FAQ

What is an aluminum matrix composite (AMC)?

AMC is a metallic composite material: an aluminum alloy (matrix) is combined with reinforcing phases (e.g., fibers, whiskers, or particles). This results in a property profile that cannot be achieved with “pure” aluminum (e.g., significantly higher wear resistance with low weight).

What AMC does CMMC manufacture?

We focus on silicon carbide (SiC)-reinforced aluminum alloys, as we see the greatest industrial demand in this area.

What is the core benefit of AMC?

Aluminum alloys are the material of choice when it comes to lightweight construction. However, existing alloys have the major disadvantage of being susceptible to wear.
This is where AMC comes in: they combine the low weight of aluminum with increased hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability thanks to ceramic reinforcement. This is particularly relevant where aluminum fails due to tribological limitations.

Where can AMCs be used?

Aluminum matrix composites are used where conventional aluminum alloys reach their performance limits. In the future, AMCs will become increasingly important, particularly in applications suitable for series production and the mass market, as they reduce weight, extend component life, and enable functional integration. Their high wear and temperature resistance allows maintenance intervals to be extended and material consumption, waste, and emissions to be reduced in the long term. In combination with recyclable process chains and industrially scalable manufacturing processes, AMCs thus make an important contribution to resource-efficient, performance-enhancing, and economically sustainable products.

 

What does CMMC do differently?

What is special about the CMMC manufacturing process?

CMMC describes a continuous, series-production-ready manufacturing process that enables uniform dispersion of SiC particles in the aluminum matrix – without sedimentation, agglomeration, or segregation.

How does CMMC powder differ from conventional powder mixtures?

CMMC produces “true composite powder” in which the SiC reinforcement phase is embedded in the aluminum particles—not just mechanically mixed.

What technology is behind it?

CMMC combines the positive properties of aluminum and ceramics in one material using melting metallurgy and can design customer- and application-specific alloys. To do this, vacuum casting is combined with stirred casting.

Can the property profile be customized?

Yes. CMMC can vary the SiC content (mass %), particle size distribution, and matrix alloy to adjust mechanical, tribological, and thermal properties for specific applications.

 

Products & forms of delivery

As which products is AMC from CMMC available?

We primarily focus on:

• Powder (for additive manufacturing & coatings)
• Ingots/bars (for foundry processes)
• Semi-finished products/series blanks (for forming and mechanical processing)

Does CMMC supply standard dimensions or custom sizes?

Both! Please contact us and we will work with you to find a solution tailored to your applications.

Can I obtain samples?

Yes! The best way is to send us a request directly.

 

Process: Where does AMC fit in?

For which manufacturing processes is CMMC-AMC intended?

So far, we have focused on the following processing methods:

• 3D printing (powder bed fusion/LPBF)
• Coatings (e.g. laser cladding, HVOF)
• Primary forming/casting (e.g. sand and permanent mold casting)
• Forming (e.g. drop forging, rolling; hot forming)
• Welding (e.g. MIG/TIG; as wire)
• R&D (see References for our latest projects)

Do I have to completely rebuild my existing process chain?

No, AMC can be integrated into existing processes: cast it yourself, purchase it as a semi-finished product, or process it additively as a powder. The degree of adaptation depends on the process and target profile.

 

Typical applications & industries

In which industries does CMMC see the most important areas of application?

The areas of application are unlimited: automotive, railway, aerospace, robotics/automation, defense, as well as mechanical engineering/drive technology and energy/power electronics.

Are there any specific components mentioned as examples?

• Automotive: Brake discs, brake drums, engine housings
• Railway: Brake blocks
• Robotics/automation: Robot arms, joint components, gearbox housings
• Energy/electronics: Baseplates, heat sinks
  and much more!

Are there any reference projects?

Yes! View our reference projects here.

 

Sustainability, recycling, and supply chain

Is AMC from CMMC recyclable?

We enable a fully circular economy and 100% recyclability of the cradle-to-cradle solution. AMC can be remelted and reprocessed in a closed loop without losing any of its strength properties.

How “local” is the production and supply chain?

Our production takes place in Chemnitz and our suppliers are based regionally (Germany/EU) in order to stabilize supply chains.

 

Purchasing, costs and project workflow

What determines the price of materials?

The price depends on the type of base alloy, reinforcement content, and purchase quantity. Therefore, pricing is specific to the application and quantity.

Does CMMC also offer equipment or licenses?

Please feel free to contact us and we will work with you to find a solution tailored to your applications.