DuPont's high performance polyimide parts step up efficiency, cut costs in aggressive automotive environments

The DuPont™ Vespel® parts and shapes business has expanded its high-performance portfolio with new Vespel® SP-2515 polyimide parts, initially targeted for the global automotive and commercial vehicle industries, where tight tolerances, durability and improvements in energy efficiency are demanded. The use of this new grade of polyimide parts was recently commercialized in transmission seal rings, which demand low friction, extreme tolerance control over a broad temperature range and long life. The new parts have demonstrated more consistent leakage control than cast iron and other polymeric alternatives. Other applications include engine components for exhaust gas recirculation, where contamination from carbon, dirt or metal debris can cause rapid component failure. According to the company, the new parts cut friction, enhance energy efficiency, trim weight and cost and deliver reduced green house emisiions. In automotive and commercial vehicles, Vespel® parts are used to manage friction in powertrain applications including emission components, variable valve systems, turbochargers and air induction modules.