Commercial vehicles are having to cope with more and more challenging demands which these "heavies" are expected to satisfy as efficiently and economically as possible. Besides the insistence on ultimate dependability and durability there are the statutory requirements regarding minimized emissions. One way to slake thirst for fuel and cut back on emissions is by shedding vehicle weight and this is why KS Aluminium-Technologie GmbH (ATAG) is extending its capabilities to embrace the production of large and complex chassis castings in aluminum.
In fact, ATAG has already ventured into the commercial vehicle market by developing a truck transmission housing as a low-pressure permanent-mold casting. Prototyping will start this year and series production at the end of 2012, Comments Horst Binnig, ATAG CEO: "Complex chassis castings made from aluminum will make our automotive business less reliant on engines. Applications have been identified in a number of ways including a market study."
Given the stiff challenges in day-to-day operation and the extreme mileages expected of commercial vehicles it may be assumed that, depending on product design, production volume and component specifications, die, lowpressure or gravity casting will be the most suitable method of production.
KS Aluminium-Technologie GmbH is a member of the Kolbenschmidt Pierburg Group and a foremost producer of aluminum engine blocks. Among the seriesproduction casting techniques it employs are low-pressure permanent mold and die casting. In the premium product market (8- to 12-cylinder engines), ATAG commands a leading position with around 50-percent market share. In extending its line-up to include cylinder heads and complex lightweight auto components, the Company has most recently developed new areas of competence.
In fact, ATAG has already ventured into the commercial vehicle market by developing a truck transmission housing as a low-pressure permanent-mold casting. Prototyping will start this year and series production at the end of 2012, Comments Horst Binnig, ATAG CEO: "Complex chassis castings made from aluminum will make our automotive business less reliant on engines. Applications have been identified in a number of ways including a market study."
Given the stiff challenges in day-to-day operation and the extreme mileages expected of commercial vehicles it may be assumed that, depending on product design, production volume and component specifications, die, lowpressure or gravity casting will be the most suitable method of production.
KS Aluminium-Technologie GmbH is a member of the Kolbenschmidt Pierburg Group and a foremost producer of aluminum engine blocks. Among the seriesproduction casting techniques it employs are low-pressure permanent mold and die casting. In the premium product market (8- to 12-cylinder engines), ATAG commands a leading position with around 50-percent market share. In extending its line-up to include cylinder heads and complex lightweight auto components, the Company has most recently developed new areas of competence.
