Briggs & Stratton chose DSM's Akulon nylon 6 for use in its InTek V-Twin intake manifold—one of the first made of nylon.
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A collaborative effort among DSM Engineering Plastics, Briggs & Stratton, and Flambeau Plastics has resulted in the development and commercialization of one of the first small-engine manifolds produced from nylon 6. Briggs & Stratton chose DSM's Akulon nylon 6 for the intake manifold of its InTek V-Twin engine. The goal was to deliver a part that would replace the existing sand cast component while reducing cost and weight. The heat-stabilized impact-modified material is reinforced with glass fibers and provides good vibrational welding characteristics that lead to higher burst strength than materials such as nylon 6/6, according to DSM. Akulon's high-temperature resistance and strength were strong factors in the selection of the material for the manifold.
According to Scott Sparapani, Design Engineer, Briggs & Stratton, "It took some effort to eliminate the warping between the two runners of the intake manifold and have parts that easily mounted to the engine. DSM provided the needed support right from the beginning. They performed both structural and mold analysis on the initial manifold designs, were on-hand for a number of part samplings at the molder and at preproduction, and responded well to a material change late in the program." DSM's experience was gained from previous work with manifold projects for automotive customers.
DSM provided computer-aided engineering support to optimize the design of the manifold for both processing and part performance. During this time, DSM worked closely with both Briggs & Stratton and the molder, Flambeau Plastics of Baraboo, WI. According to Mark Reasa, Senior Project Engineer with Flambeau Plastics, DSM's technical assistance in FEA and mold-filling analysis, paired with the presence of a DSM representative at all mold trials, greatly contributed to the success of this project.
For more information from DSM, visit www.dsmep.com, call 800-333-4237, or circle 66.
SAE Off-Highway Engineering June 2000
