Curran Contracting Stokes Asphalt Production with Hardox® wear plate

Where extreme heat and nonstop production meet

With an eye on continuous improvement, Cassem spotted a production bottleneck within the asphalt production process that frequently halted operations, bringing costly labor for repairs and expensive downtime.

The problem centered around the asphalt dryer, which must withstand not only the abrasive aggregate moving through the drum at 300 to 450 tons per hour, but also intense heat with shell temperatures reaching up to 650°F (343.33°C). Inside the drum, the flights (also known as “buckets”) lift and cascade the aggregate to ensure even drying. These components face relentless heat, abrasion, and impact.

Trust the experts certified for solutions and wear parts built to last

“Hardox® is the Cadillac of steel. It can take a lot of abuse,” Bauer says. ”Through our 40 years of experience with Hardox® products, we have developed industry-leading techniques in collaboration with end-users. Every part is custom-made according to my client’s specifications in our production facility, centrally located in Rockford, Illinois.” 

Bauer recognized how the original material was not formulated specifically for environments with excessive heat and abrasion.

To illustrate the difference, Bauer compared two identical dryer cups side by side:

• Factory cup: After six years, worn nearly thin, edges rounded, material almost gone.
• Hardox® wear plate cup: Six years, same tonnage, same run time — and it looked virtually new. Sharp corners. Minimal wear. Higher durability.

Ready to step up your steel?

Join companies like Curran Contracting and step up from average abrasion-resistant (AR) steel to Hardox^® wear plate, the world’s only resistant steel hard and tough for extreme applications. Ask us how to get your hands on a sample.