ADetP> April 2007>TALK> EuroAuto William Kimberley wilkimberley @yahoo co uk High-Tech Brakes This British firm produces materials that are used in aircraft and exotic vehicle applications. But that may be just the start of it. William Kimberley, European Correspondent SurfacetrAnsforms(www.surface-transforms.com;EllesmeretheCcgtthatwaslaunchedatthisyearsshowthe$600,00 Port, Cheshire) is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of Ascari A10, and a new supercar from Weber Sportcars. Alto- next-generation' carbon fiber reinforced ceramic composite gether, System ST is now fitted to more than 15 different car materials(CRFCs). They are designed to replace traditional platforms. Surface Transforms is also working in partnership carbon-carbon products on aircraft by offering an improved with Stop Tech, a California based leader in balanced brake product lifetime, thereby increasing the number of land- upgrades for production cars and production-based race- ings that can be performed between maintenance schedules. cars, to promote the adoption of carbon ceramic brakes on Its products can be found on rocket propulsion systems and high-performance cars in the U.S. market. An annual supply as a replacement for conventional technical ceramics for contract has not yet been signed, yet both companies forecast use in body and vehicle armor, They can also be found on that in the aftermarket between 50 and 100 car sets will be high-performance cars. Formed in 1992, Surface Transforms required in the next 12 months. Stop Tech has placed the first originated out of the Advanced Materials group of ICI when production order and will soon be offering the System ST four former employees bought the intellectual property rights ceramic brake disc on selected vehicle offerings. to the materials technology. Initially, and for quite a lengthy period of time afterwards, it served as a research and devel- "Carbon ceramic brake technology was really brought to the opment company. Initial projects were funded programs that market by three cars that were launched, utilizing the technol looked at various applications including aerospace and rail- ogy at a similar time-the Ferrari Enzo, Porsche Carrera GT and way carriage braking. It even started to become involved in the Mercedes McLaren SIR-and Surface Transforms had the Formula One. However, the timing was unfortunate because appropriate technology, "says Antoni Sznerch, Surface Trans- the company initiated the project just at the time when the forms business development director. Unlike carbon-carbon FIA. the sport's governing body, was in the process of ban brakes, carbon ceramics do not need to be hot to work, they ning carbon ceramics on Grand Prix cars. Surface Transforms work optimally from cold while offering significant weight duly refocused its efforts on fitting its brakes to high-perfor- saving over traditional iron rotors. They also have negligible mance road cars wear in normal use. "The fundamental difference between the brake discs that are fitted to these three cars and Surface As a result, Surface Transforms System ST brakes can now Transform's technology is that they are manufactured using be found on the Koenigsegg supercar as an option on the discontinuous carbon fiber, where our discs are made of con CCX, which was launched at last year's Geneva Show and on tinuous carbon fiber. This means that their mechanical integrity should be superior because the strength of carbon lies in the direction and length of the fiber. "P A How do you stop this Koenigsegg CCX? Carbon-ceramic brake technology E阳ATU
ADttP > April 2007 > TALK > EuroAuto > William Kimberley - wilkimberley@yahoo.co.uk High-Tech Brakes This British firm produces materials that are used in aircraft and exotic vehicle applications. But that may be just the start of it. William Kimberley, European Correspondent Surface Transforms (www.surface-transforms.com; Ellesmere Port, Cheshire) is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of "next-generation" carbon fiber reinforced ceramic composite materials (CRFCs). They are designed to replace traditional carbon-carbon products on aircraft by offering an improved product lifetime, thereby increasing the number of landings tbat can be performed between maintenance schedules, Its products can be found on rocket propulsion systems and as a replacement for conventional technical ceramics for use in body and vehicle armor. They can also be found on high-performance cars. Formed in 1992, Surface Transforms originated out of the Advanced Materials group of ICI when four former employees bought the intellectual property rights to the materials technology. Initially, and for quite a lengthy period nf time afterwards, it served as a research and development company. Initial projects were funded programs that looked at various applications including aerospace and railway carriage braking. It even started to become involved in Formula One. However, the timing was unfortunate because the company initiated the project just at the time when the FIA, the sport's governing body, was In the process of banning carbon ceramics on Grand Prix cars. Surface Transforms duly refocused its efforts on fitting its brakes to high-performance road cars. As a result, Surface Transform's System ST brakes can now be found on the Koenigsegg supercar as an option on the CCX. which was launched at last year's Geneva Show and on the CCGT that was launched at this year's show, the $600,00 Ascari AIQ, and a new supercar from Weber Sportcars. Altogether, System ST is now fitted to more than \b different car platforms. Surface Transforms is also working in partnership with StopTech, a California based leader in balanced brake upgrades for production cars and production-based racecars, to promote the adoption of carbon ceramic brakes on high-performance cars in the U.S. market. An annual supply contract has not yet been signed, yet both companies forecast