SupremEX aluminum-silicon-carbide metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer a unique combination of properties that help meet demands to reduce overall vehicle weight and improve engine efficiency in both the performance and passenger vehicle market segments. These materials can optimize high performance automotive applications, including powertrain engine components, suspension systems and chassis.
In automotive applications, SupremEX MMCs offer a balanced property combination that provides exceptional stiffness, twice the fatigue strength of most aluminum alloys, high tensile strength and resistance to wear and elevated temperatures.
SupremEX composites are available in several forms, including rolled sheets, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) billets, forged plates or shapes and extruded profiles.
IMPROVE PERFORMANCE IN RACING AND POWERSPORTS APPLICATIONS
In high performance powersport and racing applications, SupremEX MMCs offer multiple options that optimize engine performance for improved results on the track. SupremEX 225 pistons and valve spring retainers can be designed to increase both performance and efficiency by severely reducing reciprocating mass, friction, and knock sensitivity compared to conventional forged and cast aluminum piston alloys. In suspension systems, SupremEX composites make reliable, lightweight suspension upright and steering knuckle components that enhance vehicle dynamics.
In high performance automotive applications, structural components and Body in White (BiW) frames made of SupremEX 620XF MMC reduce the overall body weight by 25% over those constructed of conventional steel or aluminum alloys with enhanced dynamics and efficiency, and the material offers greater damage tolerance than carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP).
IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS IN PASSENGER VEHICLES
Innovations successful on the track are often adapted for use in on-highway vehicles. As automotive designers address current challenges to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption without sacrificing horsepower and reliability in passenger vehicles, many are turning to the high-performance automotive MMCs that race teams have used for years.
SupremEX 225 MMCs are an ideal high-performance replacement for conventional materials in powertrain components. They are 50% stronger than aluminum at high temperatures and when used for pistons, they enable changes such as reduced crevice volume and lighter piston pins, which improve power while reducing fuel consumption. Engine components made of SupremEX MMCs have low friction characteristics that result in reduced wear when running against other materials. These properties add up to optimized efficiency in high temperature, high pressure engine environments.
