Traditional thrust washers are made of metal, but not only are they prone to wear but often they wear the surrounding components, often requiring replacement parts. As an alternative solution, many plastics such as PA66 (Nylon 66) or POM (Polyoxymethylene) have been tried as materials for use, but their wear resistance is not enough. The Vickers Victrex APTIV® film showed excellent wear resistance and durability, and it performed equally well in the lubrication test.
Based on the excellent durability, wear resistance and self-lubrication of Victrex APTIV membranes, S&TDaewoo applied it to the company's flagship automotive seat motor thrust washers.
Thrust washers for seat motors are required to be able to withstand motor speeds of about 4000 RPM and 10 kg/m2 (2.05 lb./sq ft) of pressure, with an average product diameter of 10 mm (0.394 inches) or 8.5 mm (0.335 inches).
S&TDaewoo also uses other engineered polymer films such as PA66 for other applications. However, the company is also considering applying APTIV membranes to these fields in order to make the products have a longer service life. This is also in line with the trend of today's industry to manufacture longer-life products.
A thrust washer is used in the motor to control the tilt and positioning of the car seat, and 3 million such parts are manufactured each year. S&TDaewoo thrust washers are used in many cars such as OpelVectra, PontiacG6, CadillacBLS and GMDaewooTosca.