that in the aftermarket between 50 and 100 car sets will be required in the nexl 12 months. StopTech has placed the first production order and will soon be offering the System ST ceramic brake disc on selected vehicle offerings. "Carbon ceramic brake technology was really brought to the market by three cars that were launched, utilizing the technology at a similar time-the Ferrari Enzo, Porsche Carrera GT and the Mercedes McLaren SLR-and Surface Transforms had the appropriate technology." says Antoni Sznerch, Surface Transforms' business development director. Unlike carbon-carbon brakes, carbon ceramics do not need to be hot to work, they work optimally from cold while offering significant weight saving over traditional iron rotors. They also have negligible wear in normal use. "The fundamental difference between the brake discs that are fitted to these three cars and Surface Transform's technology is that they are manufactured using discontinuous carbon fiber, where our discs are made of continuous carbon fiber. This means that their mechanical integrity should be superior because the strength of carbon lies in the direction and length of the fiber." • A How do you stop this Koenigsegg CCX? Carbon-ceramic brake technology
ADaP> April 2007> TALK Euro Auto William Kimberley wilkimberley (o yahoocouk Surface Transforms manufactures and our discs and pads from our pad partner, fibers together so that we not only have supplies 3D multi-directional carbon we provide a balanced and high-perfor- the nought/90 orientation but also have fiber and oxidized PAN (polyacrylonitrile) mance complete friction couple, " says he fiber in the Z direction through the preforms to suit a variety of engineer- Sznerch. We use what could be called a material bundle and that is what binds ng applications. Carbon fber preforms traditional nought/90 fiber orientation. the fibers together. It would be physically are mats of interwoven multi-directional However, our raw material is carbon possible to do this with traditional carbon fibers and are the basic materi- fiber precursor which has 30%0 elonga- carbon and can only be done at the pre- als that Surface Transforms converts tion in the fiber before it will break cursor stage. We convert the precursor to into ceramic brakes and discs using its whereas carbon fber only has 200. This carbon fiber then we crack methane and patented technology. "By developing 30%o elongation allows us to needle the convert the carbon to carbon-carbon "The final stage of manufacture is to convert the carbon-carbon to carbon silicon carbide. The carbon that we crack EASTEC from methane infills around the fibet that is then converted to silicon carbide I See us at Booth #1348 In this way we end up with a carbon silicon carbide disc with good mechanica ntegrity. Because we machine our discs Okuma Vertical Lathes: to shape as opposed to shaping them in Hich production for a mould we have great flexibility in the rotational parts in all size design and dimensions of the disc. keeps the wheels turning We are now going through the phase To thrive in a competitive global of transforming an RED company into marketplace, American manufacturers a more commercial manufacturing are demanding advanced technology one, says Sznerch "We are a materi- KGK is responding with the Okuma als technology company looking for family of vertical tuming centers. Ranging commercial applications. The company from high production twin spindle designs to heavy duty multi-axis configurations hilosophy and strategy is twofold. One Okuma is redefining lean manufacturing is that we dont see ourselves as a large volume manufacturer of automotive The Right Machine-the Right Control brake discs and are looking for licensed Equipped with the latest in FANUC manufacturers for the long term Air control technology, Okuma vertical turning centers sold by KGK integrate craft brakes, currently, in the main are seamlessly into carbon-carbon-metal brakes are now any size operation less common on new aircraft-and we and KGK offers full are looking to license our technology to 28s support services, carbon-carbon manufacturers. This has a as well as training good strategic fit because our siliconiza and backup for the life of the machine tion process can be added onto the tail nd of their existing process. A licensed hatever your automotive manufacturer will be a little vertical turning needs, Okuma and KGK V100R bit different because it would need a an provide the wheels that more complete manufacturing package will take you into the future However, we have intellectual property For more information, contact your rights for the main core of three critical local KGKI representative or visit processes, starting with the raw materia our website how it's put together, then the carbonize- OKUMA KKGKO tion stage followed by the siliconization rocess KGK International Corp Meeting Local Challenges with Globar Technology The company's research capabilities are recognized by the UK government with folo grove 7465.0160678.442.1770 the announcement in March that it had
