Heller's Nanoslide Technology Honored by R&D Magazine

U.S. tech-specialist magazine, R&D Magazine, recently chose Nanoslide as one of the 100 most important high-tech products launched in 2013. Nanoslide is cylinder coating technology which reduces friction in combustion engines.

The R&D 100 Award, also known as the ‘Oscars of Invention,' was presented to Mercedes-Benz and partner Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH Nov. 7 in Las Vegas, NV. Heller, a manufacturer of machine tools and complete production lines, developed all stages of the Nanoslide process into a global application for mass production and industrialization.

Heller integrates the process, including the process steps for preparation and review, not only in the process-chain during engine production, but also ensures quality process and reliability.

Nanoslide is also featured in the world champion cars’ V6 turbo engine of the Mercedes-Benz 106A PU Hybrid powertrain.

Nanoslide is a technology that reduces fuel consumption of combustion engines. This corresponds to reduction in CO2 emissions. A thin, low-friction coating is applied to the inner surfaces of the aluminum cylinders. This enables fuel consumption to be reduced by several percent.

In 2013, Mercedes-Benz introduced this patented technology in the U.S. market with the V6 turbocharged gasoline engine. In the meantime, Nanoslide has also been applied to 4- and 8-cylinder engines in the latest generation of Mercedes-AMG vehicles.

Nanoslide is also leveraged in the current Mercedes Formula 1 turbo V6 engine – the technology has played a role in the recent Formula 1 double victories which help seal the Constructors' World Championship before the end of the racing season.

Twin-wire arc spraying (TWAS) is used to apply a thin iron-carbon alloy coating to the inner surfaces of the cylinders of aluminum crankcases. This produces a wear-resistant material structure with micro-porosity. This micro-porosity captures small amounts oil and ensures effective lubrication during operation. The result is a smooth surface that reduces friction between piston, piston rings and cylinder wall by up to 50% and several kilograms of weight are saved.