A 'fully extruded' internal combustion engine
September 21, 1998
Manufacturing an internal combustion engine from extruded aluminum alloy rather than conventional casting offers many benefits, including big size and cost savings. So says Power Beat International Ltd., a research and development company based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Powerbeat's ALU-X(TM) engine employs interlocking sectioned extruded profiles to form the engine block. Replacing one-piece cast blocks, the company claims, allows engines of different capacities, cylinder numbers, and stroke lengths to be made from the same parts. Engine assembly is quick and easy: Tie bolts hold stressed components in compression, eliminating the need for load bearing threaded holes within the block; tee slots incorporated into the extrusion profile allow simple attachment of auxiliary components. Other benefits include superior grain structure for accurate bores and finishes; lower capital costs, higher production capacity; high power-to-weight ratio. Power Beat International is currently developing 200-cc versions of the ALU-X to suit the small engine market. Contact Evan Bydder at [email protected] or call +64-7-843-0011.
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