Oil sump
How do you design an oil sump that’s lighter, easier to process, less expensive, and proven to withstand heat, oil and all other challenges an engine can throw at it? The answer is by using Akulon® polyamide 6: A globally available thermoplastic now helping our customers to re-imagine this most critical of powertrain components.
Our Akulon-based hybrid oil sumps and pans are proven to be more effective than metals in many respects, as well as polyamide 66.
Our expertise starts with our backwards-integrated position as one of the world’s largest producers of caprolactam – the primary raw material needed for polyamides. Not only are we an expert in the material, we also provide you with deep-seated knowledge of how it can be used in vehicles and components.
The result: We’re increasingly working together with customers at the earliest stages of the design process to conceive, build and test oil sump systems that truly break the mold.
Tested to the limit
Akulon-based hybrid oil sumps and pans provides dimensional accuracy, stability and strength under the toughest conditions, comparable or superior to metal in most respects
We developed Akulon-based oil sumps in partnership with Ford Motor Company and component manufacturer MANN + HUMMEL. The prototype system has survived being struck by ball bearings (simulating stones), plus a 20cm/second sudden impact test.
Benefits of Akulon
But this only scratches the surface of what this material can bring to manufacturers.
Weight reduction
Akulon oil sumps and pans weigh less. Hybrid systems made from the material are 20% lighter than their aluminum counterparts and 40% lighter than an aluminum bed plate and silent steel oil pan.
Reduced carbon footprint
Less weight also means lower fuel consumption and less carbon emissions. And a component made from Akulon can be recycled.
Easier processing
With an Akulon-based system engineers can make and integrate components with familiar molding techniques, saving time…so they can get on with their next innovation.
As for the longer term future? Already we are thinking about further simplification of engine design and production, perhaps integrating the oil sump to filter and suction pipe.
