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[July 2004]
Surface Transforms Signs Cooperative Agreement With METEK
Surface Transforms PLC, manufacturer of high technology carbon fibre reinforced ceramic (CFRC) materials for the aerospace and high performance automotive markets, has signed a two-year Cooperative Agreement with German automotive parts supplier METEK. The agreement with METEK, one of Europe's leading suppliers of braking systems to the automotive industry and owner of Advanced Materials Lanxide LLC in the USA, is for the design, development and supply of carbon ceramic brake discs and pads to the European automotive industry.
Under the terms of the agreement, Surface Transforms expects to generate revenues of €60,000 during the initial testing and development phase of the cooperation. During later phases of the contract, further income will be derived from road car model specific licence and supply agreements.
Over the past year, the two companies have completed an initial period of evaluation and road car testing of carbon ceramic brake discs and pads. The tests, undertaken at METEK, show that CFRC materials give a significant improvement in performance over the traditional steel brake discs and organic pads. A 60% reduction in weight and a 50% improvement on stopping force has been achieved.
The three-dimensional structure of the carbon ceramic discs contributes to very good wear characteristics whilst retaining significant disc integrity when compared to the competition. These properties have also been demonstrated in the wear and integrity tests undertaken on Surface Transforms' aircraft brake discs.
www.surface-transforms.com
ENDS