethane radial seal that improves sealing capability and fit on the application.
“An advantage of having the metal end cap on the closed end is that we can add the handle that helps our customers install, remove or carry the filter around on the job site,” said Bill Stamey, heavy duty engineering manager, WIX Filters. “When a filter is loaded with dirt, it can weigh more than 20 pounds, so the handle is a very important addition to the product to help our customers.”
In addition, WIX Filters’ newly developed air jet molten bead application system enables a hot melt stabilizing bead to be applied to the pleat pack media without mechanical contact with the bead, creating a smooth, non-flaking stabilizing bead.
“Other aftermarket filter manufacturers wipe the stabilizing bead onto the filter media, which produces weak, flaky beads that can cause air flow restriction and decrease fuel mileage,” said Stamey. “WIX’s non-contact dispensing of the molten stabilizing bead allows for improved penetration of the bead into the pleat pack and superior adhesion to the filter media and expanded metal, preventing flex and turbulence and providing the air with a clean path through the filter.”
Eleven of WIX’s top heavy duty radial lip seal air filters, representing more than 75 applications, have already been converted to this new design and made their debut on the market in July. Six additional filters are targeted for conversion in 2006.
While WIX HD Radial Lip Seal Air Filters feature innovations that enhance performance and ease of use, the improved technologies employed in the manufacturing of the new line significantly reduce the environmental impact of filter production.
“By utilizing a hot melt stabilizing bead instead of a plastisol bead, and by using a two-part urethane to adhere the metal end cap to the filter rather than plastisol that requires curing, we’ve reduced the maximum operating temperature for production of the filters by 200°F,” said Stamey. “This reduction in temperature produces a subsequent reduction in emissions and uses fewer natural resources at a time when energy shortages are a major concern.”
Since 1939, WIX Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks and off-road equipment. WIX, a member of the Affinia family of brands, is the number one filter in NASCAR and an exclusive NASCAR Performance Product. Its NASCAR relationship also includes the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award, which recognizes the drivers leading the most laps in each race. WIX Filters’ Internet address is www.wixfilters.com.