Aluminum Alloy Revolutionizes Cam Caps for Automotive Manufacturer
An Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
A design release engineer from a large automotive manufacturer approached MPP at a critical time. The customer was developing a new start-stop SUV engine. The start-stop feature in their new engine, while beneficial for fuel efficiency, posed a problem. With each stop, the engine, along with its oil pump, faced a moment of no active lubrication. This increased the wear on critical components, such as cam caps and the engine. The engineer turned to MPP for a solution to develop cam caps from a new, wear-resistant alloy.
An Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
A design release engineer from a large automotive manufacturer approached MPP at a critical time. The customer was developing a new start-stop SUV engine. The start-stop feature in their new engine, while beneficial for fuel efficiency, posed a problem. With each stop, the engine, along with its oil pump, faced a moment of no active lubrication. This increased the wear on critical components, such as cam caps and the engine. The engineer turned to MPP for a solution to develop cam caps from a new, wear-resistant alloy.
MPP embarked on an intensive research and development journey, crafting three distinct alloy compositions and subjected them to testing. After evaluation, aluminum emerged as the alloy of choice in its promise for durability and wear resistance. The aluminum alloy has a specialized microstructure that uses nanotechnology to increase the wear resistance to levels far above normal aluminum alloys. MPP collaborated closely with the customer’s engineers to ensure a seamless integration of the new cam caps into their engine design.
New High Wear Resistance MPP aluminum alloy
MPP Alloy Designation:- AC-4144 T2, nominal Al-8%Si.
| English Units | Metric Units | |
|---|---|---|
|
UTS |
24,000 psi |
165 MPa |
|
Yield Strength |
21,000 psi |
145 MPa |
|
Elongation |
1% |
1% |
|
Hardness |
5 HRB |
5 HRB |
The customer confirmed through multiple life tests that the cam caps exceeded the longevity and reliability requirements of their new engine. In fact, after multiple life tests, MPP’s cam caps were measured and found to have no material loss due to wear. With MPP's expertise and timely production, the customer successfully launched their engine on schedule, with the capability to produce a staggering 30 million cam caps annually. This achievement addressed the immediate challenge of wear in start-stop engines and enhanced structural stability.
Developing custom high-performance alloys tailored to meet your engine's strength and wear requirements, driving towards your mpg goals and beyond.
MPP stands as the premier aluminum parts maker, equipped with cutting-edge production and blending capabilities.