What exactly are apex seals made of? I hear from Steel (but what grade?), a derivative of gray cast iron, etc.

If I can get a percentage of what material is in the "common" Mazda Apex Seal, that would help my research out a lot

Thanks guys!

 

i'm sure they're harder than normal steel. but then again, they probably r hardened steel. but defenately not cast iron. what r u looking to do?

 

he...he...he...

Can't really say without knowing what the apex seal is made of, then checking the metallurgy and heat to expansion ratio's etc of it. But I am thinking of something pretty off the wall, and just for kicks and giggles. I got all my engine stuff in the garage, and have enough parts to build about 6 engines. Might do some redneck injeneerin.

EDIT: In the words of Pringles... Once you pop, the fun dont stop

 

I don't believe they are a hardened steel, then again if they are it must be a low grade because if it was too hard it would gouge the housing more than seal.

If I remember right, all the stock seals are steel

 

the book 'rotary engine' by kenichi yamamoto says its special cast iron, with the tip being electron beam hardened.

since the seal has to be nice to the rotor housing AND the rotor, its harder at the tip than the sides

current seals are made by Zee Germans

 

Cast iron would make sense, actually; it's much more rigid and dimensionally stable than steel, and resists abrasion very well.