High Performance Valvetrain Engineering

Since 1936 KPMI has continued to be at the forefront of the innovation, manufacturing, and development of high performance valve trains. KPMI is constantly investing in new technologies in order to maintain our position as one of the foremost authorities in valve train development.

Software

Utilizing the advances in power, speed, and user interface of modern software, KPMI employs an arsenal of software programs to plan, design, simulate, fabricate and test all aspects of development and production.

• 3D Modeling/FEA: Every KPMI component is designed using the latest in 3D modeling technologies, allowing KPMI engineers to assemble entire valve train systems virtually to verify fitment and clearances. Once assembled, each system is subject to a rigorous Finite Element Analysis (FEA) that allows KPMI engineers to validate designs and isolate areas of stress concentration. This FEA analysis ensures that KPMI parts are as light as possible, while remaining strong enough for each specific application.
• Valve train Simulation: Once a KPMI design has been modeled and refined the entire system is simulated using valve train simulation software. This allows KPMI engineers to "tune" each system to ensure that it will work harmoniously in the engine.
• Spring Design: Each of KPMI's valve springs are designed using advanced spring design software that allow KPMI engineers to balance designs for the perfect blend of performance and longevity.

Flow Testing

Before a design is complete, test valves are made with different tulip profiles and each design is flow tested on our FlowData 700 computerized flow bench to optimize airflow characteristics for that application. This often leads to improvements not only in flow characteristics, but in weight reduction as well.

Prototyping

KPMI has integrated the use of 3D rapid prototyping technologies into the many aspects of design process. This technology allows KPMI engineers to almost instantaneously create working plastic prototypes of designs that can be used to check fitment, clearances and design validity.

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