AEI Tech 2004 Awards

The new editors of Automotive Engineering International highlight some of the innovative new products and technologies on exhibit at the SAE 2004 World Congress based on the latest information provided by suppliers.

Ceradyne, Inc.'s cam rollers and fuel pump rollers are made of silicon nitride, a lightweight, wear-resistant ceramic material. The components replace steel rollers to eliminate the wear and galling of metal, thus improving engine reliability, according to the company. Silicon nitride features low mass combined with high strength and contact-fatigue resistance to permit use under high contact stresses. Cam rollers are used for unit injector fuel pumps and for intake and exhaust valves for Class 8 diesel engines. They are also used for common-rail, high-pressure fuel pumps for light-duty, as well as large, diesel engines.