For years a major automotive customer was able to get nearly 8000 seats per index with a competitor’s cartridge/insert construction valve seater tool. The tool was effective until the valve seat material was changed to a new harder, and more-difficult to machine material. The new seats also required more stock removal than before. As a result, the customer was unable to produce acceptable quality with the existing tools.

High-production customers typically do not like to try new technology on an existing application. They simply can’t afford to risk failure. However, this situation was the perfect opportunity for the customer to test Valenite’s blade construction finish valve seat tool.

Our experience with cartridge/insert construction tools is that they are susceptible to movement. And, although the low insert cost for these types of tools is appealing at first, the reality is that the seat valve quality is usually inconsistent.

We placed our blade construction tools on their machines and were able to produce almost 7000 seats, working in the same new material. The customer was also able to remove more stock, while improving consistency and achieving a higher-quality end product.

If you have a potential application, CLICK HERE to request a demo.