ThyssenKrupp and Maxion Wheels to cooperate to develop aluminum and carbon fiber hybrid wheels
22 June 2015
ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components and Maxion Wheels have established a cooperation agreement to develop and market innovative new ultra-lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber hybrid wheels for the premium vehicle OEM market.The combined technologies could generate a weight savings of up to 40% when compared to high performance forged aluminum wheels and at the same time offer high value styling.
The ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components – Maxion Wheels team will work with OEMs to develop custom solutions to meet their specific needs.
Based on the developments of ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components in carbon fiber hybrid wheels with its novel braiding technology, the partners have built and extensively tested prototypes for use on luxury cars and SUVs. Testing took place at certified Maxion Wheels test labs.
In addition, the ThyssenKrupp – Maxion Wheels team is working with the Volkswagen Group to test prototypes on a vehicle. Public road tests have shown improved performance, e.g. superior damping which leads to less vibration and road noise.
Maxion Wheels and ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components will continue to enhance the value proposition of the lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber hybrid wheels. As an important contribution Maxion will bring their innovative liquid-forged aluminum discs to the cooperation, which offers comparable material properties as traditionally forged wheels at lower cost and at the full design flexibility of casted wheels.
Another of the 1001 ways to make future vehicles much lighter and more efficient?
Light motorized wheels may eventually become a posibility.
Posted by: HarveyD | 22 June 2015 at 01:36 PM