The material “metal foam” shows a unique combination of properties such as low density, excellent energy absorption, improved attenuation of sound and vibration etc., which provides an ideal basis for light-weight construction. Metal foams are mainly employed as a light-weight component of hybrid structures with other materials. Metal foam parts can directly be produced in the desired near net shape. But for their production individual process management as well as specific equipment and tools are required. The Advanced Pore Morphology (APM) Technology has been developed for reduced effort and complexity production of metal foam containing hybrid structures. The foam expansions process has been separated from foam part shaping. The APM-process can be completely automated and provides a high flexibility, reproducibility, and robustness. As a result the material costs are significantly reduced.
Industrie Management | Volume 20 | 2004 | Edition 6 | Pages 39-42
