MMC Development

MMCs at REL began with NASA ceramic panels. They partnered with NASA in their return to flight mission. REL aided with ceramic patches that are currently on the International Space Station. The fibers in the panels were used because they had great thermal properties while being light in weight.

There was then a demand for lightweight motorcycle brakes. The creative minded engineers at REL decided that a metal matrix composite (MMC) was going to be the trick to the success of lightweight brake rotors. After nine months, many sleepless nights, and several failed attempts, REL perfected their design for a nearly weightless motorcycle brake rotor. The innovative design included; a ceramic preform with the fiber from the ceramic patches mentioned above, and squeeze cast aluminum into a gradient vector.

The brake rotor design can be integrated into almost any vehicle braking system. REL has made lightweight MMC brake drums for hummers. Beyond brakes, REL has integrated their designs and technology and are nearly ready for MMC vehicle and body armor.

Read more about MMC Armor

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