Automotive rod seals with VICTREX PEEK polymer receive award

Nichiei Corporation’s rod seal made with Victrex’s high-performance PEEK polymer has received the Aisin Group Quality Excellence Award. The award-winning rod seal is an important component used in electronic stability control (ESC) devices that control skidding in vehicles.

Sugiura (left), President of Nichiei Co., and Rentaro Higaki, Head of Sales at Victrex Japan.

ESC rod seal.

Nichiei produces the rod seal in a mass production system with a monthly output of 2 million units. The company has achieved an astounding quality record of zero defects for more than 100 million rod seals delivered to Aisin over the past six years, leading to this award.

The use of VICTREX PEEK reduces component costs by approximately 30% compared to conventional carbon steel, while at the same time providing excellent durability with no deterioration in physical properties or dimensional changes even in a brake oil environment at 120°C.

“Victrex's PEEK polymer has an excellent performance that meets our high-quality standards and stringent environmental conditions. The high reliability of this material has also made a significant contribution to our ability to achieve zero defects in rod seals, a component that requires extreme precision,” said Sugiura, President and Representative Director of Nichiei.