Thermacore Acquires PMT and Expands Thermal Capabilities

Jun 23, 2010 2:38 PM

Thermacore has completed its acquisition of Pittsburgh Materials Technology (PMT). As a result of this acquisition, Thermacore gains a range of in-house materials fabrication capabilities and materials expertise to add to its existing thermal management products and services. PMT joins Thermacore as a division.

Focusing on solutions for many of the same industrial, aerospace, and military applications as Thermacore, PMT specializes in and has earned a reputation for expertise in complex material joining, refractory metal alloy development and characterization, mechanical testing to 2000°C (3,600°F) and above, and most recently, cryomilling of aluminum to achieve dramatically higher material strengths.

Among the capabilities that PMT will add to Thermacore's existing strengths is vacuum brazing of complex aluminum cold plates and heat exchangers used in electronic systems. Specifically, the key elements of PMT's vacuum brazing capabilities include a number of vacuum braze furnaces for applications with temperatures ranging from 600°C to 1900°C+ (1100°F to 3300°F+) , complex joint design and assembly, helium leak testing and post braze heat treatment.

PMT's experience with refractory metal alloys will help Thermacore's engineers apply thermal management solutions in high temperature applications. PMT's experience in high temperature metal alloys, and ultra high vacuum environments began with the successful Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) space reactor. The NERVA project's purpose was to move men and material from earth orbit to the outer planets. From this effort came a focus on the invention and characterization of refractory metal alloys and their use in space and on earth.

In addition, PMT offers the engineering expertise to apply high and ultra-high vacuum technology to material processing and testing. More recently, PMT's material processing experience has enabled them to participate in an innovative Department of Defense
project that strengthens an aluminum composite alloy fivefold.

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