Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming TechnologyThis highly porous material is very light – just like its models in nature such as wood and bones. Due to their cellular structure, metal foams absorb energy outstandingly, especially in the form of vibrations, impact and sound. In contrast to plastic foams, metal foams are usually distinctly more stable and heat-resistant. Furthermore, these foams are suitable for electromagnetic shielding.
State-of-the-art includes foams based on aluminum and zinc with densities of below 0.5 g/cm3, depending on the manufacturing process. Foams are often offered as composites with steel or aluminum sheets as sandwiches. The sandwiches have a much higher bending strength and lower weight than solid sheets. This results in fields of application in numerous areas where stiffness or crash behavior is pertinent. At the end of their life time, foams and foam composites can be recycled trouble-free.