US-Japan PM valve guide history and technology

Powder metal valve guides are common in many engines today but not more than 30 years ago it was still just a concept. The transition to P/M valve guides took place due to various advancements in engine design and the efforts of the powder metal industry to satisfy the needs of the automobile industry. The valve guide plays an important role of supporting the movements of the valves in the engine head. To convince the automobile manufacturers to change from the cast iron technology that had been used since the earliest engines, a material was developed which could satisfy all the requirements of the rapidly advancing automobile industry. Initially as a lower cost alternative, P/M valve guides quickly became the design of choice from the technical advantage of wear resistance and adaptability. Challenges of machinability and design were overcome through refinements of materials and processes. Valve guide makers are now working with valve suppliers and OEMs to continue the advancement of the valve train into the next century.