CPS Technologies Receives Subcontract from 3M Under Army Contract
July 11, 2006. Ceramics Process Systems Technologies (CPS) today announced that 3M Company recently awarded CPS a subcontract in support of 3M's U.S. Government R&D Agreement No. W15QKN-05-9-0700 titled Research and Development for Metal Matrix Technology Project.
3M and CPS are working under the sponsorship of the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) of the U.S. Army's Picatinny Arsenal to further develop and explore the use of aluminum matrix composites in various defense applications. While continuously reinforced metal matrix composites (MMC) offer a great deal of promise, there are gaps in the engineering knowledge base that must be filled prior to high volume manufacture.
3M is a leader in the development and manufacture of continuous fiber reinforced MMCs, principally for the Electric Power Transmission industry. This leadership position is enhanced through the use of 3M's Nextel(TM) Ceramic Oxide Fiber 610, a premium aluminum oxide ceramic fiber. CPS is a leader in the prototyping and development of discontinuously reinforced MMCs using their patented Quickcast(TM) Aluminum Infiltration Process. CPS has used this technology to manufacture millions of discontinuously reinforced components for more than ten years. Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with Nextel(TM) Ceramic Oxide Fiber 610 and infiltrated with the Quickcast(TM) Aluminum Infiltration Process have the strength and stiffness of steel or cast iron at half the weight.
3M and CPS believe AMCs will be used in both defense and commercial applications. 3M and CPS believe AMCs have the potential to offer the Army new capabilities for high performance, lightweight armaments and munitions to support the Army's need for rapid and agile deployment. Potential defense applications under evaluation and development under the ARDEC contract include rocket motor cases, projectiles and fins.
CPS develops, manufactures and markets advanced metal matrix composites for thermal management of high-density electronics and for other applications. CPS' products are primarily used in high-density microprocessor assemblies, wireless basestations, motor controllers, and satellite communications. CPS has advanced technologies with significant intellectual property in the areas of powder injection molding, aluminum casting for composites, and machining of composites.
The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.
About CPS Technologies
CPS Technologies is the worldwide leader in the design and high-volume production of metal matrix composites (MMCs). CPS produces AlSiC MMCs via the patented QuickSet(TM) injection molding and QuickCast(TM) infiltration processes. AlSiC components are utilized in applications in the wireless communications infrastructure, high-performance microprocessor, motor controller, and other microelectronic and structural markets. CPS' customers include TI, Motorola, HP, Agilent and Amkor.
For more information on CPS' AlSiC components, contact CPS at 1 (508) 222-0614 x42; e-mail marko@alsic.com, or visit www.alsic.com.
