EMS-Grivory: High-performance polyamide replaces aluminum in ABS solenoid valve for commercial vehicles

Comparison of the previous aluminum version with the new EMS polymer solution - (Photo: EMS-Grivory).

EMS-Chemie AG is replacing aluminum with its high-performance polyamide "Grivory HT" in an ABS solenoid valve for commercial vehicles. According to the company, which is presenting the application ahead of Fakuma 2026, the material substitution cuts component weight by 33 percent, reduces the carbon footprint by around 60 percent and lowers manufacturing costs by approximately 30 percent.

The solenoid valve forms part of an ABS modulator and controls the air pressure supplied to the brake cylinders, helping to prevent wheel lock-up under heavy braking. As a safety-critical component, it must maintain reliable performance and high fatigue resistance throughout its service life while withstanding temperatures from -40°C to +80°C as well as a range of environmental influences.

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Injection-molding-optimized design
The switch from aluminum to "Grivory HT" also required the component geometry to be redesigned specifically for injection molding. Integrated rib structures provide the necessary stiffness, while the process allows complex geometries to be produced in a single manufacturing step. Secondary machining operations required for the aluminum version are no longer necessary.

Exploded view of the ABS solenoid valve and its individual components - (Photo: EMS-Grivory).

A minimum service life of one million braking cycles was specified for the application. In endurance testing, the plastic component achieved more than seven million braking cycles, according to EMS, exceeding the specified requirement by more than sevenfold.

Lower processing temperature cuts energy consumption
The polymer solution also offers advantages in processing. "Grivory HT" is processed at around 340°C, compared with approximately 650°C for aluminum. EMS says the lower processing temperature can reduce manufacturing energy consumption by up to 25 percent.

The application illustrates the potential for engineering thermoplastics to replace metal components even in safety-critical commercial vehicle systems, provided that material selection, component design and injection molding are closely coordinated. Key benefits include lower weight, high durability, reduced energy demand and lower manufacturing costs.

Fakuma 2026, Friedrichshafen, October 12-16, 2026, Hall B2, Booth 2113

More information: www.ems-group.com, www.emsgrivory.com

EMS-Chemie Holding AG, Herrliberg and Domat/Ems, Switzerland

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