F1-style coatings heading for mainstream markets

摘要

Diamond-like coatings have been the preserve of the motorsports sector. But manufacturer Bekaert wants to open up the mainstream automotive market. In the world of F1 racing, hugely powerful and sublimely tuned engines are, cajoled, tweaked and tinkered to extract every last fraction of performance available. Each engine is also virtually unique and the list of expensive, bespoke modifications and alterations made for each one can be long and complicated. The detail extends right down to managing the friction in the engine compartments -less friction means greater efficiency and a few extra units of ps/horsepower. For years, the "surface engineering" company, Bekaert, has provided coatings to the F1 market, helping to reduce friction, improve efficiency and protect lightweight parts that would otherwise be unusable in such a harsh environment.