Stiffer Than Titanium Lighter Than Aluminum
Materion is the supplier of the SupremEX® family of metal matrix composites. These composites, known as AlSiC, are comprised of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic particles dispersed in an aluminum (Al) matrix. In May 2012, we acquired Aerospace Metal Composites (AMC) of Farnborough, UK to expand the manufacture and development of SupremEX®. These materials can be hot isostatically pressed (HIP’d), forged, rolled and extruded into complex shapes. At left, is an image of a unit cell of one Lid.
Advantages of SupremEX® Metal Matrix Composite
- > Stiffer than titanium, lighter than aluminum
- > High temperature durability
- > Easily machined
- > Stable, capable of high precision tolerance designs
SupremEX® is optimized for mechanical applications of AlSiC, such as automotive and aircraft parts.
Addtionally, AlSiC can be formulated for thermal management applications such as semiconductor packaging.
Photoetching Lids
Photoetching, rather than casting lids, has several advantages. It is simpler to create a prototype, less expensive and quicker to produce. The cost per unit volume of 30% SiC/Al AlSiC is similar to that of copper, which is lowest in cost among alternatives. It has been photoetched into an array of lids as shown in Figure 1. Photoetching of AlSiC avoids many problems associated with stamping of AlSiC, such as dulling of the stamping tool, which can lead to burrs and bending of the stamped part. It is also creates pristine edges and is very reproducible. Materion can tailor AlSiC to meet customer requirements for thermal management.
Materion Family of Lids
AlSiC composites complement the existing line of lids and sealants offered by Materion. From Epo-Lids™ to Epoxy 150/165 to thermal interface materials (TIM), we meet your needs for technical solutions. For more information about lids and sealants, contact us.
For additional information about SupremEX aluminum-silicon-carbide metal matrix composites and to get started, contact our composites engineers.