Boeing [NYSE: BA] has invested in Valencia, California-based Gamma Alloys, a leader in aluminum alloys focused on developing advanced metal-matrix composites for use in aerospace, automotive and other industries.
This investment by Boeing HorizonX Ventures, which was established earlier this year, is the company's first in advanced materials and machining development and applications.
Gamma Alloys, founded in 2008, is pursuing breakthroughs in nano-reinforced aluminum alloys, where the aluminum is reinforced with microscopic particles, or nanoparticles. These alloys provide increased stiffness, improved wear resistance, and greater strength than current materials across a wider range of temperatures. Gamma Alloys is particularly focused on custom solutions where design engineers are currently limited in what they can create with traditionally available materials.
Steve Nordlund, VP of Boeing HorizonX, noted that the wear, strength, durability and machining characteristics of Gamma's materials have the opportunity to further reduce the weight of Boeing products. The traction that Gamma Alloys has gained in aerospace, automotive and energy reinforces the company's confidence that Gamma has a unique set of materials.
With funding from Boeing, the company will explore compelling applications across demanding industries, such as aerospace, while accelerating nanoparticle material development and the full-scale industrialization of the manufacturing processes, stated Gamma Alloys CEO Mark Sommer.
By leveraging the power of the world's largest aerospace company, Boeing HorizonX invests in new business ventures to unlock the next generation of game-changing ideas, products, and markets. The Boeing HorizonX Ventures portfolio includes investments in autonomous systems technology, wearable enabled technologies, augmented reality systems, hybrid-electric propulsion and artificial intelligence. HorizonX also seeks unique business opportunities and non-traditional partnerships for the company's aerospace technology using disruptive innovations and business strategies.