Nov. 14, 2013—Federal-Mogul Corporation announced Thursday that its powertrain segment has developed a new “highly optimized” casting process for piston rings that will provide engine manufacturers with stronger, more wear-resistant piston rings.
The process uses a highly automated vertical molding process that delivers enhanced material integrity and improved manufacturing process control, Federal-Mogul said in a statement. The company also announced the creation of a new casting simulation to help “perfect the [casting] process” and new casting material.
"As engine manufacturers continue to pursue strong engine downsizing and more advanced injection strategies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the thermal, mechanical and tribological demands on components around the combustion chamber—particularly piston rings—increases,” said Steffen Hoppe, director of technology, for rings and liners at Federal-Mogul Powertrain. “While engine friction can be reduced through the use of thinner piston rings, a stronger ring material is necessary in order to maintain the proper bending strength. To achieve these requirements, we have developed new materials, casting and simulation processes."
