CASE STUDY
The environment
In today’s automotive market, constant innovation is required to keep pace with competition and maintain an edge in the market. The combined forces of increased engine temperature demands, more stringent emissions standards and low-cost competitors force original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to work closely with suppliers to reduce costs and increase performance.
The challenge
A North American automotive OEM sought to reduce costs and meet more stringent emissions standards in a light duty truck engine. Working with specialty
hose manufacturer Thermopol Inc., the OEM found an innovative solution that allowed them to meet their goals by eliminating an engine component.
The revised engine design presented a new set of problems. Although the solution cut costs and reduced emissions, it also increased engine operating temperature. Thermopol Inc. turned to long-time silicone solutions partner Dow Corning, to jointly develop a new material that could withstand the increased temperature specifications and the oil and fuel contact as well as other aggressive engine conditions.
“The challenge was unique not only in its requirements but also in its immediacy,” said Mike DiPino, Dow Corning automotive lead application engineer. “The customer needed a solution that could withstand high temperatures, and they needed it in half the time usually allowed for product development.”
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Auto Hose Solution.pdf
