IWIS USES STANYL® FOR DEMANDING TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER APPLICATION ON PORSCHE CAYENNE ENGINE

Iwis, a major European supplier of automotive chain systems as well as chains and components for industrial applications, uses two grades of Stanyl® (PA46) from DSM Engineering Plastics for timing chain tensioners on the Porsche Cayenne engine. One Stanyl grade with outstanding wear resistance, TW341, is used for the top layer that presses on the timing chain. Stanyl TW241F10, the second grade, exhibits high stiffness, making it ideal for the base of the tensioner.

“By using an innovative, two-part design, IWIS maximizes the design and processing advantages of thermoplastics in parts that traditionally were metal,” said Ton Vet, Application Development Manager for Stanyl. “In the IWIS design, the tensioner base can be made as stiff as needed by using high-stiffness materials. At the same time, the top layer can offer a non-abrasive surface to the chain for maximum life with minimum wear and friction.”

Stanyl TW 341 is a PA 46 with excellent wear characteristics combined with good oil resistance at engine operating temperatures (140 °C). Stanyl TW 241F10 is a 50% glass-filled PA46 with outstanding oil resistance, high modulus and stiffness, high resistance to fatigue, and low creep at maximum operating temperatures.

As thermoplastics, both Stanyl grades offer design freedom to the timing chain designer, important in applications such as this, where the unusual length of the timing chain requires continuous management of the chain’s shape and tightness. The stiff tensioner base is moulded in its final shape, complete with the right curvature for chain management. All mounting and pivot points as well as reinforcing ribs are precisely located for rapid assembly. The top layer comes from the mould with a smooth finish, complete with ears to guide the chain.

“The result is an assembly with extraordinary wear resistance in a next-generation engine subjected to high loads,” said Dr. Thomas Fink, R&D at IWIS. IWIS worked with DSM Engineering Plastics during development of the tensioner parts, as DSM Engineering Plastics has more than 12 years experience in designing parts for the automotive industry.

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