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Tom Stundza, Executive Editor -- Purchasing, 4/1/2004 2:00:00 AM
Steelmakers have recognized for years that they must keep the attributes and potentials of their products front and center in the minds of designers and buyers. The Ultra Light Steel Auto Body (ULSAB) programs have become a mechanism they can use to convince people of the applicability of steel. Essentially, these programs have become engineering exercises in the use of holistic design for steel materials. ULSAB programs have demonstrated that it is possible to engineer and manufacture sedans and sports utility vehicles that would be safe, affordable and fuel efficient with steel—without having to use nonferrous or plastic body frame and support materials to achieve the goals. In fact, the latest designs have consisted of 100% high-strength steels (HSS), of which more than 85% have been advanced high-strength steels ( AHSS ). Interestingly, the automotive materials portion of the program has shown that hydroforming and laser welding of 14 different AHSS grades can be tricky. Some AHSS grades, for example, obtain their properties during rapid cooling in production. So, the Automotive Applications Committee of the American Iron and Steel Institute is developing a database of AHSS information to give designers and buyers information on how these materials perform under a variety of conditions when used in varying gauges and combinations.
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