Rheinmetall Uses IAA Show to Launch New Piston Assembly

Regulations regarding fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions are tightening across the world, especially when it comes to commercial vehicles. Reducing engine friction can play a key role in helping manufacturers to make vehicles that adhere to these norms. Rheinmetall Automotive which used to be known as KSPG has worked for the past few years on broadening its expertise in this area. The company’s subsidiary, KS Kolbenschmidt used the recent IAA show as the venue to launch a new piston assembly that achieves 20-percent less friction when compared to standard piston assemblies that are used even on 2016 models. The piston assembly also has a lower height that can make a significant difference when it comes to the mass of the engine.

This new piston assembly can make an impact on fuel consumption and emissions in both on-road and off-road commercial vehicles. This can help fleet operators to cut their operational costs while minimizing the damage caused to the environment through carbon dioxide emissions.

The most distinctive feature of the new piston assembly is the fact that it has been completely customizedwith regard to parameters like surface properties, shape, coating and geometry. It comprises piston rings, piston, cylinders, piston pin and connecting rod.  In order to ensure that there is the best possible interaction between the individual components and to record the measurements when the engine is running, KS Kolbenschmidt came up with its own take on a friction test bench. The integrated system also includes slide-honed cylinders designed through collaboration with GKN Cylinder Liners and highly innovative low-friction piston rings that were designed in cooperation with alliance partner Riken.