Envalior, a global leader in Engineering Materials, in collaboration with General Motors and Schaeffler AG, have received the 2025 Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Innovation Award in the Powertrain category for an ultra-thin wall actuator gear built on high-performance, glass-fiber reinforced Stanyl PA46. This breakthrough achieves a 30% reduction in weight, enhanced stiffness and wear resistance, and significant cost and packaging efficiencies.
Leveraging Stanyl PA46, Envalior's high-performance polyamide material, the team successfully developed a thin yet robust actuator gear wall for an electronic throttle control application. The innovative mid-gear design ensures precise pedal-to-throttle response and excellent impact absorption, virtually eliminating tooth breakage.
The resulting thin wall actuator gear design delivers:
- 30% higher stiffness
- 20% increased wear resistance
- 30% weight reduction
- 20% cost reduction
- 20% space reduction
This award-winning application is featured in two of GM's 2025 model year compact SUVs, with Envalior as the material supplier and Schaeffler AG serving as the system supplier and material processor.
Tony Padden, Envalior Stanyl Technical Application Manager NA, said: "This initiative brought together a team of experts from every discipline, and the collaboration was exceptional. We overcame challenges, met ambitious targets, and delivered a solution that set a new industry benchmark."
Source: www.envalior.com
