Diamonds are typically used as the exclusive jewelery and also for cutting hard objects. The specialty of the diamonds, now used by Chevrolet, using it as a coating component of the "heart" of the engine, the ring (ring) piston.
Chevrolet has also been announced, a diamond encrusted ring piston is to be used in the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine that will be the source of Sonic (Aveo) and Cruze production this year. The goal, to reduce friction ring with the cylinder wall. Thus, the engine work more efficiently, fuel economy and not less interesting, durability or service life is more intense.
Understandably, the diamond is a very hard material. No less interesting, with a diamond hardening technology, piston ring can be more close to the cylinder and the pressure is hard. Chevrolet claimed, this technology was first used for machine made them.
DLC
This technology is also called Diamond-like Carbon Coating (DLC). This technique is done by creating a synthetic surface, considered advanced with automotive applications is relatively new.
Previously, the technique is only applied to the latest advanced technology products, the "hard drive" computers, orthopedic implants and semi-conductors. Further, GM is also testing this technique for use on machine tools.
Reduce friction
Rings piston functioning insulate combustion chamber on a machine, helping move the heat from piston to the wall cylinder and reduce use oil. On the 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine, the steel ring made with a smooth surface and hardened synthetically. The goal, to improve durability or not wear out quickly.
"Thanks to the diamond coating process. Because of the lower ring tension, friction on the surface of the cylinder wall is reduced. Fuel consumption is of course much more efficient, "said Rich Ricchi, GM Powertrain Technical Specialist. Added, the DLC also reduce consumption, the wear rate is also low due to use of DLC coatings.
More efficient
By using a piston ring diamond, Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine and 6-speed transmission, fuel consumption Sonic - estimated by EPA method - 12.3 kpl in the city and 17 kpl on the highway. While the Chevrolet Cruze, 11 kpl in the city and 16 kpl on the highway.
Further, the application of this technology depends on the intensity of its use. Carbon coatings such as diamond, chemically engineered to withstand the wear, friction control, and reduce the stickiness. For the industry, GM uses a formula DLC on the drill bit. The goal, to prevent aluminum attached to the drill bit that caused the "sap" and lead the work process is slow.
In addition to piston rings, GM also see great opportunities DLC is used to lever or trigger valve which began production in early 2014.
"Through years of research in the laboratory, we understand the process of DLC on the atomic level. This technique has great hope for the future because it can be used to facilitate the process of making components and improving its quality. For consumers, the cost of care is also cheaper, "said Michael Lukits, GM's senior researcher.
Unfortunately not be explained, whether the process is causing the price of a diamond coated piston ring is to be expensive?
