Faster AE pistons
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• Two new piston lines are operational in the Bradford factory of AE's cylinder component specialist Hepworth & Grandage.
The HVM (high-volume manufacture) line, says AE, sets new industry standards for flexibility, reduced change-over time and product quality; it has been designed to accommodate anticipated features of future designs.
The HVM line is designed to accommodate pistons of 50mm to 100mm diameter; quick release tooling will allow adaption to other sizes.
Similar lines are being installed in AE's South Bend, Indiana, piston plant.
Turbocharging, says AE, has increased the loads that must be borne by engine bearings.
The trend towards nodular cast-iron crankshafts and reduced bearing sizes to minimise friction, further increases shaft/bearing interaction and acts to reduce oil film thickness between journal and bearing.
This environment is often too harsh for traditional crankshaft bearing materials. To meet these demands, the AE Group's bearing specialist, Glacier metal, has developed Glacier RB77E, which has enhanced durability and seizure resistance combined with high strength and corrosion resistance. R877 is an aluminiumtin-silicon-copper alloy rollbonded to a steel backing. It is being evaluated by engine manufacturers.