Touchstone Showcases MetPreg^® Metal Matrix Composites at 2009 Navy Opportunity Forum

In June, Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd. took part in the Navy Opportunity Forum. The purpose of this program was to provide a venue for government, primes, and outside investors to preview, evaluate and discuss over 190 technologies developed by small businesses funded by the Navy's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This year’s program combined Navy opportunities with others funded by NASA and the Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) for a total of over 220 technologies that were showcased. The largest event of its kind, the Forum is designed to facilitate the rapid assessment of strategic sources for open innovation.

As part of the Forum, the Navy sponsors a Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to help SBIR companies develop strategies to commercialize their technologies. TAP provides an exhibiting opportunity for all of the small businesses involved, and meetings are prearranged with primes indicating an interest in particular innovations from small businesses.

As a winner of a Phase II Navy SBIR award for its program, “Metal Matrix Composite Axial Propulsion Missile Components,” Senior Program Manager Brian Gordon gave a presentation at the Forum on Touchstone’s unique aluminum metal matrix composite (Al MMC) filament winding process that allows for cost-effective production of pressure vessels, such as rocket motor cases. Touchstone has developed this Al MMC material and processing technology under the trade name MetPreg®. This composite consists of an aluminum matrix reinforced with high-strength ceramic fibers. Motor cases with strength and stiffness equivalent to steel can be produced with a 30 percent weight savings by using an Al MMC and Touchstone’s process.

Lighter rocket motor cases will help to maintain performance superiority and to improve the safety of the nation’s current and future missile systems. Motor cases made from Al MMC can be designed to be lighter and stiffer to achieve higher velocity and greater lethality resulting from closing speed, increased range, and improved guidance and control. The application of this technology to axial propulsion missile components will lead to better performance, greater reliability, and minimal maintenance. Al MMC materials offer high-temperature capability with excellent stiffness, specific strength, and toughness. This technology has several transition opportunities within the Navy and will also transition to the Army, Air Force, and Missile Defense Agency for similar systems.

See www.metpreg.com for product specifications, images, and product details.