NCC’s Litecast™ is a patented process that allows manufacturers to use integral metal attachments on composite structures and is the only process on the market able to eliminate adhesive bond failure. The Litecast™ process also eliminates the need for secondary mechanical fastening systems which add cost and reduce the strength of composite products.
Litecast™ permits metal to be die cast directly to the composite insert. This causes controlled vaporization of the outer resin layer, leaving metal interlocked with the fibers to create a mechanical bond. NCC initially developed the technology to meet the automotive market’s weight-saving needs. The organization recently expanded that application to produce lighter weight suspension link assemblies for the medium to heavy-duty truck industries. NCC offers Litecast™ suspension links in several sizes for medium to heavy-duty trucks. Litecast™ suspension link assemblies for medium to heavy-duty trucks are available in several sizes and offer a weight savings over steel of at least 50 percent and 10 to 25 percent over forged aluminum.
The Litecast™ process also offers a flexible solution for virtually any composite product currently compromised by attachments adhered through more traditional methods. NCC is currently developing potential Litecast™ applications for medical transportation equipment, aircraft struts, aircraft control surfaces and space equipment.