Released: November 25th, 2004
A remarkable magnesium cast Cross Car Beam (CCB) for the Land Rover T5 instrument panel has won top honours in the Cast Metals Federation's Best Component of the Year of 2004.
Manufactured by Meridian Technologies UK, the large, light casting beat off strong competition due to its improvements in weight loss, structural performance, dimensional integrity and overall refinement. Integrating a number of additional, traditionally steel fabrications into the previously most advanced cross beam technology, this component takes CCB design and production to a new level, building considerable cost savings into the process for Land Rover.
Bolting directly to the car body the Magnesium AM60B CCB, weighing only 5kg, carries all of the dashboard equipment, NVH and crash management systems and instrument panel.
"The judges were quick to see the importance of this impressive casting both in terms of its manufacturabilty and design, achieved through the combined talents of the Land Rover and Meridian teams. It is an excellent example of how design and production skill can build added value for both a foundry and its customer. We are proud that Meridian Technologies represent the Best of British Casting in 2004," said John Parker, Chief Executive of the Cast Metals Federation which organized the Awards.
"The whole Meridian and Land Rover team is very pleased to have been recognized with this award," said Andy Ames, Product Development Engineer on the project. "Every aspect of the casting takes it to a new level. It's not just about combining additional functions and processes into a single component; its not just about minimizing weight and maximizing strength; its about a whole raft of other design considerations including assembly aids, thread forming technology and even mistake proofing."