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PEEK polymer-based gear solutions available for both ICE and EV powertrain platforms, and also, on display at K 2019 trade show from US plant.

Stephen Moore

October 14, 2019

2 Min Read
Victrex secures important automotive quality standard for manufacture of gears

PEEK and PAEK polymer solutions provider Victrex has achieved a new milestone for its automotive offerings. Its gear design and manufacturing facility in Grantsburg, WI, has received the IATF 16949 certification, proving that the necessary systems and capabilities in line with Tier1/OEM needs are in place. At the international K 2019 tradeshow in Düsseldorf, Germany, gear solutions will also be one focus at the Victrex booth (Hall 5, Stand B09).

Victrex PEEK material is now certified for use in automotive drivetrain components.

Victrex PEEK (polyetheretherketone) has been used in auto gears for decades but since 2015, Victrex has extended its material expertise to the design, development, and manufacture of gears, to offer a fully integrated and highly innovative approach to thermoplastic PEEK gear solutions. Enabling Tier 1/OEM customers to work with one partner from concept to commercialization, the company supports the development and testing of high precision Victrex HPG-based gears, as well as manufacturing these gears as a component for integration into larger systems (e.g. within the engine, transmission, pump, actuator and chassis).

“Attaining this certification was a major goal for us. It unequivocally demonstrates that Victrex has the quality systems and capability to supply turnkey PEEK gear solutions into the mainstream Tier1/OEM supply chain,” explains Andy Walton, Director, Automotive, at Victrex. “A major European car manufacturer has already taken advantage of our gear design approach, as our ability to look at the whole system, not just the gear was invaluable. We are also working on numerous other programs with global OEMs in other geographies, including the US.”

Victrex´s gear solutions include high precision gear design, prototyping, testing and manufacturing capabilities using Victrex HPG polymers. Compared to traditional metal-based gears, Victrex HPG based thermoplastic gear solutions for ICE (internal combustion engine) and electric vehicle (EV) platforms offer decisive benefits such as improved NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance as well as enhanced efficiency reducing CO2 and system cost reduction.

At K 2019, the world´s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry (October 16 -23) performance, power and progress will also take center stage at the Victrex booth (Hall 5, Stand B09) and in the automotive section. Several Meet-the-Expert sessions are scheduled at the Victrex booth, including one on “Victrex HPG gear solutions for future powertrain applications,” with Ralf Weidig, Victrex Global Program Manager Gears, on Monday, October 21st, 17:30 CET.

About the Author(s)

Stephen Moore

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and is a proud dachshund owner.

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