PTFE over moulded piston ring technology – increased comfort and endurance

The piston is the metal part fixed to the end of the rod of the shock absorber. It responds to the movements of the vehicle chassis, whilst the body of the shock absorber, within which the piston moves, moves in relation to the wheels. As the piston moves it is subjected to various pressure constraints, transverse pressure and friction.

In conjunction with 3P (a subsidiary of Plastic Omnium) Gabriel developed a unique technology to over-mould the piston with a PTFE coating (PTFE is a very high quality Teflon). Covering the whole piston, the PTFE ring dramatically reduces friction; and as a result, reduces wear and guarantees prolonged driving comfort.

Over-moulding creates perfect cohesion between piston and ring preventing the two components from coming apart and by doing so increases endurance under the toughest conditions. It also creates a perfect seal between the piston and the inner tube of the shock absorber. This ensures the oil passes through the valve, with the oils displacement and resistance to compression contributing to the dampening/absorption effect.