A South Korean foundry, Total Solutions and Power Company Ltd., launched series production of compacted graphite iron piston rings for industrial engines, using the SinterCast technology for CGI production. The rings are produced at a plant in Yang San, for engines with cylinder diameters from 300 to 700 mm.
“Following the initial installation of the SinterCast Mini-System 3000 at the TSP Foundry in 2011, we are pleased that TSP has been certified by MAN Diesel & Turbo SE as a supplier of CGI piston rings for industrial power engines, and that initial niche volume production has begun,” commented SinterCast president and CEO Dr. Steve Dawson.
He said the start of production at TSP presents the opportunity to produce piston rings beyond the initial diameter range, and for other CGI marine products to be developed and launched there.
In the past, CGI has been used only top piston rings, to achieve better endurance from high thermal and compression loads. TSP will be supplying CGI rings according to an engine design by MAN Diesel & Turbo SE in which the standard four-ring arrangement (one made in CGI, three in gray iron) is replaced by three CGI rings.
SinterCast is the developer and licensor of the most widely used production and process control technology for CGI -- a specialty grade of cast iron that has greater tensile strength, stiffness, and fatigue strength than gray iron or aluminum. It is increasingly popular with diesel and gas engine manufacturers seeking to reduce weight, noise, and emissions for their designs. SinterCast recently reported it has 44 installations in 13 countries.
The industrial power sector (including diesel engines for marine, rail, stationary power, and off-road equipment), currently accounts for approximately 7% of all SinterCast production. “With the increasing demand for engine performance and emissions compliance in the industrial power market, we anticipate further growth opportunities in this sector, enabling industrial power production to continue to provide an important contribution as the core passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle markets continue to grow,” Dawson said.