Pressure film finds automotive applications

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 16, 2005

OEMs and after-market manufacturers and distributors employ Pressurex film in a variety of automotive applications.

Pressurex tactile pressure sensor film (TPSF), offered by Sensor Products, is commonly described as an easy-to-employ nondestructive testing tool that quickly and accurately maps and measures pressure distribution and magnitude between any two mating, contacting or impacting surfaces.

The use of TPSF in the automotive industry is seen as an effective and cost efficient way to quickly assist engineers in R and D, failure analysis and quality control efforts.

In fact, OEMs and after-market manufacturers and distributors employ Pressurex film in a variety of automotive applications.

The most common applications and corresponding examples revealing how TPSF aids the automotive industry are listed below.

In engine gaskets, Pressurex evaluates adequate torque and consistency of junctions in head, valve cover, oil pan and intake/exhaust manifold gaskets and O-rings.

In clamping it authenticates circumferential uniformity on cylindrical clamps and determines appropriate tensioning.

In catalytic convertor canning it troubleshoots for design quality of ceramic catalysts.

For brakes/clutches Pressurex verifies consistent compressive force across brake shoe or clutch surface; assesses squeal and fugitive noise, which is useful for quality control in caliper design and development.

In lamination it offers assistance in maintaining desired plate pressure for the reduction of scrap rates.

For door seals Pressurex confirms uniform sealing of mouldings and weather stripping.

For tire tread footprints it evaluates congruity of footprint and rib patterns, which is helpful in research of tread wear patterns and development of rubber compounds and tread designs.

And for impact Pressurex determines the location and force of impact during airbag deployment and controlled crash tests.

Pressurex TPSF is available in seven different pressure ranges measuring 14kPa to 298MPa, and comes in the form of a large, thin, clear Mylar sheet, physically similar in appearance to a sheet of paper.

When placed between contacting surfaces, the film instantaneously and permanently changes colour.

This colour change is directly correlated to the specific amount of pressure applied.

Precise pressure magnitude in Pascals or pounds per square inch can easily be determined by comparing colour variations to a colour correlation chart, conceptually similar to interpreting litmus paper.

Sensor Products is able to customise Pressurex for any application by laser cutting the film for small or precision areas.

Encasement services are also available for use in environments where water, oil or other liquids might be present.

The company provides enhanced optical imaging services for greater detail and comparative evaluation performed with their analysis system Topaq, also available for lease or purchase.