Application and Manufacture of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Components in Light Vehicles

摘要

Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (AL MMC) have been available for over 10 years. During that time, the MMC manufacturing processing has been refined, and costs significantly reduced. However, the cost of a semi fabricated or finished components was seen as a barrier to many applications. In the last five years great strides have been made that allow components to be fabricated at more attractive cost levels. Aengineers better understand these materials, their true application value is emerging. The addition of ceramic particulate into aluminum alloys provides a new dimension in tailorability. Structural, thermal, and abrasion resistant properties are adjustable to provide customized materials that are castable and extrudable into complex shapes using near net shape processes for a wide variety of applications. This paper discusses examples from the automobile industry to illustrate two distinct families of AL MMC's and how their different properties make them attractive for widely different applications. The paper also describes an Integrated Regional Facility model. This is a Lean Manufacturing concept which promises to reduce product cost significantly, while improving product quality.