ADftP > April 2007 > TALK ;• EuroAuto > William Kimberky ^ wtkimberley@yahoo.co.uk Surface Transforms manufactures and supplies 3D multi-directional carbon fiber and oxidized PAN (polyacrylonitrile) preforms to suit a variety of engineering applications. Carbon fiber preforms arc mats of interwoven mulii-directional carbon fibers and are the basic materials that Surface Transforms converts into ceramic brakes and discs using its patented technology. "By developing our discs and pads from our pad partner, we provide a balanced and high-performance cotnplete friction couple," says Sznerch. "We use what could be called a traditional nought/90 fiber orientation. However, our raw material is carbon fiber precursor which has 30% elongation in the fiber before it will break whereas carbon fiber only has 2%, This 30% elongation allows us to needle the fibers together so that we not only have the nought/90 orientation but also have the fiber in tbe Z direction through the material bundle and that is what binds the fibers together. It would be physically impossible to do this with traditional carbon and can only be done at the precursor stage. We convert tbe precursor to carbon fiber then we crack methane and convert the carbon to carbon-carbon. Okuma Vertical Lathes: High proaucnon for rotaHoiral parls in all sizes keeps the wheels turning. To thrive in a competitive global marketplace, American manufacturers are demanding advanced technology. KGK is responding with the Okuma family of vertical turning centers. Ranging from high production tvyin spindle designs to heavy duty multi-axis configurations, Okuma is redefining lean manufacturing. The Right Machine - fhe Right Control Equipped with the latest in FANUC control technology, Okuma vertical turning centers sold by KGK integrate seamlessly into any size operation: and KGK offers full support services, as well as training and backup for the life of the machine. Whatever your vertical turning needs, Okuma and KGK can provide the wheels that will take you into the future. For more information, contact your local KGKI representative or visit our website. KGK international Corp. Meeting Local Challonges with Global recttnology~ HEADQUARTERS ATIANTA Buffalo Grove, IL Suwanee, GA 847.465.0160 678.442.1770 Visit us at our \ corporate websiiB 5 "Hi.tor n i "The final stage of manufacture is to convert tbe carbon-carbon to carbon silicon carbide. Tbe carbon thai we crack from methane infills around the fiber that is then converted to silicon carbide. In this way we end up with a carbon silicon carbide disc with good mecbanical integrity. Because we machine our discs to shape as opposed to shaping them in a mould we have great flexibility in the design and dimensions ofthe disc." "We are now going through the phase of transforming an RflD company into a more commercial manufacturing one," says Sznercb. "We are a materials technology company looking for commercial applications. The company philosophy and strategy is twofold. One is that we don't see ourselves as a large volume manufacturer of automotive brake discs and are looking for licensed manufacturers for tbe long term. Aircraft brakes, currently, in the main are carbon-carbon-metal brakes are now less common on new aircraft-and we are looking to license our tecbnology to carbon-carbon manufacturers. Tbis has a good strategic fit hecause our siliconization process can be added onto the tail end of their existing process. A licensed automotive manufacturer will be a little bit different because it would need a more complete manufacturing package. However, we have intellectual property rights for the main core of three critical processes, starting with tbe raw material, how it's put together, tben tbe carbonization stage followed by the siliconization process." Tbe company's research capabilities are recognized by the UK government with the announcement in March Ihal it had
d Continuous carbon fiber is soid to be advantageous in brake applications won a multi-million dollar grant as the lead company and project coordinator in a collaborative RED program to develop new technology and products allowing innovative recycling of carbon waste. The evels of waste carbon fiber are increas ing rapidly on a global scale as a result of increasing carbon fiber material usage in the design of civil engineering indus- trial structures, aircraft, and automo biles. The project is designed to have an improved economic and environmental impact on the use of friction materials in transport through the innovative recy cling of waste carbon and its conversion nto more cost-effective carbon friction products which can have very positive financial and environmental benefits especially for the car industry. B The need The answer: Innovative Minimize you pneumatics or cost of a global scale with solutions from Rexroth Rexroth. Better solutions for automotive applications. Innovation with Automotive application focus, interdisciplinary know-how, and excellent Quality underpin Rexroth's worldwide competence in electro-pneumatics For example, our unique Weld Equalization Solutions deliver highly repeatable Tip Force despite changes in Gun orientation. The Drive Control Company BoschRexrothCorporationwww.boschrexroth-us.com-1-800-rexroth(739-7684) For more information, go to our home page and enter Web Code US0365 Rexroth Bosch Group
•4 Contiriuous carbon fiber is said to be advantageous in brake applications. won a multi-million dollar grant as the lead company and project coordinator in a collaborative RftD program to develop new technology and products allowing innovative recycling ol carbon waste. The levels of waste carbon fiber are increasing rapidly on a global scaJe as a result of increasing carbon fiber material usage in the design of civil engineering industrial structures, aircraft, and automobiles. The project is designed to have an improved economic and environmental impact on the use of friction materials in transport through the innovative recycling of waste carbon and its conversion into more cost-effective carbon friction products which can have very positive financial and environmental benefits especially for the car industry. • Innovation with Automotive application focus, interdisciplinary know-how, and excellent Quality underpin Rexroth's worldwide competence in electro-pneumatics. For example, our unique Weld Equalization Solutions deliver highly repcatable Tip Force despite changes in Gun orientation. The Drive & Control Company Bosch Rexroth Corporation • www.boschrexroth-us.com •1-800-REXROTH (739-7684} For more information, go to our home page and enter Web Code US0365. Electric Drives and Controls Hydraulics Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies Pneumatics Service Rexroth Bosch Group
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