Timing-Chain Tensioner Arms

This application features the first thermoplastic timing tensioner arms, which replaced cast aluminum. The parts were designed to meet high-performance engine dynamics and sustain chain tensions up to 3,000 N. A heat-stabilized, 50% glass-reinforced grade of nylon 4/6 provides high strength and stiffness at 140C.  It also offers extremely high fatigue resistance at elevated temperatures, extreme wear resistance at pivot and tensioner piston interfaces, long-term property retention in oil, impact strength, dimensional stability, and low CLTE, plus high knitline strength at the pivot. A separate unfilled nylon 4/6 wear surface is also used. The system provides 30% cost and 20% mass savings vs. previous metal designs, eliminates the need for a hardened-metal wear pin, eliminates 5 machining operations/part, provides tooling savings of $200,000 USD/year, and is quieter.

OEM/Vehicle General Motors Co.: HFV6 Engine System Supplier Cloyes Material Processor Mayfair Plastics

Material Supplier DSM Engineering Plastics Resin Stanyl® TW241F10 Black PA 4/6 Tooling/Equipment Supplier Mayfair Plastics

For More Information See: http://www.plastics-car.com/