Metal matrix composites (MMC) are increasingly the material of choice for highly stressed components. But how can the reinforcing particles embedded in the matrix be produced efficiently? Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH is working on an answer.
High wear resistance and dimensional stability, low density and high temperature resistance make metal matrix composites (MMC) a material for high-performance applications with a long service life. Originally developed for the aerospace industry, they are now also used in transportation technology (for highly stressed components such as brake drums and drive shafts) and for cutting tools due to their outstanding wear resistance.
The desired tribological, mechanical or even thermal properties of MMC components or their surface can be specifically adjusted by a clever combination of metallic matrix and reinforcing particles. Up to now, the reinforcing particles have been produced using powder metallurgy processes. However, these do not provide an industrial solution for the economical production of high-quality, homogeneous components.
Against this background, Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH (NMB) is working on the development of a manufacturing process to produce homogeneous, wear-resistant MMC particle powder on an industrial scale as part of a collaborative project. The powder produced in this way is then further processed into a wear protection layer using an additive manufacturing process.
The work is being carried out as part of the cooperation project "ThermoLaser - Development of a novel, MMC-based wear protection layer (hardness 70 HRC) and a coating process to achieve 2-3 times the service life of newly shaped tillage tools" (KK5027507KX1), funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection in the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM).
