Technical trends and Development structure
Development trends
Our company's products have evolved together with the engines, starting with automotive.
Currently, for environmental protection/CO2 reduction on a world wide scale, much more improvement in environmental performance is required.
We will continue to promote research and development of new products/new technologies, starting with Piston Rings, Cylinder Liners and Valve Seats.
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| Engine trends | Results | Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Heat efficiency improvement
|
Shift to low-friction, oil consumption reduction, blow-by reduction, improved friction resistance, bio fuels, etc. (new technology development for shape, materials and surface treatments) Simple processing, simple development |
Shift to low-friction through super-low-friction surface treatment (DLC) MBD leverage |
Development structure
Technology center
Opened in 2004 as the TPR Group technical center, focused on technology development, it carries out research and development to meet tomorrow's needs.
Testing/Analysis
To improve heat efficiency and reduce exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, the shift to low-friction (reduced friction) and oil consumption reduction for Piston Rings and Cylinder Liners, and the development of Valve Seat materials is critical. The engine testing facilities and various types of testing/evaluation devices owned by our company are leveraged for function development, material development and surface treatment development.
In recent years, CAE function analysis has become ever-more critical. As well as leveraging function evaluation devices such as friction measurement devices in our research and development, we carry out activities supporting customers' MBD(=model based development). Beyond what is described here, our activities cover various testing devices and leveraging of analysis devices for materials/surface treatments.
Engine testing chamber
We have an engine testing chamber to evaluate the performance of Piston Rings.
This is leveraged for production development/performance analysis, and is highly relied upon by customers.
Visualization testing machine
Using glass cylinders, the flow of oil is visualized, and this is used to analyze the mechanism for oil consumption.
CAE analysis
We implement CAE function analysis to support production design.
Structural analysis, heat analysis, behavior analysis and fluid analysis form the basis of optimal design.
We conduct activities that support customers' MBD (=model based development).
Friction testing machine
This is a sliding test machine for Piston Rings/Cylinder Liners materials and surface treatments. Depending on sliding speed and application, we use the reciprocal motion friction testing machine, pin disc friction testing machine and ring on rotor testing machine.
■Application
Friction, burn, friction factor evaluation
■Application
Surface treatment, peel resistance evaluation (high speed)
■Application
Surface treatment, peel resistance evaluation (low speed)
Friction measuring device
This is a floating liner-type friction measuring device. It has a crank mechanism, and can measure the friction of pistons and Piston Rings.
Also, using the visualization semiconductor laser, friction and oil layer thickness are measured at the same time.
Valve Seat friction testing machine
We conduct applicable material development to support engines' performance improvements.
For materials development, we have a friction resistance testing machine that can replicate various combustion chamber environments (see figure on left), and we have a Valve Seat fall resistance testing machine that is leveraged to test cast heads for medium/large diesel vehicles.