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Bekaert’s Diamond-Like coatings help NASCAR clients resolve fuel residue deposit problems associated with new fuel regulations

Bekaert's Diamond-Like coatings ensure reliable valve function and significant wear resistance on moving parts.

Bekaert, a manufacturer of racing and automotive component coating solutions, has come up with a solution to fuel residue buildup on race engine valves due to the introduction of unleaded fuel. Bekaert's Diamond-Like coatings ensure reliable valve function and significant wear resistance on moving parts.

Unleaded fuel recently became a requirement in NASCAR in 2007. The downside of unleaded fuel is that it has different solubility characteristics than regular gasoline. This can cause residue build-up in race engines that result in valve malfunction and premature wear of certain engine components. In the future, NASCAR may follow the example of the 2007 IndyCar Race Series (IRL) and adopt the use of E85. The use of these ‘bio-fuels’ is expected to give rise to additional wear on engine components, calling for even more wear resistant DLC coatings.

“Deposit build-up in the fuel intake system is not a new phenomenon. The conflicting demands of increased horsepower, fuel economy, and emissions control mean that fuel management systems must operate within very close tolerances,” explains Michael De Maegt, General Manager Bekaert DLC. “Bekaert has extensively researched the new developments in bio-fuels and their impact on valve function and parts longevity in race car engine. Our customers approached us for a solution to these technical challenges that would enable them to reap the benefits of new fuels, while retaining good wear resistance and low coefficient of friction.”

By coating valves with Bekaert's specifically developed DLC coatings, intake valves are protected from the build-up of fuel residue, resulting in better wear resistance and a lower coefficient of friction. Bekaert customers have reported the coatings have ensured reliable functioning of valves over several races. Bekaert intends to continue its investigation during the NASCAR season by working with customer feedback to develop modern day coatings as a solution to future fuel engine problems in the racing and automotive market.

The company supplies the Formula 1, Rally, DTM, Formula 3 and NASCAR business with high quality Bekaert Cavidur® coating solutions. The unique composition and structure of Bekaert Cavidur® results in the most reliable surface engineered solutions for highly loaded engine components, increasing lifetime of these parts and significantly decreasing friction losses, providing an excellent adhesion under extreme conditions.

Bekaert offers its diamond-like coatings via sales and manufacturing offices in Belgium, France, Germany, United States, Singapore and China. For more information visit www.bekaert.com/bac.