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Sealing solution for automatic transmissions

Sealing solution for automatic transmissions

From PTFE seal ring to GAPI’s injection-molded PAI GLon™ solution

Customer application

As engine power and torque outputs increased, so did the demands placed on the hydraulic shift systems of modern automatic transmissions. In particular, the seals within the rotary oil unions of the transmission shafts and the torque converter had to ensure rapid and precise pressure build-up.

An overview of the challenges

  • Slow shift times
    Delayed pressure build-up impairs shift Performance
  • Complex assembly
    Calibration and settling processes complicate production.
  • Risk of damage
    Sensitive seals lead to scrap and rework.
  • High manufacturing costs
    PTFE seals are significantly more expensive than injection-molded parts.

A sealing solution was therefore sought that would simultaneously improve switch performance, process reliability, and cost-efficiency, and be suitable for large-scale production.

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Success Story

Sealing solution for automatic transmissions

From PTFE seal ring to GAPI’s injection-molded PAI GLon™ solution

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CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACT PERSON

Taras Mosiichuk & Sebastian Martin

Tel.: +49 (0) 2205 90494-39
Tel.: +49 (0) 2205 90494-23

E-Mail an Taras Mosiichuk
E-Mail an Sebastian Martin

GAPI Solution

Für die Öldrehdurchführung: Dichtringe aus Hochleistungskunststoff

GAPI developed a new generation of high-precision, injection-molded seals made of polyamide-imide PAI GLon™ T42 and T43.

  • High-performance material PAI GLon™ T42 and T43
  • Injection-molded precision for reproducible quality
  • Outstanding dimensional stability and compressive strength
  • Consistent sealing across a wide temperature range
  • Improved performance with reduced manufacturing effort and significant cost advantages for customers!

GAPI solution in detail

The modern seals were designed for both the oil rotary unions on the transmission shafts and the torque converter, replacing the PTFE seals previously used in these applications.

Thanks to the exceptional mechanical properties of *PAI GLon™, dimensional stability, compressive strength, and wear resistance were significantly improved. At the same time, the injection molding process enabled highly precise, reproducible component geometries; this was the key to achieving consistent sealing performance across a wide temperature range.



Better performance with
less manufacturing effort,
resulting in a significant cost advantage for customers!

The added value for our customers

Significantly shorter shift times

  • faster hydraulic pressure build-up
  • significant reduction in shift times
  • more precise and comfortable gear shifts
  • higher overall transmission efficiency

Significantly easier installation

  • No calibration or seal setting required
  • Fewer assembly steps
  • Reduced cycle times
  • Lower manufacturing costs

Greater process reliability in transmission assembly

  • significantly lower error rate during assembly
  • virtually no damage to the seals during installation
  • reproducible series quality

Higher performance capability

  • low, uniform leakage at every single seal
  • high wear and temperature resistance
  • reliable operation even with the higher torques of modern engine generations.

Cost savings

  • PAI sealing rings are more cost-effective to manufacture
  • Gapi rectangular sealing rings are easy to install using "pick-and-place" methods
  • Automated assembly is possible

Security for our customers

  • More than 25 million sealing rings annually
  • Supplying leading OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
  • Extensive inventory of finished parts, raw materials, and semi-finished products
  • High delivery capability and security of supply
  • Over 25 years of experience in serial production

Result

The use of injection-molded PAI GLon™ seals enabled simultaneous improvements in shifting performance, assembly processes, and cost-efficiency. Switching the material from PTFE to *PAI GLon™ enhanced the performance of modern automatic transmissions while reducing manufacturing effort and production costs.

25 Mio. sealing rings per year
25 YearsSerial production
Supplying leading OEMs and Tier 1
Automated assembly possible (pick & place)

A Look into the Future

GAPI is continuously advancing this technology. Its material solutions already contain less than 2% PTFE to specifically optimize tribological properties.

The next step is the development of a completely PFAS-free PAI GLon™ seal that maintains proven performance while meeting future regulatory requirements.



In this way, GAPI will continue to set benchmarks for 
high-performance, sustainable, and cost-effective sealing solutions
for the mobility of tomorrow.