CUMI continues its support to the defence industry with the help of DRDO

By OEM Update Editorial March 1, 2024 6:00 pm IST

Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI) is partnering with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to aid indigenization efforts by manufacturing ceramic plates for bulletproof vests and tiles for armored vehicles, meeting NIJ’s requirements.

Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), a premier materials science business and a member of the 120-year-old Murugappa Group, has been collaborating with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to help indigenization efforts.

CUMI manufactures ceramic plates for bulletproof vests and tiles for armored vehicles. These items, as well as the grains used to make them, are manufactured in India. CUMI’s lightweight ceramic ballistic protection materials, which include reaction-bonded silicon carbide, high purity alumina, and zirconia-toughened alumina, are intended to fulfill threat levels consistent with the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) ‘Level IV’ and STANAG Level 3 global requirements. They are ergonomic and may be tailored to different sizes and forms for use in bulletproof vests and armored vehicles.

Another area of concentration for CUMI is the supply of fine powders for ceramic thermal spray coatings. These coatings are essential in the construction and maintenance of aviation engines and components to protect them from heat and wear. CUMI is developing this product in collaboration with other DRDO research institutes.

“As a leading company in advanced materials, CUMI is well-positioned to manufacture key cutting-edge components that support indigenous product development and strengthen India’s defense capabilities. During the recent high-level meeting in New Delhi, DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat agreed to facilitate necessary technical and advisory support alongside product development for CUMI,” said Subbu Venkatachalam, Head of Marketing, CUMI.