Meeting the Needs of Automotive OEMs with Collaborative Engineering Innovation
October 18, 2023
More and more electric vehicles (EVs) can be found on the road every day, and these high-tech, gas-saving vehicles come with their own unique engineering requirements. A chief consideration is keeping the high-performing engines cool while protecting them from fluids and debris, freeing them to perform optimally and safely.
To help clients meet this need, Parker Hannifin collaborated across business units to develop access port covers for EV cooling systems that are manufactured from high-precision, injection-molded plastic. This value-added, integrated solution leverages two different Parker technologies to bring top-tier original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) an innovative and proven solution.
High-Performing, Precisely Designed Access Port Covers
Access port covers are a vital part of the EV cooling system, preventing foreign materials such as radiator fluid, dust or debris from dripping down into the battery compartment and keeping it from working properly or introducing safety hazards. Designed with engineering innovation from the Parker Chomerics division, these plastic parts can replace metal pieces, with the advantages of weight reduction and cost savings.
The access port covers utilize Parker O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division’s Press-in-Place seal technology. The custom PIP seal design offers a self-retaining feature offering eliminating the need for messy adhesives and glues. Parker’s E0740, a 75 durometer epdm material, was selected for its proven performance in glycol-based cooling systems. Parker OES provides custom sealing solutions and innovative elastomers to solve customer’s critical challenges.
Manufacturing Automation with a Zero-Defect Guarantee
With manufacturing operations strategically placed around the world, Parker Chomerics is well-poised to provide personalized solutions such as plastic access port covers that meet the specific requirements of OEMs. Facilities in locations including Asia and North America work seamlessly with customers and other Parker locations, delivering products that are backed with a zero-defects guarantee.
To get to zero defects, there is automated process monitoring built into every step of molding and assembly. First, compression limiters prevent the nuts from getting too close, while sensors and cameras ensure that all eight nuts are present, at the correct spacing, and facing the right direction. This step must be completed before the mold closes.
Then, the operator loads four gaskets which are pressed down into grooves. Once again, this process is monitored, and at the end, electric eyes validate that the part has been assembled properly. These checks won’t allow the part to advance to the next phase until it confirms that the previous step has been completed correctly, ensuring zero defects.
At Parker, our many business units all have one common purpose: delivering a value-added, integrated solution that meets our customers’ needs. Plastic access port covers for EV cooling systems are just one example of how we’re putting this into action every day.
Sarah Kuhn
Marketing Communications Manager
Parker Chomerics
High Precision Injection Molded Plastic Solutions
Parker Chomerics offers state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to facilitate metal replacement technology in the form of specially formulated polymers for EMI shielding and weight/cost savings.
On-Demand Webinar: Electric Vehicle Battery Enclosures: Press-in-Place and Custom Sealing Solutions
Electric vehicle battery covers pose unique sealing challenges in the automotive industry. The significant size of the sealing perimeter, the materials and size of the seal mating hardware, and the aggressive performance requirements all play a crucial role in the design and installation of this critical seal. Join our experts to discuss the benefits and innovative sealing options Parker offers to ensure maximum seal life and performance in addition to installation efficiency and cost reduction.
Automotive Innovative Solutions That Matter
Our global customers rely on us to provide innovative ideas and material solutions. We work with OEMs and Tier automotive suppliers to solve complex electronics and design challenges.
We have an extensive range of products that are used for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electrification cooling systems, metal to plastic light weighting and electrical grounding. Our automotive team has been involved in the design and development of many products including electronics packaging, chassis & body systems, suspension components and engine components. We also offer a range of solutions for internal combustion engines, electric motors, generators and battery packs.
We’re constantly innovating in our drive to create the most advanced clean energy solutions.
Empowering Your Business on a Global Scale
Parker Chomerics’ manufacturing operations span the globe, allowing us to serve you locally no matter where you are. We understand your unique needs and provide personalized solutions that cater to your specific requirements.
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