Innovation in aluminium meets bicycle rims with RODI
Portugal manufactures more bicycles than any other country in the European Union. RODI supplies three million rims and 400,000 wheels per year, and is one of the most important players in the industry.
With more than 50 years of experience on two wheels and continual investments in innovation and technology, RODI’s bicycle rims brand BLACKJACK is today a reference in the Portuguese and European markets, having achieved the trust of the largest bike manufacturers around.
And in Hydro, RODI has a reliable partner that shares their passion for innovation and sustainability when it comes to aluminium extrusions.
Local production for more sustainable bicycles
Aluminium is strong and stiff, durable and light. Its density is one-third that of steel. It offers excellent performance with regard to corrosion – even in coastal saltwater environments – and it is 100 percent recyclable.
However, it is important to know that not all recycled aluminium is equal. It matters where the aluminium is produced and how.
Hydro’s Avintes based recycling plant in Portugal recycles aluminium scrap that has been collected close to the source. The new aluminium is then extruded and the aluminium profiles delivered to RODI. This metal – known as Hydro Recycled Aluminium – is certified and supported by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) that states the precise amount of pre-consumer and post-consumer scrap used in the product, as well as its carbon footprint.
Hydro Avintes also has ASI Performance Standard and ASI Chain of Custody Chain certification, ensuring respect for the principles of sustainability and human rights throughout the aluminium value chain.
Special recycled aluminium alloy and high-performance rims
Furthermore, thanks to an aluminium alloy collaboration with Hydro’s experts from its Innovation & Technology team, RODI is using a special alloy for its new SL Series by Blackjack. The series comprises rims and wheels with higher mechanical properties than those from the standard 6061 aluminium alloy, and which contain an average of 80 percent recycled aluminium.
This optimized rim profile offers better stability, increased stiffness and improved handling, all while maintaining the lightest weight possible.
“In the world of aluminium rim production, the quality of the raw materials is paramount. At Blackjack Wheels, we manufacture rims that meet the highest quality standards,” says César Cardoso, who is head of R&D for RODI.
“Our partnership with Hydro began in 2019 with discussions that led to the development of the special alloy Hydro Recycled 300 for our premium SL Series range. The goal was to enhance the mechanical properties of the raw material to fit the criteria of the mid-high-end market. Hydro's aluminium profiles are the cornerstone of our manufacturing process. They enable us to create robust, lightweight, and aerodynamic rims – essential features for demanding customers,” continues Cardoso.
Solving problems and growing the business
Cardoso adds that the partners have faced challenges along the way. “However, our collective resilience and willingness to overcome obstacles has been remarkable, driving continuous improvement in process control and product development. Besides, clear communication with Hydro has been crucial in fostering efficient problem-solving,” he says.
“This partnership has been essential for our business growth and success, enabling us to expand our product range and venture into new market segments,” he continues.
Hydro’s Daniel Couto echoes Cardoso’s words.
“Innovation, excellence and sustainability are key factors for Hydro, as they are for RODI. This alignment was key for the success of our special alloy development, and has been a driver for continuous improvement,” says Couto, who serves as operations director for Hydro Extrusions in Portugal and Spain.
“We are convinced that, with our unmatched efforts in R&D development, our approach toward sustainability and our quality standards, we are in a good position to offer everything a company might need to compete in the market with local production in Europe,” says Couto.