Kaman Specialty Bearings (Kaman) a division of Kaman Corporation and Triton Systems, Inc. (Triton) announced today that they have signed an exclusive teaming agreement to develop, fabricate, and market products that use Triton’s Fiber Reinforced Aluminum (FRA) composite material. FRA is an exceptional, patented aluminum composite material that has excellent wear resistance, high compressive strength, enhanced strength at elevated temperatures and good machinability.

"We’re excited about this collaboration and believe this partnership will enable new, unique solutions for our customers and is a perfect extension to our current material technology and bearing product offerings. In many applications, Triton’s FRA™ material can replace hardened steel to realize a 2/3 weight reduction,” commented Rob Paterson, Kaman President.

Kaman develops and markets a variety of self-lubricating and airframe bearings and related products for the aerospace, marine, power generation, and industrial markets. Kaman’s bearings are on virtually every aircraft manufactured around the world. Its engineered products lead the industry in performance and life with benefits including high load capacity, low friction, weight reduction and zero maintenance.

"FRA™ is an ideal lightweight material replacement for steel bearing applications and a solution for aluminum alloys requiring extended service life at elevated temperature," noted Bill Altergott, Executive Vice President of Triton Systems. “Our composite material products are focused on delivering lightweight solutions – enabling defense and commercial customers to save on energy by reducing the weight of their structures.”

Under the agreement, Kamatics will develop applications with FRA™ material for the aerospace, energy and marine marketplace – as well as potential new products in the future.