Metal-Matrix-Composites for Lighter Weight Designs
It Begins with Powder
Rapidly solidified, inert gas atomized (IGA) aluminum powder and Silicon Carbide (SiC) particles size classified to exacting standards, are the raw materials for all DWA-USA Al MMCs. Proprietary particle size distributions assure an optimum dispersion of the reinforcement phase in the aluminum matrix and control the key properties that designers care most about- strength, stiffness, ductility and fatigue resistance.
Robust Primary Processing
DWA-USA Al MMCs are used in a variety of demanding applications. Our customers require a level of processing and process control that knows no compromise. Raw material powders are blended and security screened to eliminate the possibility for contamination and compacted inside hard tooling. Compacted powders are vacuum degassed at elevated temperature to assure low retained hydrogen and hot-pressed into fully dense Al MMC billets. All primary processing steps are performed under DWA-USA’s AS9100 compliant quality management system, where “frozen” processing is a day-in, day-out commitment on the part of our production staff.
Typical DWA-USA Al MMC Microstructure Showing Uniform Dispersion of Fine SiC Ceramic Particles
Case Studies
Fielded Applications
DWA-USA specializes in new aluminum-based powder metallurgy materials and applications development. We serve our customers throughout the entire development cycle, whether it be an upgrade to an existing design or starting from the ground up. Our track record for transitioning prototyping efforts to real world serial production is unparalleled.
View our Case StudiesDensity Adjusted Properties of Aluminum MMCs Compared to Steel, Titanium and Aluminum
One of the clear advantages of Al MMCs compared to conventional metallic materials is greatly enhanced strength and stiffness. These property gains are achieved without impacting material density, so the specific properties of Al MMC are dramatically increased. Al MMCs are also isotropic composite materials. Their design space is not dependent on reinforcement orientation.
DWA Aluminum Composites
Aluminum Metal-Matrix-Composites Manufacturing
The Al MMC manufacturing process can be divided into three elements- primary processing, secondary processing and finishing. Unlike other composite materials, after primary processing of the billet, Al MMCs offer a high level of “fit, form and function” when inserted into the industrial manufacturing stream, making use of conventional facilities and equipment.
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Phone Number
818.998.1504Address
21100 Superior St
Chatsworth,
CA
91311