One of the most important elements of operating a vehicle is the ability to stop it. Of course, that can't be done without effective brakes, and replacing those things usually means a heavy hit in the wallet.
That's where PureForge has been aiming to come to the rescue. Founded in 2006, this Vista-based startup manufacturer of brake rotors and pads boasts that its products will outlast and outperform anything else anywhere.
Using its proprietary Atomic-Forging brake technology, PureForge rotors eliminate or at least significantly limit rotor wear (thus meaning fewer trips to the mechanic and saving money) while reducing toxic brake dust emissions.
This technology was created by Nathan Meckel, a 59-year-old Ramona resident and metallurgy expert, who co-founded PureForge. Atomic Forging is explained by the company as "a complex metallurgical" process. Using lightning-like energy channeled through an exotic metal, this energy transfers the exotic metal into a steel surface, changing that surface on the molecular level.
"The end result of this process is a layer of ultra-dense exotic metal that is formed with the surface of the metal, creating a brake rotor surface that is hard and tough."
PureForge is making inroads with law enforcement agencies across the state. In an on-going pilot program, PureForge has installed its brakes and rotors for motorcycles with the San Diego Sheriff's Department, the San Diego Police Department as well as PDs in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Bakersfield, Culver City and other cities. Meckel said some 16,000 vehicles are involved.
While PureForge aims to start fitting police squad cars next year, its bike brakes have been a hit with the officers.
"I really like the way these PureForge brakes feel --- very smooth and quick to stop," said San Diego Motor Sherriff Sergeant Scott Hill. "They perform exactly (as advertised). I like the fact that they don't shed brake dust, (because) our officers are responsible for keeping their bikes washed and clean."
In November, PureForge was invited to observe the San Diego Sherriff's motor officer training and testing day at Qualcomm Stadium. Braking distances were shorter with bikes using the Pure Forge equipment than those that didn't. Quick stopping is obviously essential for any motorcycle cop.
"It's very demanding use," said Meckel, a Chico native."If anyone is abusive on brakes, it's law enforcement. It's much safer, stops shorter and saves money (on maintenance)."
"You've got to take technology like this and test it in the real world. The police departments are loving it. Things are going incredible."
In another test, PureForge brakes and rotors were installed in a group of Harley Davidson motorcycles. These riders, often hard-charging on the road, were impressed.
"Harleys are known for terrible brakes," Meckel said."This was a brutal test, but even after 12,000 miles on a Harley (in one instance), I never had a complaint, never had a return. The pads are lasting 10, 20 times longer (than normal ones)."
Meckel and PureForge are certainly ambitious. Meckel said he'd like the company to focus on fleets, involving "light trucks, semis --- even railroad.
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