graybar

As the pioneer and market leader of powder metal automotive main bearing caps, GKN has led the way in providing cost-effective engine component solutions to our customers. This effort continues with GKN's full-service supplier capabilities that incorporate cutting edge powder metallurgy techniques, CAD/CAM and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) computer simulation, and dedicated in-house validation equipment.

GKN's powder metal automotive main bearing caps reduce capital equipment, more effectively utilize valuable plant manufacturing space, improve quality, and are ideal for the ever-increasing demands placed on lower crank cases in high performance engines. Through the use of unique alloys and innovative selective densification technologies, GKN's main bearing caps lead the industry with the highest strength to weight ratios. GKN's patented Z-Loc system utilizes integral dowels formed into the cap base to reduce cost, part complexity, and improve cap relocation after line-boring, thus ensuring improved bore roundness and NVH performance.

Case Study

Challenges: Customer required significant strength enhancements without redesigning the cap or material being used.
Solution: GKN developed a process for this part in which compressive residual stresses were put in the part in the high stress areas.
Result: Main bearing cap fatigue performance was increased by 30%. Solution developed in a very short time frame, allowing customer to meet launch requirements. To date, thousands of these main bearing caps are on the road with no field failures.