DSM Presents Highly Advanced Stanyl HGR1

Royal DSM has recently rocked the automotive world with the launch of its innovative material, the Stanyl HGR1 which is designed to reduce frictional torque in engine timing systems and cut fuel consumption.

Automakers are in a constant quest of enhancing the torque they get from their engines, so that they can reduce engine capacity—and thus fuel consumption—without loss of mechanical performance. Their technique includes the reduction of frictional torque, which is the negative force caused when a rotating object moves against another surface.

Part of the frictional torque increases in engine timing systems when the timing chain moves over an element that keeps it under tension. Often, this chain tensioner is injection molded in polyamide 66, but this material is increasingly being replaced by DSM’s Stanyl PA46, owing to its enhanced performance, both in terms of mechanical properties, as well as its wear and frictional characteristics. For years, the company has continued to work on developments to enhance the properties of Stanyl PA 46 for use in chain tensioners.

The all-new Stanyl HGR1 and the next-gen Stanyl HGR2, which will be rolled out soon, offer further improvements in friction reduction. Tests have shown that chain tensioners in Stanyl HGR1 generate lower frictional torque than any other material at low engine speeds ranging from idle to 1800 rpm. It also showed excellent performance at vehicle cruise speeds.

According to Royal DSM Business Development Manager Bill Burnham, substituting PA66 with Stanyl HGR1 in the timing systems chain contact surfaces can cut frictional torque by 0.65 Nm. He said that this is equal to a fuel efficiency improvement of more than a mile per gallon over the drive cycle. “In comparison to PA66, Stanyl HGR1 delivered 10% lower frictional torque within the critical engine speed range between 650 and 1800 rpm.”

Stanyl HGR1 polyamide 46-based material has already made its market launch on the newest version of the Pentastar V6 engine, developed by Fiat Chrysler America and fitted to several vehicles. It reduces frictional torque in the Pentastar engine timing system, enabling the reduction of fuel consumption in a highly cost-effective manner.