Engineering Materials

DSM in Automotive

Our innovative high-performance plastics are developed to meet a wide variety of technological challenges in automotive. Browse these pages to learn more about how our industry experts, scientists and engineers work hand in hand with our customers to develop next generation solutions.

Building the next generation of engines with thermoplastics

Today’s downsized, turbo-charged engines generate very high temperatures. This makes it very challenging to replace metal engine components with plastics. Yet for engine components such as timing systems, oil sumps, and bearing cages, engineering plastics reduce friction compared with metals, which can have a substantial impact on fuel efficiency.

Our portfolio of materials includes grades engineered for high heat environments. For example, Stanyl has proven itself effective in continuous use temperatures over 200°C, and with peak temperatures up to 250°C. The material’s excellent tribological performance reduces friction in downsized engines. In valve timing systems, Stanyl provides excellent wear resistance in the powertrain, along with friction reduction that cuts fuel emissions by 1%.

On the processing side, our Akulon PA6 material has enabled major automotive brands to reduce the weight of oil sumps by up to 40% versus conventional metals, providing major cost savings and reduction in fuel emissions.

Browse our Engine components portfolio

  • Engine Management Actuators

    Automotive brands are under pressure to comply with vehicle emission regulations. More OEMs are leveraging electric engine actuators that improve fuel efficiency. Yet, finding material solutions ideal for producing thin and reliable actuator gears is a challenge.

  • Timing Drive Systems

    Learn why Stanyl® is the most popular thermoplastic material solution for automotive timing drive systems.

  • Fuel

    Fuel for thought: Heat resistant plastics for fuel vapor systems

  • Oil/lubrification

    Akulon polyamide 6 from DSM is a high performance plastic ideal for use in oil systems and oil sumps. Find out how to reduce weight and system costs. Read more

  • Elastic Belts

    Learn why DSM is the world’s leading supplier of advanced material solutions for high-performance elastic drive belts .

Featured Customer Applications

Automotive Bearing Cages

Automotive | Engine Transmission

Allows for lightweight and more economical solutions; Allows for more reliable solutions; Provides higher stiffness and chemical resistance

Front End Accessory Drive Parts: Belt Tensioner,Damping bands, Shoes and Bushings

Automotive | Engine Valve Train

Allows for lightweight and more economical solutions; Allows for more reliable solutions; Provides higher stiffness and chemical resistance

The standard in high temperature components: Diablo

As engine designers are challenged to create smaller, lighter, more powerful systems, DSM is innovating the materials to make it possible.

DSM’s Diablo heat resistant technology is making Stanyl PA46 and Akulon PA66 the choice of the world’s leading car brands, by setting the standard for high temperature components.

Let’s talk about creating tomorrow’s engines today.

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  • PA6 & PA66 - Akulon®

    PA6 & PA66 - Akulon®

    Akulon polyamide 6 & 66 resins represent the best value in all-purpose engineering materials, offering an excellent balance of design and processing with outstanding mechanical properties in diverse operating environments.

Featured products

With our broad, high-quality materials portfolio and in-depth technology know-how, we work in close collaboration with customers to develop new applications in response to the search for lighter, stronger and more durable materials.

Here's a selection of some of our most recognized brands and products, keeping you ahead of the curve and enabling you to lead the market through the use of cutting-edge technology.

How can we help you?

We take a scientific approach to building solutions. Our dedicated teams work closely with our customers to look at the entire process of developing new parts and components – whether it is a case of metal replacement, or developing solutions that are stronger, safer and more effective. Our methodical approach extends to every step of the process, from design and material performance to production and compliance.

Further reading

Fact sheet on our new diablo HDT grades                                                                   

Bright Science results in the world's first high heat plastic AIM/CAC combination

Find the right plastic for your product                                                                                 

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