Hose Solution Reduces OEM Costs0 pages
Thermopol and Dow Corning innovation
lowers OEM costs, increases temperature
performance to reduce emissions
Hose Solution Reduces OEM Costs
The environment
In today’s automotive market, constant innovation is required to keep
pace with competition and maintain an edge in the market. The combined
forces of increased engine temperature demands, more stringent
emissions standards and low-cost competitors force original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) to work closely with suppliers to reduce costs and
increase performance.
CUSTOMER
Thermopol, Inc., is a New
Hampshire-based producer of
performance turbocharger,
water coolant and specialty
application hoses.
PROJECT
A North American OEM eliminated
a component in its light duty truck
engine design to save money and
meet more stringent emissions
standards.
Working with Dow Corning,
Thermopol enabled this solution by
developing and commercializing
a new hose liner solution that
met increased temperature and
oil resistance specifications, while
reducing the standard product
development and commercialization
process time and costs.
SOLUTION
Multi-layered fluorosilicone and
high-consistency rubber hose liner
that met the increased temperature
and oil resistance requirements set
by the OEM.
The challenge
A North American automotive OEM sought to reduce
costs and meet more stringent emissions standards
in a light duty truck engine. Working with specialty
hose manufacturer Thermopol Inc., the OEM found
an innovative solution that allowed them to meet their
goals by eliminating an engine component.
Thermopol Inc.
The revised engine design presented a new set of problems. Although
the solution cut costs and reduced emissions, it also increased engine
operating temperature. Thermopol Inc. turned to long-time silicone
solutions partner Dow Corning, to jointly develop a new material that
could withstand the increased temperature specifications and the oil and
fuel contact as well as other aggressive engine conditions.
“The challenge was unique not only in its requirements, but also in
its immediacy,” said Mike DiPino, Dow Corning automotive lead
application engineer. “The customer needed a solution that could
withstand high temperatures, and they needed it in half the time usually
allowed for product development.”