Winsert’s newly developed composite copper alloy valve seat inserts possess both excellent wear resistance and high thermal conductivity, which are two key material properties required by high performance racing engines. High temperature laboratory valve and insert wear test results show the wear resistance of the composite copper alloy is much better than copper beryllium alloy as well as nickel bronze type copper alloy currently used in the high performance engines. High performance engine laboratory tests also confirm the excellent wear resistance of the composite copper alloy valve seat inserts. Special oxide film formed on the copper alloy provides good compatibility with DLC coated titanium valves or plain titanium valves. The greatly improved wear resistance of the composite copper alloy gives engine valve train designers more freedom to enhance engine performance. The new copper alloy is also environmentally friendly without using hazard beryllium alloy element to achieve superior wear resistance. The unique combination of excellent high temperature sliding wear resistance and high thermal conductivity, together with good compatibility of mating components, makes the new composite copper alloy suitable for many other demanding applications.
