The video above offers an explanation of the lightest metal structure to ever exist. A material called micro lattice. The material was created by HRL Laboratories, which is owned by Boeing and partly by General Motors.
The intended use of micro lattice is in the aerospace and aircraft industries.  This makes sense given its general properties, which are, “compression, in the sense of energy absorption,” and, “lightweight, in terms of having very hollow tubes.”
If both dependability and savings proven in airplanes, then the metal could be used in the auto industry. Lightening the weight of a vehicle can contribute to increased fuel economy, quicker speeds, and more. Just imagine what benefits micro lattice could bring to a vehicle like the Chevrolet Camaro for speed, Chevrolet Silverado for towing and/or hauling, or the Chevrolet Volt for increased mileage.
Watch the video to see just how lightweight this micro lattice metal really is as it drops like a feather. Then give us your thoughts on what you think this could mean for the future of GM products in the comment section below.
Comments
This is a really big deal as while many here expect GM to go all aluminum on their trucks may not have heard they are also working on other metals.
This deal and even some micro metals are being worked on that are proving to be less expensive than aluminum and stronger than the present Boron Steel.
There is a lot more going on than many realize at GM and you really need to pay attention as this stuff is coming quietly but sooner than you think/
GM will use this material in their cars in the future?
See with things like this, it reinforces the idea that GM won’t go to total aluminum. You wouldn’t think they’d air so many anti aluminum adverts if they didn’t have something up their sleeve. I say it’ll be between a new metal and the new composite they’re using on the Corvette that will eventually make up a new gen Silverado.
To me though, will these things amount to a lower price for the truck? Its not always power, weight and towing capabilities when it costs as much as a house.
There is a lot of work going on for cheaper, lighter and stronger materials. GM is invested heavily in these materials.
GM has several metals in the works with others as well as Composites like molded carbon fiber that will reduce production time and the cost. The labor is what kills Carbon Fiber as it is very labor intensive. The carbon itself is cheap.
GM not only needs it for their cars but they know they can make money in the aerospace field and even with other products with these materials.
They need lighter for MPG regulations and they need more strength for crash regulations and these materials can and many will pay off in the future.
Imaging if a 2019 Chevy truck comes with metal that is cheaper, stronger and lighter than Aluminum like on the Ford. Also it would be cheaper and easier to repair.
Not sure if it will be here by then but at some point we will see it.
This is why GM said they will use a combination of material to cut weight and also do smart engineering. As in the Camaro and CTS they are making the bolts shorter. This is cutting weight in places that really did nothing. Yes it does add up to more than you think.
nice
GM develops lightest metal probably means Government shares more Roswell secrets with GM. I was there and witnessed the Feds sharing the Roswell ‘foil’ in 1997. That was exactly 50 years after the Roswell event. I suspect this is the same thing all over again. I know it sounds nuts and I agree. Sorry if this offends anyone.