Abstract
Brief description: A new aluminum process utilize advantages of both permanent mold casting and forging technology. The Cobapress? process uses a cast aluminum (A356 alloy) preform to provide a final forged part. This allows a high performance reproductivity, a weight reduction ad a minimized machining. Benefit: the possibility to apply aluminum to safety related components for lightweight structurally sound end use parts. By definition of the process, there is no porosity or shrinkage in Cobapress? parts. The process replaces steel and forged aluminum structural components at a lower cost in most cases. Examples of parts: control arms, knuckles, other suspension components, and brake components (calipers).