What's New	Technical Information
Resource Directory (coming Summer 2002)	Promotional Opportunities
Aluminum MMC Presentations	Collaborative Activities
Development Programs	Links to Other Sites

Expanded MMC Resource Directory Launching Summer 2002

The AlMMC Consortium is also revising and expanding its on-line Resource Directory
in the MMC User Resource Center. Summer 2002 is the expected launch time frame.
This updated resource, accessible 24/7/365, will promote better networking between the
global MMC user community and researchers, customers and industry professionals.
The directory will include selected individuals and organizations.

Overview of the User Resource Center

While aluminum metal matrix composites in general and discontinuously reinforced aluminum (DRA) materials in particular are now meeting with some application success, they remain somewhat unknown to the broader design community, often being classified with other high tech materials in the "R&D" product category based on dated information and experience. As recent commercial and military application successes illustrate, these materials are ready to move into more mainstream use.

The Consortium believes that a critical need exists for those who seek to use DRA materials to have access to a proactive, customer-focused community of experts to assist them in availability, design, and use issues. For this reason, the Consortium has established a User Resource Center, building on the existing information gathering and analysis efforts in place in both the government and private sector by helping potential end users access and apply this information as well as define new needs through a virtual network of experts and illustrative application case studies.

The goals of the Al MMC User Resource Center are to:

• Provide a central focal point for those interested in applying DRA materials in their applications.
• Provide current and reliable information on DRA products, data, application case studies, and expertise in specific aspects of DRA technology.
• Identify from end user contacts any additional development needs not currently being addressed by the Consortium’s programs.
• Publicize successful applications of DRA materials through case studies and promote DRA capabilities in the media, with professional and trade associations, and in the government.
• Promote the products and expertise of members of the Consortium

The Consortium recognizes that there are ongoing efforts to collect, analyze, and disseminate information on MMCs in the Defense Department’s Advanced Materials and Process Technology Information Analysis Center (AMPTIAC) as well as through information organizations such as ASM International and the MIL-5 and MIL-17 Handbook Committees. It is the intent of the Consortium to partner with these information providers in defining the information needs and utilizing their outputs.

The User Resource Center will also serve as a business development tool for the Consortium members. Potential end users who access the User Resource Center regarding DRA property, design, and manufacturing information will be routinely networked with appropriate Consortium members. The products and capabilities of he Consortium members will be preferentially promoted through the User Resource Center as well. Through the Consortium’s promotional efforts at trade shows, news releases, presentations a technical meetings and the like, an increasing audience will be exposed to the capabilities of the Consortium members. In some respects, the User Resource Center will extend the range of the member’s own marketing activities.

Interested in ALMMC membership?  Please see the topic "Joining the Consortium" for further information.

For further information or comments, contact: