"AdCrManu": Advanced CrAlNO nanostructured PVD coatings enabling the mass-manufacturing of complex die-cast aluminium/steel hybrid components

The objective of the “AdCrManu” project is to prove a concept which when proven will
enable partners to take commercial advantage of an existing urgent global market demand for
lighter-weight and more complex automotive components.
The main aim of the project is to prove a concept which will enable the mass-manufacturing
of complex die-cast aluminium “hybrid” components. Hybrid die-cast components made of
aluminium-steel and aluminium-plastic have the strength necessary to replace heavier steel
parts and single-material parts thereby reducing weight , saving fuel and reducing CO2
emissions especially in automotive applications.
The concept to be proven is that the efficiency of aluminium die-casting manufacturing
processes can be improved through the development of an innovative new generation of
multifunctional nanostructured protective coatings.
These innovative new coatings will provide the benefits of enabling the mass-manufacturing
of hybrid components and other Al-die cast components with more complex shapes than can
currently be Al-die cast. These innovative protective coatings will prolong Al-die cast tool
life, enhancing production efficiency and reducing production cost thereby making it cost
effective for end-users (automotive manufacturers) to use more hybrid and complex shaped
aluminium die-cast components, and so growing the market for hybrid, and more complex
shaped Al-die-cast components.