Electric Power Steering & Column Components

What Is Electrical Power Steering (EPS)?

Electrical Power Steering (EPS) is an advanced system that replaces traditional hydraulic power steering with an electric motor and sensors to assist steering inputs. EPS reduces engine load, improves fuel economy (or EV range), and enables advanced features like lane-keeping assist and autonomous steering.

EPS systems rely on:

• Electric motors mounted on the column, rack, or pinion
  
• Sensors to detect steering angle and torque
  
• Control modules that process inputs and output assist commands
  
• High-precision mechanical components to transmit torque reliably
  
  

At the mechanical core of every EPS system are critical components—gears, housings, bushings, and brackets—that must perform under high torque, minimal vibration, and tight packaging constraints. That’s where Atlantic Sintered excels.

Atlantic Sintered’s Role in EPS Manufacturing

Atlantic Sintered manufactures sintered metal components essential to the structure and function of EPS and steering column systems. These include:

• Worm gears and spur gears
  
• Sensor gear carriers
  
• Motor brackets and mounts
  
• Torque sensor components
  
• Collapsible shaft collars
  
• Anti-rotation bushings
  
• Column brackets and steering locks
  
  

These parts must meet tight dimensional tolerances, offer low NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) performance, and provide long-term durability in a compact, lightweight design.

Benefits of Powder Metallurgy in EPS Components

Powder Metallurgy (PM) is a perfect fit for the needs of EPS systems. Atlantic Sintered has developed proprietary materials and processes to meet the demanding performance and cost targets of this application.

Key Advantages:

• High strength-to-weight ratios for improved energy efficiency
  
• Near-net shape forming that reduces or eliminates machining
  
• Excellent dimensional repeatability for automated assembly lines
  
• Design freedom to create complex, multi-level geometries
  
• Superior NVH characteristics through tailored material blends
  
• Scalability from prototyping to millions of parts per year
  
  

Through PM, we produce lighter, stronger, and more affordable components—critical for modern steer-by-wire, ADAS, and electric vehicle platforms.

Engineered for Precision and Performance

EPS and steering column components must meet a unique set of performance benchmarks, including rotational precision, structural integrity, and wear resistance. At Atlantic Sintered, we design each part with the full system in mind—optimizing both function and manufacturability.

Performance Characteristics of Our EPS Components:

• Tight Tolerances: As low as ±0.01 mm for critical fit
  
• Surface Finishes: Gear tooth surface densification for smooth engagement
  
• Durability: Tested for up to 1 million cycles
  
• NVH Optimization: Material blends and geometry tuned to reduce noise and vibration
  
• Corrosion Resistance: Material options suitable for exposed or sealed environments
  
  

We don’t just meet spec—we help you engineer smarter, more cost-effective designs through our Design for Manufacturability (DFM) process.

Manufacturing in Massachusetts with Global Delivery

Our Massachusetts-based facility offers full vertical integration, from powder blending and compacting to sintering, machining, and quality inspection. By keeping all production steps under one roof, we ensure:

• • Faster turnaround
    
  • Consistent quality
    
  • Shorter supply chains
    
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Lower total cost of ownership

In-House Capabilities Include:

• CNC turning, milling, and drilling
  
• Gear hobbing and surface densification
  
• Precision boring and honing
  
• Custom deburring and washing systems
  
• Automated inspection and testing
  
• Custom packaging and international logistics
  
  

We serve automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers across North America, Europe, and Asia, offering responsive support and high-volume capability.

Common EPS & Column Applications

Atlantic Sintered supplies components for a range of steering system configurations, including:

Column-Assist EPS

• Gear carriers
  
• Mounting brackets
  
• Sensor triggers
  
• Lock collars
  

Rack-Assist EPS

• Worm gears
  
• Thrust washers
  
• Torque sensor enclosures
  
• Column couplers
  

Steer-by-Wire Systems

• Position encoder gear rings
  
• Electric motor interface brackets
  
• Sensor-backed actuators
  
  

Whether your application is a light-duty electric passenger vehicle, a commercial truck, or a next-gen autonomous platform, we have the materials and processes to meet your EPS demands.

Material Systems Optimized for EPS

The performance of an EPS component starts with the right material. We work with a range of proprietary and industry-standard PM blends to match each application.

Available Material Options:

• Iron-copper blends for base structural parts
  
• Diffusion alloyed steels for high fatigue resistance
  
• Surface densified alloys for gear teeth and bearing surfaces
  
• Resin-impregnated PM for leak-proof sensor mounts
  
• Corrosion-resistant stainless PM for exposed environments
  
  

Our in-house metallurgical team collaborates with your engineers to ensure you’re getting the optimal mix of strength, density, machinability, and cost.

Quality You Can Count On—Every Time

EPS components are safety-critical. That’s why Atlantic Sintered’s quality assurance systems are designed to deliver zero-defect performance across millions of parts.

Our Quality Process Includes:

• CMM and laser inspection for dimensional accuracy
  
• Torque and cycle testing for structural validation
  
• Metallographic analysis for density and porosity
  
• Traceability systems from powder batch to final part
  
• Full PPAP and APQP support for automotive programs
  
  

We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and continually invest in quality equipment, automation, and process improvement to ensure consistent results.

Supporting Massachusetts and Global Automotive Innovation

Located in Massachusetts, Atlantic Sintered plays a vital role in the state’s growing automotive and robotics sectors. We partner with firms across Boston, Worcester, and Cambridge—from startups to multinational OEMs.

But our impact is global. Our components are found in vehicles assembled across Europe, North America, and Asia, and we’re proud to contribute to the global evolution of electric mobility and driver-assist systems.

Let’s Build Smarter Steering Systems—Together

If you’re engineering the next generation of Electrical Power Steering or steering column systems, partner with a manufacturer who understands performance, scale, and precision.

Atlantic Sintered – Steering Components Engineered for the Road Ahead