Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) help car manufacturers enter the era of durable, lightweight vehicles that improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without compromising safety.
This year, new models will become the standard for the next generation of vehicles, powered by innovations in the metals industry. In the US, ArcelorMittal Global R&D assisted in the development of the AHSS used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as the Ram pickup, Pacifica minivan and Jeep Wrangler.
The new steel, known as the GI TRIP 690, was originally imported from Europe but a research and development center located in east Chicago can now provide this AHSS system locally to Jeep and other US vehicle manufacturers such as Fiat Chrysler.
Oleg Yakubovsky, Lead Research Fellow at ArcelorMittal Global R&D for the development of a new grade, emphasized the steel industry's desire to expand the boundaries of steel capabilities and produce lighter and stronger machines. He said: “Our success with the GI TRIP 690 will help us move forward in even more challenging high strength steel grades.”
Our customers hope that ArcelorMittal will produce new grades of high-strength steels with increased strength that are stronger and more flexible so they can manufacture light vehicles without compromising safety, ”said Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Account Manager.
Safety first?
The customer's commitment to security is a key factor in the widespread adoption of AHSS. A 2018 survey found that 75% of consumers consider safety to be a decisive factor when choosing a car. AHSS is helping to meet this demand by allowing manufacturers to avoid increasing costs or increasing the volume of their vehicles, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions.
Automakers around the planet are realizing the benefits of these new steels as the new Hyundai i30 nearly doubles the amount of AHSS in its design compared to the old model.
Hyundai Steel, which supplies materials to the Hyundai Motor Company, uses specialized heat treatment processes to create an AHSS that is twice as stiff and 10 percent lighter than regular steel. The i30 is made from half AHSS, the car has increased static stiffness, losing 28 kg of weight.
The Ram 1500 201 - North American Truck of the Year - also contains 98% AHSS in its frame, increasing strength and strength while reducing weight by 45 kg. Ram's cargo platform and cab also have 54% AHSS, making the 2019 model the most durable.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla, 2019 Subaru Forester and 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class are all increasing the amount of AHSS used in their designs. The G-Class managed to shed an impressive 170 kg, while the Corolla improved torsional rigidity by 60% over its predecessor.
The trend is steadily moving towards replacing AHSS with conventional steels in automobile manufacturing. Research shows the market for advanced high-strength steel will grow from $ 13.1 billion in 2016 to $ 29.1 billion by 2023.
The choice for automakers is obvious. If the question is how to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without compromising safety or increasing costs, then improved high strength steels are the answer.
