NCC, a leader in linking composite technology to commercial markets, introduced Litecast™ at the SAMPE 2002 Symposium & Exhibition. Litecast™, originally obtained from Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) in 2000, is a patented process that allows manufacturers to use integral metal attachments on composite structures and is the only process on the market able to eliminate adhesive bond failure. The Litecast™ process also eliminates the need for secondary mechanical fastening systems which add cost and reduce the strength of composite products.
NCC’s Litecast™ technology permits metal to be die cast directly to the composite insert. This process generates controlled vaporization of the outer resin layer, leaving metal interlocked with the fibers to create a mechanical bond. Delphi initially developed the technology to meet the automotive market’s weight-saving needs. NCC adapted and expanded the application to produce lighter weight suspension link assemblies for the medium to heavy-duty truck industries. NCC offers Litecast™ suspension links in several sizes for medium to heavy-duty trucks.
The Litecast™ process also offers a flexible solution for virtually any composite product currently comprised of attachments adhered through more traditional methods. NCC is currently developing potential Litecast™ applications for medical transportation equipment, aircraft struts, aircraft control surfaces and space equipment.
For more information about Litecast™, contact Jessica Ravine at jravine@compositecenter.org You may also click on the links below for more technical detail:
Innovative Attachments for Composite Structure
Suspension Links for Automotive