What is an MMC?

Like a golf club shaft, where the carbon fiber that stiffens the plastic resin - in a metal matrix composite - ceramic fiber / particles are positioned in the metal to enhance a specific property. Century's efforts are focused on High Volume Manufacturing Process Technologies. The RingExtruder's continuous process allows the following advantages:

- Efficient mixing technology for homogeneous fiber/particle distribution
- “Powder to Parts” continuous process
- Extrude Net Shape or Formable Mix
- Repeatable, Reliable Process
- Automated Process with Minimal Labor
- Superior Performance in Quality & Quantity

Benefits of MMCs over Monolithic Alloys:

- Increased Stiffness
- Less Thermal Expansion
- Improved Wear Resistance
- Improved High Temperature Performance
- Vibrations Damping

The Benefits Enable These Applications:

- Significant Weight Reduction with Aluminum MMC brake drums
- Lightweight Engine Block with similar CTE bearing blocks & cylinder liners
- Lightweight Reciprocating Masses – Aluminum / Mg MMC connecting rods; Drive shaft components
- Enhanced Vehicle Body Stiffness (cast nodes in body structure)
- Reduced Maintenance (no wear)

MMC Product Opportunities

Lightweight Products for the Transportation Market
- Selective Reinforcement with Metal Matrix Composites
- Replace Conventional Materials in Braking Systems with Lightweight MMC Brake Rotors & Drums

High Performance Structural Insulation
- High Temperature Lightweight Insulation for Portable Fuel Cell Applications
- Growing Market with Immediate Product Need

MMC Brake Rotor
- 50% weight reduction
- Longer life (unlimited life on rear brakes)
- Less heat build-up

Aluminum MMC Brake Drum
- 50% weight reduction from ductile iron
- Longer life
- Better vehicle NVH
- Significant weight reduction opportunity for multiple axle vehicles

Lightweight Steering Linkage
- 50% weight reduction from ductile iron
- Selective Reinforcement
- Squeeze Cast Aluminum

Partner with Century

Incorporating a RingExtruder into your operation can result in a quick return on your investment. Our research and engineering staff is ready to explore with you how your products and operations could benefit and to complete trials to quantify your benefits and savings. Contact us to schedule an engineering review of your requirements.