In the racing world, every part of a vehicle must be operating at peak performance to secure a win. This is easier said than done, as NASCAR and F1 automobiles are pushed to the limits of their capabilities. With average speeds of 180 and 230 miles per hour respectively, as well as engine temperatures often exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit, a lot can go wrong. Luckily for these drivers and their sponsors, CPS has experience working in the harshest environments.

What Challenges Do Automakers Face?

For automakers and drivers, they must trust that every component of their vehicle will operate reliably at peak performance while racing. Given the speed and temperatures these cars are subjected to, that can be a tall task for traditional materials. While some materials offer great performance and are reliable, weight becomes a concern. As these, or similar, materials become lighter, performance and reliability can be negatively impacted. With these drawbacks and tradeoffs in mind, what is the alternative?

CPS Metal Matrix Composites

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) offer tangible benefits in the automotive sector, from your favorite F1 team’s car to your daily commuter’s. CPS Technologies offers multiple MMCs with benefits for high performance racing :

Aluminum – Silicon – Carbide (AlSiC)

CPS is a worldwide leader in the production of AlSiC. By combining aluminum with silicone carbide particles, CPS is able to combine the best properties of both, including:

• Improved Thermal Management: AlSiC MMCs combine high thermal conductivity and a compatible thermal expansion to the assembled substrates and electronic components to maintain efficient heat dissipation for  hybrid powertrain electronics reliability.
• Corrosion resistance and longevity: Renewable energy systems are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, salt, and extreme temperature fluctuations. MMCs exhibit excellent corrosion resistance and ensure prolonged durability and reliability in challenging environments.

Fiber Reinforced Aluminum (FRA)

CPS’ latest MMC offering that can help any vehicle perform optimally is our fiber reinforced aluminum. By combining ceramic fibers and high strength aluminum, CPS achieves greater performance over traditional alloys.

• Sustained mechanical performance above 400°F: FRA keeps performing in harsh environments by maintaining 3x the strength of conventional aluminum alloys at elevated temperatures. FRA maintains a tensile modulus of 83 Gpa at 400°F, allowing it to be implemented in thermomechanical systems where traditional Al alloys cannot be considered.
• Improved wear resistance: While operating at higher temperatures, FRA also shows an increased durability over time. Fiber Reinforced Aluminum™ has a 200% improved wear resistance compared to steel or cast iron, allowing any car to keep going when other systems begin to fail.
• Lightweight and high strength: NASCAR and F1 cars require lightweight performance to allow the car’s power to be put towards going as fast as possible. By maintaining a density 1/3 that of steel (2.96 g/mc³ ) while providing improved wear performance, allowing for the best performance possible at a fraction of the weight. These weight savings without compromising structural integrity leads to cost savings, more manageable logistics, and improved system performance.

Enhanced Design Capabilities

Regardless of what material solutions best fit your needs, CPS can design and manufacture anything to fit the solution. With our ability to cast difficult shapes using our proprietary MMCs, CPS can manufacture a solution for almost any problem. Bolstered by our in-house design team and state of the art equipment, such as our newly added 5-axis CNC machine, the sky is the limit for how CPS can help automakers cross the finish line.

CPS Technologies is the Ideal Partner to Win Any Race

CPS Technologies is a trusted partner in automotive racing, recently providing hybrid electric coolers for F1 cars, due to a long history of successful, innovative solutions. Decades of experience compels our MMC specialists to perfect the formulation of our composites and continue demonstrating their efficacy across various industries.

With CPS Technologies as a partner, you can leverage our extensive expertise and knowledge to drive innovation across the finish line. Contact a metal matrix composite specialist today to get started!