Triton Systems Inc., Chelmsford, Mass., announces that its Composites Division and its partner Specialty Materials Inc., Lowell, Mass., have received MassVentures 2013 START Stage I funding for its FRA Composites technology. FRA (fiber-reinforced aluminum) is a high-strength aluminum alloy randomly reinforced with chopped ceramic (alumina-silicate) fibers. Compared to steel and cast iron, it has equivalent or better resistance to various forms of wear, but is 1/3 the density of ferrous alloys. It also has three times the elevated-temperature strength of conventional high strength aluminum alloys.
Triton’s FRA Composites material (developed under Small Business Innovation Research funding), offers a higher-performance alternative to traditional steel and aluminum for products such as pump and actuator housings, bushings, wear inserts, internal combustion engine parts, high-temperature heat exchangers, and bearing liners.
The funds enable Triton and SMI to build internal combustion engine prototype parts for evaluation by various engine OEMs. Triton and SMI have formed a partnership in the manufacturing of FRA Composites parts – and are building a high volume production facility in Lowell.
Triton and SMI will transition the FRA fabrication from their current pilot facility in Chelmsford, to a high volume production plant when the FRA Composites plant comes online in late 2013.
