Boosting Automotive Performance With Roller Burnishing

Crankshafts & Camshafts

The crankshaft and camshaft are critical parts of the engine, so any part failure or extreme wear would result in a failure of the motor. Traditionally, both parts are generally ground to a specific surface finish to reduce the amount of friction and heat build-up. While grinding may produce the required finished, it would not have the added benefit of wear resistance.

Burnishing can enhance the performance of the camshaft and crankshaft by increasing the surface hardness of the part, reducing wear and tear. Additionally, this densification enhances fatigue resistance, preventing premature failure.

Bearing Surfaces

Bearings are an essential component that support rotating shafts and reduce friction. Burnishing can improve the performance and durability of bearings by reducing friction and improving fatigue resistance. The smoother the surface the bearing rides on, the less friction that will be produced between components. Additionally, a harder surface can enhance the bearing’s ability to withstand cyclic loads, prolonging the bearings lifespan.

Sealing Surfaces

Seals are used to prevent the leakage of fluids or gases between different components of an automotive system, including oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. These can be static seals that prevent leakage between stationary parts, or dynamic seals that prevent leakage between moving parts.

Burnishing sealing surfaces can improve the effectiveness of the seal due to the smoother surface finish. Additionally, burnishing can also make the seal less prone to leaks due to the harder surface finish, as it can resist wear and tear.

Common sealing surfaces include:

• Engine Components
  • Valve Seats
  • Water Pump Seals
• Transmission Components
  • Gearbox Seals
  • Differential
• Suspension components
  • Shock Absorber Seals
  • Ball Joint Seals
• Brake components
  • Wheel Cylinder Seals
  • Caliper Piston Seals

Overall, roller burnishing is a versatile finishing process that offers significant benefits to a wide range of automotive components. By increasing surface hardness, improving surface finish, and reducing stress concentrations, roller burnishing enhances durability, reliability, and performance. From crankshafts to bearing surfaces, this process plays a vital role in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of automotive systems. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, roller burnishing will remain a valuable tool for improving component part quality and vehicle performance.

For more information on boosting automotive performance with burnishing tools, contact our Metal Finishing Application Specialist Team.