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

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W56HZV-08-C-0066
Agency Tracking Number: A072-204-0668
Amount: $119,971.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A07-204
Solicitation Number: 2007.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2007
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2007-11-16
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2008-05-16
Small Business Information
101 West Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
United States
DUNS: 073282928
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Glen Simula
 President
 (906) 482-1235
 glen.simula@gsengineering.com
Business Contact
 Andrew Halonen
Title: Business Development Manager
Phone: (906) 482-1235
Email: andrew.halonen@gsengineering.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

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.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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