Datwyler highlights e-powertrain sealing advances

Altdorf, Switzerland - Datwyler has highlighted its newest sealing technologies for e-powertrains, with particular focus on three specific products: a housing gasket, an oil baffle and an LSR 2K gasket.

The new technologies have been developed in response to the increasing global demand for electric vehicles (EV) and more investment focused on the e-powertrain.

The Swiss polymer group has now developed a range of two component (2K) housing gaskets, providing ‘high quality sealing solutions’ for e-powertrains, said a Datwyler online article.

The housing gasket is a key part of the e-powertrain serving a number of purposes such as sealing the transmission and preventing the release of oil.

It also separates sections of the upper and lower housing of the invertor to prevent contamination from external particles or liquids.

Produced to a customer’s specifications, Datwyler’s housing gaskets include “customised full-rubber gaskets, LSR 2K gaskets, and edge-bonded gaskets”.

Edge-bonding, Datwyler explained, involves bonding an elastomer seal to an aluminium or steel carrier, forming a robust part that offers a longer lifetime than traditional rubber gaskets.

Edge-bonded gaskets also offer “a compact sealing interface”, where a recess for a press-in-place gasket is not possible, the Swiss manufacturer added.

Another key component of an e-motor on which Datwyler is focusing is the oil baffle, which controls the flow of oil within the powertrain.

Working together with the housing and rotor, it distributes oil through small holes in its plastic ring to increase lubrication, decrease noise, and reduce the temperature of the e-motor.

Inside each oil baffle, Datwyler noted, there are two rubber sealing rings that enable the oil within the chamber to achieve the required pressure.

“These sealing rings need to be highly resistant to temperature as well as oil to provide long-term reliability,” Datwyler added.

Furthermore, the Swiss supplier has invested heavily in liquid silicone rubber 2K parts, which is a “relatively new” sealing technology that eliminates the requirement for the rubber and plastic components to be assembled.

This reduces the time needed for manufacture of the e-powertrain as well as the costs and number of suppliers in the supply chain.

A combination of plastic and rubber moulded together tightly, LSR 2K parts are cost-effective and lightweight, while being ‘highly rigid’.

This, according to Datwyler, makes assembly quicker and more accurate in automated systems to reduce the amount of potential errors.

To conclude, Datwyler noted that without a “flawless performance” of these sealing solutions, the e-drive is not ensured, which could lead to high costs of failure and major risks for drivers and passengers.

As an automotive industry partner, the Swiss supplier said it will “continue to innovate in this future-oriented application.”