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A D V A N C E D
M A T E R I A L S
&
P R O C E S S E S |
O C T O B E R
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mann, technical services manager,
agree that “NRC’s expertise and access
to cutting-edge measuring and char-
acterization equipment allowed us to
increase our skill base and understand-
ing of the in-service behavior of alumi-
num alloys designed for the automotive
sector. It’s an added asset we use to
quickly respond to client needs and it
supports our market consolidation and
development activities in this field.”
Prevost, a member who manufac-
tures motor coaches and recreational
vehicles, is benefitting from projects
in both assembly and durability. “The
National Research Council helped us
validate and understand corrosion’s
effects on the assembly of dissimilar
metals. Concrete results, supported by
clear explanations, have enabled us to
develop new, lighter, and less costly
designs while minimizing the risks
identified at the start of the project,”
says mechanical product expert David
Croteau.
OEMs seem to appreciate the col-
laborative model where they not only
tackle the technical challenges of alu-
minum lightweighting, but also look
at cost reductions in integrating these
materials in the finished product, with
the lowest risk possible. From the per-
spective of material producers, they
want to be sure their materials have
all the properties that Tier 1 and Tier 2
suppliers are looking for. ALTec enables
its members to learn from others in the
field in a confidential, precompetitive
environment. Each member brings
their pain points to the group and
appreciates working hand-in-hand with
NRC and other members to find innova-
tive solutions.
LOOKING AHEAD
ALTec is not alone in the National
Research Council’s portfolio of light-
weighting R&D, which runs the gamut of
materials science. NRC experts across
Canada are working on composites and
biocomposites for the automotive and
aerospace sectors, as well as polymers,
composites, and ceramics for security
applications. Because finishedproducts
often integrate solutions spanning sev-
eral material types, NRC is increasing
cross pollination between its experts
to maximize results in multi-material
assembly projects.
The group hopes to expand its
reach both inside and outside Can-
ada, especially in view of maximiz-
ing the country’s supply chain from
smelters to the final product. If it can
help its members bring cutting edge
aluminum lightweighting innovation
to global markets while bridging the
gap between university research and
the factory floor, it will have achieved
excellent mileage. ~AM&P
For more information: Marie-Chris-
tine Gagnon is senior project manager,
ALTec Industrial R&D group, Alumin-
ium Technology Centre, 501 University
Blvd. East, Saguenay, Quebec G7H 8C3,
,
418.545.5214,
solutions/collaborative/altec.html.
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