See Rencol Tolerance Rings at India's Auto Expo 2008

A torque control mechanism in an electric power steering system is a typical application for tolerance rings. They are designed-in to allow slip between the gear wheel and drive shaft at a pre-determined torque level. This functionality protects the gear teeth and motor from damage during back-driven shock loads, such as when the wheel hits the edge of a curb.

Chris Needes, Automotive Product Manager at Rencol, says: "Rencol's tolerance rings are used on both rack- and column-mounted electric power steering systems in production line models for manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Citroen, Honda, Mitsubishi, Seat, Toyota and Volkswagen."

Other practical examples of where tolerance rings are solving problems in the automotive industry include: electric windscreen wiper motors - to mount a bearing/bush in motor system; wing mirrors - to allow rotational movement under shock loading and also helps reduce mirror vibration; sensor mounts - creates a press fit assembly that is resilient to vibration; and seat adjusters - where the ring is used as a slipping clutch to avoid damage to the handle and mechanism.

A biennial event, Auto Expo is organised jointly by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). With India currently ranked as the 11th largest producer of passenger cars in the world, the organisers expect this ranking to rise dramatically to seventh by 2016. In terms of numbers, last year the Indian automotive industry produced 1.4million passenger cars, 390,000 commercial vehicles and 8million motorbikes.

During the show, visitors to the Rencol stand will have the opportunity to see first-hand an impressive array of automotive applications already employing tolerance rings, as well as speak to engineers about their project needs. For further details of Rencol's products and services call the local agent Mac Marketing Corp on 080-22200290 or visit www.rencol.co.uk.