Technical developments and recent trends in crankshaft materials

Abstract

Diesel engines are required to have higher out-puts with smaller sizes. Semi-built-up and solid crankshafts, which are main parts of diesel engines, are subject to severer service conditions to meet such requirements. As a result, crankshaft manufacturers are driven to improve fatigue strength, quality and reliability of the crankshafts. This article describes technical developments and recent trends in crankshaft manufacturing, including steel-making processes, new materials with higher strength, and new fillet hardening processes.