Lighter, faster engines for all

Yamaha has invented an aluminium casting technique which saves up to 30 per cent on the weight of engine parts. The firm is already tooling up its motorcycle engine factory to take advantage, according to reports in Asia.

If they prove true, the technique could pave the way for higher-revving engines, making more power for less weight. At the very least, a significant amount of weight can be saved on each engine.

The technology allows the uniform and fast injection of molten aluminium by creating a vacuum in the mould. The temperature inside the mould is controlled and that allows the flow of aluminium to be even and thin.

Conventional techniques allow aluminium parts as thin as 2.5mm. Yamaha’s invention means they can be as thin as 1.5mm, according to reports.

Yamaha is currently upgrading its No2 Iwata plant at Shizuoka to take advantage. This is the factory which makes its motorcycle and marine engines.

The good news for rivals is that the new technology will be offered to other firms.

Our news team is currently investigating this story and will bring you more as we have it.

This story was released to MCN2U News Alerts subscribers at 12.45pm on February 7, 2002. Were you among the first to know? Find out how you could be by following the MCN2U link, right