- First significant OE supply of transmission filters
- UFI technology to be fitted to several of the Korean group’s models with six and eight-speed automatic gearboxes
- The filters’ high quality ensures that the lubricant in the hydraulic circuit is impurity-free, with improved reliability
UFI, a global leader in filtration and thermal management solutions, as well as green hydrogen technologies, has announced an important supply contract with the Hyundai Group for both Original Equipment and OES transmission oil filters. For the first time, UFI will supply filters for six and eight-speed automatic transmissions on a wide range of models from the Korean group; the best-known of which in Western markets are the Hyundai i30, Tucson, Santa Fe, Kia Ceed, Sportage and Sorento. UFI produces the Hyundai Group filters at its plant in South Korea, which makes Original Equipment for local manufacturers.
Stefano Gava, CEO of the UFI Group, commented: “With this project, UFI is entering a new segment: transmission filters for light vehicles. We are doing so with Hyundai Motor Group, on widely popular models, incorporating our proprietary media such as FormulaUFI.Extreme. This is a step that strengthens our position among the leading global technology partners.”
UFI proprietary technology
For models with 8-speed transmissions the filter operates under vacuum, while in vehicles equipped with start-stop systems the filter is connected to an additional electric oil pump. A second type of filter is used for hybrid models with 6-speed transmissions. The filter media used is FormulaUFI.Extreme – part of the ‘FormulaUFI’ line, the brand that encompasses all the company’s filtration know-how and lends its name to the materials selected and developed at the UFI Innovation Centres. FormulaUFI.Extreme is designed to offer extreme filtration performance even in the most difficult conditions. The synthetic filter material is produced using the melt blown process – whose efficiency derives from the distribution and size of the fibres themselves, which can vary according to specific applications.
The FormulaUFI.Extreme media used for Hyundai and Kia transmissions guarantees a filtration efficiency of over 90% for particles with a size of 100 microns, and up to 65% for those of 50 microns. The pressure drop is also very low, at a maximum of 0.15 bar. In these vehicle applications, the filtration media is used in a ‘dual-layer’ configuration to increase the filtering surface and improve efficiency. These media layers are enclosed between two ‘covers’ made of plastic material combined with carbon fibres. On the inner surface of one of these are ribs, which are specifically designed to better channel the flow, minimise pressure drops and avoid deformations of the plastic component. The two ‘covers’ are welded together to form a single body designed to be entirely replaced during service.
An essential task
Transmission fluid plays a fundamental role: it lubricates the vehicle’s gears and prevents overheating, ensuring optimal operation. The oil is drawn from the sump through a pump, passes through the filter and is distributed to the transmission components, including gears and the gear selector. The friction between these components continually releases particles into the lubrication circuit, making a highly efficient filter essential to protect sensitive elements such as the pump, hydraulic valves and contact surfaces. UFI’s filters thus extend the lifespan of the transmission; enhancing reliability, reducing maintenance costs and preventing premature failures.
