Materials

Video Interview: SCM Metal focuses on lightweight future AEI spoke with SCM Metal Products’ Tom Pelletiers at the SAE 2012 World Congress about the North Carolina-based company’s next-generation lightweight materials. Read full story

Video Interview: Inteva VP shares ‘panoramic’ view of roof-system trends Stefan Land, Vice President of Roof Systems at Inteva Products, sees the market for panoramic roof systems expanding, particularly in China and North America. At the SAE 2012 World Congress, Land discussed with SAE Magazines a range of roof-system technology trends. Read full story

Johnson Controls, Fraunhofer cross-link on materials research Automotive seat specialist Johnson Controls is entering into what it plans to be a long-term cooperation agreement with the German Fraunhofer Research Institution for Polymeric Materials and Composites (PYCO). Read full story

Flying car makes debut in New York With folding wings to reduce width to garageable status, the Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft fits into the “light sport plane” category and delivers 35 mpg fuel economy on the road. The company claims 100 orders with $10,000 deposits for the $279,000 vehicle. Read full story

Brembo sees high-performance brakes moving into more medium-price cars The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one example, using a cast-iron rotor. An improved carbon-ceramic manufacturing process is sought to increase production and reduce cost. Fixed caliper design provides more uniform lining wear, reduced hysteresis, and better ABS response. Read full story

Unconventional steel wheel designs The drawings done by collegiate students for a steel wheel design competition had industry professionals thinking about future production possibilities. Read full story

Growing Nissan-America’s R&D Q&A with Carla Bailo, Senior VP of Research & Development for Nissan Americas, which has a booming book of business in new vehicle development and fuel-cell core research, among other work. Read full story

3M, Chesapeake Energy team to develop cheaper, lighter CNG tanks 3M and Chesapeake Energy Corp. are collaborating to design, manufacture, and market a portfolio of compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks for use in various transportation sectors in the U.S. The companies note that currently the fuel tank on a CNG vehicle is its most expensive single component but claim that the new CNG tanks stemming from their partnership will reduce costs and increase performance. Read full story

TMD Friction air disc brake material meets requirements for aftermarket linings TMD Friction’s premium air disc brake pad friction material, Textar T3070, has met the FMVSS 121 dynamometer requirements of TMC’s Recommended Practice #628 – “Aftermarket Brake Lining Qualification.” Compatibility issues arising from different brake designs on front and rear axles were a major reason TMD developed and certified a disc brake pad formulated to replicate the performance of drum lining material. Read full story