HEAVY DUTY PISTONS

Engine pistons are the most highly engineered and technologically complex of the heavy duty power train components. Piston head configurations determine the shape of the combustion chamber and establish its ability to maximize the efficiency of the fuel burning process, distribution of forces and durability of the system. Materials vary by application and include a variety of alloys of aluminum, steel and cast iron. The thermal transfer properties, weight advantages and structural rigidity of aluminumsilicon alloy determine its use in many applications. The higher power classes needs are better met with forged steel which is more dimensionally stable and can support closer machining tolerances for
better endurance.
Two piece articulated pistons combine a forged steel head with an aluminum skirt, these designs combine the tighter sealing tolerances of steel with the weight and thermal advantages of aluminum and are used in high load or severe duty conditions.
All of our pistons include a metallurgically
bonded NI-resist insert in the top critical land area. This alloy being much harder than the piston itself prevents groove distortion due to the extreme forces exerted on the compression ring. All pin bores are fully bushed.
Crowns and skirts may have an anodized or bonded graphite coating to improve durability.
Computer aided design insures accuracy of dimensions, structural integrity and long life. In specific instances, the OE specifications for a piston have required modification due to unanticipated performance inadequacies. In these applications, we have modified our product design to eliminate these issues in order to prevent the possibility of premature failure. In such cases, AFA’s product exceeds OE performance levels.