| abstract |
An improved housing, particularly one for an automotive differential assembly, is provided. The housing has a cast portion formed from a first material and a preformed insert member formed from a second material which is cast into the cast portion. The insert member is strategically placed in an area of the housing to selectively enhance or alter the properties of the housing at that location. The insert member may be encased in a wall of the cast portion or may extend partially through a wall of cast portion depending upon the characteristics which are being enhanced or altered. The properties which may be enhanced or altered include, for example the strength, electric or thermal conductivity, magnetic potential, chemical compatibility or the coefficient of friction. |