Designed to automotive specifications
We work with automotive Tier 1 column manufacturers across the globe and have invested in the development of our engineering capabilities to meet column-specific automotive specifications.
We strengthened one of our plastic steering column bearing designs to double its previous load capability, so it would meet anti-theft device (ECL) test requirements. Not only did it meet the 4kN load requirement, it surpassed it, to reach nearly 11kN – whilst the equivalent all-steel version deformed at 8kN and disassembled at 8.5kN.
As we mould our plastic bearings, we have more flexibility than found in machined plastic or metal designs. We can adjust mould tooling and methods to alter a base design to fit cross-platform requirements.
Flexible Fingers/Strengthening Ribs/Crush Ribs
We can incorporate moulded fingers and ribs on the inner or outer race of the bearing to perform different functions.
• We design strengthening ribs into the outer race to make the bearing more robust
• We can integrate crush ribs into the inner raceway to take up tolerance against the ovality of the column shaft.
• We use ‘Flexible fingers’ designed with DC adapted for ‘end-float’, to combat any imprecise staking assembly and higher operating temperatures in testing.
