Core Materials

Microtruss™ can be fabricated using a variety of readily available commercial metals and alloys. CMI provides designers with materials well-suited to their unique application requirements.

Aluminum alloys offer a combination of light weight and high strength in applications where minimizing weight is the primary design criteria. Aluminum is often the material of choice in marine and aerospace applications where temperatures are not extreme.

Titanium alloys offer a positive combination of mechanical and corrosion properties that are capable of operating at moderately higher temperatures and in harsher corrosion environments than aluminum. Titanium alloys are lighter than steels and super alloys, but heavier than aluminum alloys.

Copper or copper alloys are the primary choice for applications requiring thermal or electrical conductivity. The combination of conductivity and strength along with moderate corrosion resistance make them unique for a number of electrical, electronic, marine, and energy applications.

Nickel based alloys offer the highest strength and corrosion resistance at higher temperatures. Given the harsh environment, these alloys are primarily used in aerospace engine and power generation applications.

Iron based alloys, including stainless steel, are most widely used for a variety of industrial and structural applications and offer a good balance of cost and performance.

The collection of materials used by CMI is expanding into the field of composite materials such as graphite-fiber reinforced composites and aramids, like Kevlar®. These composites will allow CMI to form its designs out of materials that are even lighter than metal alloys, non-conductive, and microwave transparent.

Core Design Examples

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