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‘Gen 3 steels’ bring increased strength, formability and weldability to the automotive industry
John Sutter, of Abicor Binzel, discusses how Generation 3 steels perfectly fit the needs of vehicle manufacturers
which translate to desirability for the buyers of these vehicles. But there are also some incredible challenges, along with these benefits.
Over the years, automotive manufacturers have continuously sought out new means to make their vehicles more desirable, more consistent, more profitable and more fuel efficient. There are many ways of achieving these targets. One way, in particular, that has enabled manufacturers to hit a number of them in one go, is using advanced materials such as high-strength steels. These steels can be made to exacting standards with application-specific qualities. For example, a manufacturer might need
an extremely strong steel in a difficult shape to stamp, like a bumper. This presents a need for a steel that can be stretched a great deal, but once assembled has the strength needed to prevent injury to the occupants in the event of a collision. Steels in today’s vehicles are often tailored per specific application. Some steels get incredibly strong
after they are heated up or stamped (or a combination of both). These steels offer some incredible benefits to weight savings, as well as an ability to style the shape of the vehicle, while increasing safety – all of
“With Gen 3, steel producers have modified their chemistries to improve weldability while also providing high strength and formability”
The increased weldability, formability and strength of Gen 3 steels make them suitable for use in door impact bars
WWW.LASERSYSTEMSEUROPE.COM | @LASERSYSTEMSMAG SPRING 2020 LASER SYSTEMS EUROPE 29 Challenges in welding
One of the most glaring challenges is that, in many cases, the traditional methods of welding need to be re-thought when using high-strength steels in vehicles. Some of these steels have extremely high carbon content, which makes them sensitive to phase changes when the heat from a welding process is applied. This, in turn, often leads to welds that break in minutes or
even seconds after the process is complete. This isn’t the first time the automotive industry has faced such challenges. Over the last 50 years, the change from frame construction to unibody; the addition of rust-inhibiting coatings; the change from mild steel to high-strength steel; and the change to advanced high-strength steels, were all met with answers robust enough to change the way that vehicles are assembled forever.
What are Gen 3 steels? While Generation 3 advanced high-strength steels (Gen 3 steels) were developed in the early 2010s, it has taken several years for manufacturers to understand how to implement them in vehicles. So what are Gen 3 steels and why do they
break the traditional rules for joining? The answer begins in understanding the needs of the automotive industry: formability and high strength. It would seem these characteristics are diametrically opposed. However, as
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Abicor Binzel
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