November 2016 – SolEpoxy, a leading global supplier of high-performance epoxy composites, announced today that a variation of its MH7-1 epoxy molding compound will be used as the engine block and oil pan in the second generation all-plastic engine project.

The POLIMOTOR 2 is the second-generation, all-plastic car engine.It is the brainchild of the automotive innovator and engineer Matti Holtzberg. Holtzberg first built a reputation for himself in the mid 1980’s when he designed and built the first Polimotor all-plastic engine that raced in July 1984 at Watkins Glen, New York.

 

Car engines are typically made of cast iron and aluminum, making them one of the heaviest parts of the car.The initial Polimotor was based on a Ford’s 2.3-liter Pinto engine and weighed almost 65% less than its metal counterpart (69 kgs vs. 188 kgs).Lighter engines mean lighter cars, which mean reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

If all-plastic engines can become mainstream, it would blaze a trail for automakers to solve some of the automotive industries greatest global challenges, including tougher corporate average fuel economy (CAFÉ) regulations and stricter CO2 emission standards. Other benefits are quieter operation and reduced heat conduction. The Polimotor 2 engine will be a four-cylinder, double-overhead cam engine made entirely of plastic using the latest technologies. It is planned to be tested in a race car in 2017, also at Watkins Glen.

MH7-1 Strong as steel, insulates like epoxy

Part of the latest technology will include a modification of SolEpoxy’s groundbreaking MH7-1.Designed originally to replace applications that traditionally use stainless steel, this light-weight alternative to steel has a flexural strength similar to that of stainless steel while providing best in class electrical insulation.

all-plastic engine motor layout using only plastic instead of metal in its composition. This redesign will make the motor weigh about 40kgs (90 lbs) less than today’s standard metal motor.

“Matti Holtzberg and his Polimotor are legendary. It’s an honor and a privilege to work with him!” said Jeff Belt, President of SolEpoxy Inc.“Our MH7-1 epoxy molding compound is unique because it is has tremendous isotropic strength. It can be molded into fine shapes or precision-machined like metal. SolEpoxy is confident the Polimotor 2 project will be a great success and the entire SolEpoxy team is thrilled to be part of it.”

The MH7-1 will initially be used in the engine block but other possible applications include structural oil pans and compressor housings.

About SolEpoxy

SolEpoxy, Inc. was founded in 2010 by Western New York investors who admired the remarkable legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship that endured at the Olean R&D and manufacturing center. Today, SolEpoxy, Inc. stands upon the shoulders of giants, providing standard-setting epoxy-based specialty materials, along with the very best insight and know-how for customers who rely upon these materials to enable their own products to perform.

For more information about the innovative MH7-1, please call us at (716) 372-6300 or visit us online at www.solepoxy.com.