ProtoCAM Engineer Ed Graham was recently quoted in a New York Times article discussing the making of rapid prototype auto engine parts. The article, One Step Closer to the No-Iron Car, appeared on October 22, 2009. It talks about the efforts of New Jersey engineer Matti Holtzberg, who has been designing and developing plastic parts for car engines for 30 years. Of course, the percentage of parts in a car that are plastic has been rising for many years, but plastic engine components are currently not common as they have to withstand high temperature and mechanical stress.

As with other car components, plastic engine components are significantly lighter than the aluminum parts they might replace, and material costs are lower. In addition, the manufacturing process can be done at a lower cost.

In the article, Graham notes that ProtoCAM has been using Holtzberg’s technologies for making automotive rapid prototypes used in experimental engines and transmissions for about three years. Graham said, "The thermoset phenolic material is strong and has excellent heat resistance. The process is quick, and the parts go straight into experimental engines and transmissions.”

In this application - rapid prototype engine parts - ProtoCAM is again on the cutting edge of applying rapid prototyping technologies to emerging uses.

If you would like to know more about using ProtoCAM’s rapid prototyping services, product and prototype development services and plastics engineering expertise for your innovative application, please contact ProtoCAM at 610-261-9010 or use the convenient RFQ or Information Request form.

Labels: plastic engine parts, plastics engineering, rapid prototyping