Rencol Tolerance Rings - US Vehicle Dynamics show

Rencol puts Tolerance Rings on the Automotive Map

Rencol Tolerance Rings is highlighting the key benefits of its spring metal fasteners to the automotive industry at this year’s U.S.A. Vehicle Dynamics Expo.

Already established as a key event in Europe, Vehicle Dynamics Expo 2007 will be held for the very first time at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan, U.S.A from October 24-26, 2007. Exhibiting in partnership with USA Tolerance Rings, Rencol’s stand V2028 will showcase the latest technical advances in tolerance rings, highlighting a cross section of applications already enjoying traction within the European automotive industry.

Electric power steering, which is fast becoming the preferred method of power assisted steering in Europe and Japan, is a typcial application for tolerance rings. They are designed-in to allow slip between the gear wheel and drive shaft at a pre-determined torque level. This functionality protects the gear teeth and motor from damage during back-driven shock loads, such as when the wheel accidentally hits the edge of a curb.

Chris Needes, Automotive Product Manager at Rencol, said: “Rencol’s tolerance rings are used on both rack and column mounted electric power steering systems in production line models for manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Citroen, Honda, Mitsubishi, Seat, Toyota and Volkswagen.”

The European automotive industry is also experiencing growing demand for convenience and safety functions, such as ABS, ESP or ACC. These sophisticated automotive systems require the detection of rotational movement, where discrete angular positions are absolutely essential. The detection of steering angle, pedal and gear lever detection and positions of valves in motor management and climate control units have high demands on the sensor devices, and frequently incorporate magnets manufactured from powdered metal.

“When the magnet assembly is fitted with a tolerance ring, the fitting force can be accurately determined by the design of the ring,” explained Mr Needes. “The arrangement no longer depends heavily on component tolerances, which eliminates the risk of damage and, thanks to the resilient nature of Rencol’s tolerance rings, provides the magnet sensors with a useful degree of protection against vibration and shock. Another key benefit of using a tolerance ring is that the poles of the magnet can be aligned after assembly.”

During the show, visitors to the Rencol stand will have the opportunity to see first hand an impressive array of automotive applications already employing tolerance rings, as well as speak to engineers about their project needs.

Ian Clay, Technical Publicity,
Tel. +44 (0)1582 878870, fax +44 (0)1582 878855
Email: iclay@technical-group.com

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