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Dana's U-Flex Oil-Control Ring for the Next Generation of Engines

6 March 2000

Dana Corporation Develops U-Flex Oil-Control Ring for the Next Generation of Engines DANA CORPORATION LOGO Dana Corporation logo. (PRNewsFoto)[DM] TOLEDO, OH USA 09/03/1999    

    TOLEDO, Ohio, March 6 Dana Corporation has
advanced the technology of the engine oil-control ring (OCR) with the
development of a one-piece U-Flex(TM) OCR, an effective alternative to three-
and two-piece OCRs for gasoline and light-duty diesel engines.
    Made of carbon steel, Dana's U-Flex design reduces oscillating mass -- an
important benefit for today's high engine speeds. This feature, coupled with
reduced ring height, offers a vast improvement over other OCR designs.
    Dana's Perfect Circle Europe Division, a leading manufacturer of piston
rings, tested oil consumption and friction performance, and utilized finite
element analysis (FEA) while developing the highly conformable U-Flex OCR. The
result is a design that improves oil control, reduces friction, and ensures
consistent performance over time.
    The design and manufacturing of the U-Flex OCR allows the ring to flex and
expand to conform to the cylinder wall, even when bore distortion occurs at
high temperatures.  This exceptional conformability ensures even pressure
distribution and great friction performance. Precise pressure is applied
around the cylinder circumference to provide efficient oil metering to the
piston assembly and ring pack.
    "Engine manufacturers are looking for improvements in oil and fuel
consumption economy.  U-Flex meets European vehicle emissions standards and
our customers' financial demands," said Dan Moody, vice president of engine
products for Dana's Engine Systems Group.
    Although U-Flex oil-control rings have been used in gasoline engines
previously, advancements in geometry and automatic assembly have enabled Dana
to increase the number of applications in gasoline engines and to enter the
light-duty diesel market as a lower-cost option. Rings with heights of less
than 2mm are currently being developed, and further performance improvements
are expected.
    Dana Engine Systems Group provides components, modules, and complete
systems solutions to engine builders worldwide.  The group's product lines
include Victor Reinz(R) gaskets and sealing products, Perfect Circle(R) piston
rings and engine parts, Glacier(R) Vandervell(R) engine bearings, and
powertrain components manufactured by Dana's Plumley Division.
    Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest independent suppliers to
vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. Founded in 1904 and based in
Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 320 major facilities in 33 countries
and employs more than 82,000 people. The company reported sales of
$13.2 billion in 1999. Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com .