Automotive applications for aluminum foam 1

[czetu]

Hello all,

I work in a company (Cymat Corp.) that develops manufacturing technologies for aluminum foam. The material can be cast in 2D sheets on a horizontal cast line or in 3D shapes using a modified Low Pressure Casting machine.

Aluminum foam has several interesting properties such as:

- Mechanical energy absorption – crashworthiness
- High stiffness to weight ratio
- Resistance at vibrations and fatigue
- Thermal stability
- Acoustic insulator
- Lightweight

I woud appreciate any suggestions or ideas on specific automotive applications for aluminum foam.

Thank you,

Catalin

http://www.cymat.com

 

[einzats]

Hi czetu, I have a qestion regarding this product. I am a mold maker, and need a backing structure for an electro-formed mold which is an irregular shaped 2-part shell. It is to be used in a roto-cast application under 500 degree F.
can this material take ..say 50psi of pressure under this
temp?
Thanks,
einzats

 

[patprimmer]

Einzats.
Whats wrong with filled epoxies like Devcon, or really turning the amps up to get a faster deposition of copper once you have a good solid cavity.

Regards
pat

 

[plasgears]

How about tank vents and air discharge noise suppressors? Another application that comes to mind: gas tank internals for explosion proofing. I presume that the foam is available open cell.

 

[czetu]

Einzats,
The aluminum foam that we produce is closed cell and can take 50psi at 500F as long as the foam density is more than 10%, or 2.7g/cc. Hope this helps.

 

[czetu]

Plasgears,
Thank you for the suggestions. Our foam is closed cell, unlike Duocell which is a different kind of product. We wouldn't be able to cast 3D complex foamed parts in an open shell configuration.