Coating cuts valve train friction levels

A Bekaert Advanced Coatings product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 4, 2006

Recently performed bench tests show that coating valve train components with the diamond like carbon coating Dylyn Plus can save up to 30% in valve train friction levels.

Recently performed bench tests show that coating valve train components with the diamond like carbon coating Dylyn Plus can save up to 30% in valve train friction levels.

Tests have repeatedly shown that coating parts with Dylyn Plus leads to the reduction of friction in the valve train system.

The coating also improves the wear resistance of the coated component, thus extending its life time and contributing to reduced engine fuel consumption and emissions.

The new tests now concluded by Bekaert confirm the potential of Dylyn Plus coatings as friction-reducing design elements in the valve train system.

Bench tests were performed comparing Dylyn Plus-coated fingers and uncoated fingers against an uncoated camshaft in a camshaft finger-follower valve train configuration.

The test cycle was run at various engine speeds and repeated several times to examine the engine's running-in behaviour.

The bench tests showed a high reduction of torque and therefore of friction losses at all rev/min rates.

Testing at high rotational rates showed a reduction of 20% of friction losses, and at the lowest engine speeds typical of urban driving, reductions in friction loss reached levels as high as 30%.

After 100 hours of testing, no signs of wear were observable on the components.

Further endurance tests are running to confirm these results over the total life time of the engine.

Dylyn Plus is a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating whose formula is drawn from Bekaert's bestselling DLC Cavidur coatings for racing engine applications.

Years of reliable performance have earned Cavidur a proven reputation in Formula 1, Nascar and rallying.

As well as finger followers, Dylyn Plus is optimised for the coating of various valve train parts, including camshafts, tappets, and lifters.

"While not surprised by the results, we are pleased to see these tests confirming the potential of Dylyn Plus coatings as friction reducing design elements in the valve train system", commented Michael De Maegt, General Manager DLC at Bekaert.

"These bench tests make clear the importance of diamond-like carbon coatings in the car manufacturing design process".

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