Polygon Company, a producer of composite tubing, bearings, and pneumatic cylinders, has designed custom composite housings for pneumatic cylinders in fifth-wheel coupling assemblies by Fontaine Fifth Wheel.

Fontaine Fifth Wheel is a dedicated fifth-wheel manufacturer and innovator of the only self-adjusting fifth-wheel lock in the industry, according to the company. 

“The heavy-duty truck market is a rugged application that can expose air cylinders to excessive moisture and contaminants. Standard metallic cylinders can corrode over time and limit the ability of the air cylinder to function properly, shortening the useful life of a pneumatic cylinder,” said Shane Wolfe, Engineering Manager at Fontaine Fifth Wheel. “What’s more, in over-the-road and off-road applications, there are increased chances of foreign objects coming in contact with the cylinders and damaging the cylinder housing. When standard metallic housings become dented, it usually renders the cylinder inoperable.

Fontaine turned to Polygon for a composite pneumatic cylinder that would resist corrosion from salt, moisture, and debris on the roads, unlike metal components. What’s more, unlike metallic cylinders that can dent and thus prevent the piston’s mechanical action as a result of simple impacts like loose rocks in the road, composite cylinders are strong and hold their shape even under impact, according to the companies. Consequently, Polygon’s composite cylinder solution reduces maintenance needs overall, and especially reduces instances of emergency maintenance on the road. Finally, the composite cylinder reduces weight in the fifth-wheel assembly over fully metallic components.