Develop Aluminum Metal Matrix Components (Al MMC) and Manufacturing Applications for both Military and Commercial Vehicles

Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) materials have been available since the 1950’s. The reason MMCs are not called out as a material choice by vehicle design engineers is because they have not proven to be cost effective. A successful MMC program is one that delivers an extremely lightweight component at a cost target affordable to the weight sensitive wheeled vehicle market segments. The contractor will utilize Century 3+ Ring Extruder technology to mass produce ceramic preforms with consistency and reliability for safety critical components such as brake drums. The contractor chose a selective reinforcement strategy where the ceramic will only be positioned in areas of need. This approach minimizes raw material cost; eliminates unnecessary MMC machining costs; and allows for ductility & toughness where it is needed in a component. The contractor has prior experience in the design, manufacture, and testing of MMC-reinforced steering arms, brake drums, brake calipers, track shoes, and connecting rods. The contractor has a large customer base that includes many of the military truck vehicle manufacturers, and these relationships will be important when there is the opportunity to integrate the component to the vehicle.