Freudenberg Addresses Current and Future System Challenges in the Automotive Industry

Freudenberg’s Simmerring® with electrically conductive nonwoven materials eliminates these risks through a fleece ring glued onto the air side of the seal. Because the carbon fiber-PTFE nonwoven material contacts both the shaft and the housing, the design forms a conductive bridge which grounds the gear box and prevents mechanical system damage. This integrated function saves costs, weight and space. It can also protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) which helps with radio reception quality.

Other innovations will also be highlighted at the show. The company’s DIAvent® pressure compensation element handles pressure compensation during normal operation and emergency situations via one component consisting of a nonwoven layer and umbrella valve with reversible switching. Its patented „Profile-to-Gasket” (P2G) seal for traction battery housings was designed to accommodate small production volumes of up to 5,000 batteries per year. Batteries with substantial power densities and the resulting cooling requirements create a need for flat seals or the so-called Plug & Seals that Freudenberg Sealing Technologies manufactures as well. Another promising area is lightweight design for electric motors, using plastics that conduct electricity or heat or insulate against them.

ICE Innovations Still Abound

Freudenberg is still pursuing cutting-edge technology for traditional powertrain systems as well. The company’s award winning Low Emission Sealing Solution (LESS) portfolio of engine, transmission and E-Mobility product solutions, for example, have been designed to help the industry universally achieve more eco-friendly cars and trucks. LESS products include a variety of low friction seals, gaskets, encoders, accumulators, sealing modules and lightweight housings.

Founded on its flagship gas-lubricated mechanical face seal Levitex® -- which cuts friction by 90 percent and lowers CO₂ emissions by up to 1 g of CO₂ per kilometer during driving – the LESS portfolio has been recently expanded to include the Levitas low torque seal ring and the Levitorq thrust washer. These sealing options both rely upon hydrodynamic oil film technology to reduce transmission and driveline friction. Levitas seal rings reduce friction and wear to an absolute minimum resulting in significant reductions of CO₂ emissions. Levitorq thrust washers enable engineers to replace heavy, torque robbing, metal thrust washers with washers made of thermoplastic or thermoset alternatives, These innovative products help reduce weight, decrease friction, and improve thickness/flatness control. More information on Freudenberg’s LESS portfolio is available at less.fst.com.