Transmission adapter is solid, located on cylinder block, on which sits the transmission housing. The function of a flexplate is to provide a mounting point for a torque converter which is used to couple the engine and transmission together when an automatic transmission is used. Transmission adapter provide access for torque convertor and flexplate assembly and protect the flexplate from external environment. Transmission adapter is also support and locate the starter.
This study deals with different alloy grade material use, improvement in process to reduce porosity. Porosity observed in first samples of the proposed grade material. The study represents investigation of Transmission adaptor porosity root cause. This also included visual observation, radiography -X ray testing, analysis, 3D scans, dimensional inspection, chemical analysis and comparison, tensile testing, truck testing validation tasks. Make sure critical parameter of the clearance meet between flexplate and transmission adapter. Result of the material alloy change is passed and field validation on truck application ran more than 150,000 miles without any issue.