Accuride MMC technology bearing fruit

Feb. 3, 2016
Accuride MMC technology bearing fruit

Accuride Corporation officials discussed the recently acquired patented metal matrix composite (MMC) technology during a news briefing at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week ’16 in Las Vegas NV. Accuride President and CEO Rick Dauch explained the central role the MMC technology plays in the company’s research and development of advanced lightweight Gunite brake drums and wheel end components.

Accuride acquired the MMC technology assets from Century-3 Plus LLC in 2015 as part of its commitment to develop lightweight Gunite wheel end components capable of delivering substantial weight, fuel and operating cost savings. The initial development program--creating high-performance, lightweight Gunite-brand brake drums--is an integral part of Accuride’s component lightweighting initiatives to help the commercial vehicle industry comply with upcoming Phase II greenhouse gas regulations posed by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

“Over the past few years, we have invested in processes and technologies that help our customers remain competitive and compliant,” Dauch said. “Through our lightweight MMC brake drum development and wheel lightweighting programs, we’re focused on creating industry-leading technologies that provide our customers with solutions to the requirements of increasingly stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations.”

The expected benefits of the lightweight Gunite MMC brake drum in development include:

  • Significant weight reduction;
  • Longer product life;
  • Reduced stopping distance;
  • Improved performance; and
  • Increased payload.

Accuride’s MMC technology combines highly-engineered cast aluminum with a selectively reinforced MMC wear surface to form a durable and resilient yet lightweight patent protected brake drum. The drum is well-suited to a range of commercial vehicle, off-highway and military applications where weight savings is paramount, yet without sacrificing performance or durability.

At approximately 61 pounds, the patent-protected MMC aluminum brake drum being developed by Accuride is capable of delivering significant weight reduction--as much as 100 pounds per axle over standard cast drums. That represents an approximately 300-lb savings for a typical 3-axle Class 8 tractor. The lightweight MMC brake drum also has demonstrated more rapid heat dissipation, improved braking performance and a longer lifespan than traditional cast drums.

Accuride anticipates an 18- to 24-month development ramp-up to commercialization of the lightweight drum technology.

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