Custom Skateboard Truck Production by 2HEX
Welcome skateboard company founders, managers, and leaders of skateboard companies. Today, I'm going to discuss skateboard trucks and everything you need to know to start your own truck brand if you haven't yet done so, or how you can enhance your existing truck brand.
Understanding the Basics of Skateboard Trucks
As a premier skateboard truck manufacturer, we ensure that every truck is composed of several key components:
- Base Plate
- Hanger
- Axle
- Axle Washers
- Nuts (usually on top, but in an inverted kingpin truck, the nut is on the bottom)
- Pushing Washers
- Bushings
Before diving into the more intricate aspects, it's essential to grasp these fundamentals.
Skateboard Trucks Factory: Production Process
At our skateboard trucks factory, manufacturing begins with pouring aluminum into a mold, allowing the truck to take the desired shape. This shape is typically created using 3D artwork programs, but we can assist you if you have a 2D drawing or want to modify an existing truck design.
Choosing the Right Design for Your Truck Brand
Many skateboard companies start their own truck brands by emulating the most popular trucks on the market, such as Indie trucks. These open molds usually feature a thick base plate and a heavy design, making them durable. However, as a dedicated skateboard truck manufacturer, we advise against simply copying the most popular designs. Instead, innovate by developing a shape that is either superior or at least on par with the top brands while offering something unique.
Example of a Custom Mold from Our Factory
Here's an example of a mold we created at our skateboard trucks factory:
- Double Layer Base Plate: Thin yet sturdy
- Super Slim Hanger: Lightweight and strong
- Unique Shape: Distinct from other truck brands
By creating a super hollow base plate and a slim hanger, the truck remains both lightweight and robust. Consider how the truck will be used—whether the base plate will stand out further or if the hanger will extend forward, affecting how the truck interacts with curbs during slides.
Finishing Options for Custom Skateboard Trucks
We offer various finishes for your trucks to meet your brand’s aesthetic:
- Raw Truck: The standard finish.
- Polished Truck: Three levels of polishing—grinding down hard edges, rough polishing by hand, and a final polish using small metal pellets and a softer washing process for a glossy, clean finish.
Customization Styles for Unique Skateboard Trucks
Enhance your truck designs with our customization options:
- Glossy Dye with Matte Black Base Plate: Combining matte and glossy elements for a striking contrast.
- Electroplating: Offers a super shiny finish and can be combined with laser-etched logos for a premium look, though it is more expensive.
Explore Our Truck Configurator
Visit 2HEX.com to use our skateboard trucks factory configurator. Here, you can:
- Choose different materials and finishes
- Select shapes and styles
- Estimate costs based on your selections
Surfskate Truck Example from Our Factory
Consider the surfskate truck with two different electroplating finishes:
- Flaky Finish: Offers a unique texture
- Polished Finish: Provides a high-gloss appearance
Combining these finishes with matte base plates or glossy bushings can create appealing contrasts and unique aesthetics.
Quality and Durability: What Makes a Good Skateboard Truck
When producing trucks, it's crucial to ensure they are both strong and lightweight. For example:
- Hollow Titanium Axle: Extremely strong, allowing for a slimmer hanger
- Inverted Titanium Kingpin: Lighter and stronger, enabling the use of less aluminum without compromising stability
As a leading skateboard truck manufacturer, we prioritize quality and durability in every truck we produce.
Molding Techniques at Our Skateboard Trucks Factory
There are three primary methods to mold trucks:
- Injection Molding: Fast and easily automated but can trap air bubbles, weakening the truck.
- Gravity Casting: Slow, mostly manual process that minimizes air bubbles but isn't suitable for precise shapes.
- Forging: Involves pouring aluminum into the mold and then hammering it with high force to eliminate air bubbles and achieve precise shapes. Forged trucks are stronger and allow for detailed designs, such as embossed logos.
Choosing the Right Molding Method for Your Truck Brand
- Injection Molding: Suitable for making affordable trucks for sports shops but not ideal for high-performance trucks.
- Gravity Casting: Good for simple shapes but lacks precision.
- Forging: Best for creating strong, lightweight, and precisely shaped trucks, ideal for pro-grade products.
Our skateboard trucks factory specializes in forging to produce high-quality, durable trucks that meet professional standards.
Pricing and Orders from 2HEX Skateboard Trucks Factory
At 2HEX.com, you can view different pricing options. Ordering in larger batches typically reduces the cost per truck, but fewer varieties may be available. It's important to find a balance between variety and cost, especially when starting your brand.
Market Considerations for Your Skateboard Truck Brand
Skateboard trucks are a lucrative product to focus on because:
- High Profit Margins: Trucks can be sold at 2x to 3x the production cost.
- Market Potential: Unlike decks, which are highly competitive, truck brands are less common, offering an opportunity for growth.
Final Thoughts on Starting a Skateboard Truck Brand
Starting a truck brand requires a significant investment compared to decks, but the potential for profitability and market growth is substantial. Focus on creating high-quality, unique trucks to stand out in the market.
As a trusted skateboard truck manufacturer, 2HEX is here to support you every step of the way. We hope this video helped you understand the essentials of skateboard truck production. Visit our website to prepare your order, explore the truck configurator, and reach out with any questions. I'm excited to see your truck brand succeed and capture a significant market share. Enjoy the 2HEX.com truck configurator, and I'll see you in the next video. Cheers!