Auto/Steel Partnership Announces Hemming of Thin Gauge Advanced High-Strength Steel Can Achieve Weight Savings

Auto/Steel Partnership Announces Hemming of Thin-Gauge Advanced High-Strength Steel Can Achieve Weight Savings

The project, which achieved a 30 percent weight savings, demonstrated that thin-gauge advanced high-strength steel can be successfully hemmed into automotive closure assemblies.

In an effort to assist automakers in meeting stringent fuel economy requirements, the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) announced that the Hemming of Thin Gauge Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) project achieved a 30 percent weight savings using thinner gauge AHSS for automotive closure panels.

“The Hemming team achieved positive results with significant weight savings and great formability, resulting in a quality hemmed panel,” said Terry Cullum, director, A/SP. “The goal of each A/SP project enables the use of AHSS in automotive applications, and this team demonstrated AHSS sheet can be successfully modeled and manufactured into hemmed assemblies for automotive closures.”

The project demonstrated that thin-gauge AHSS can be successfully hemmed into automotive closure assemblies; computer-aided engineering tools can be developed accurately, predicting results of hemming operations involving thin-gauge AHSS; and post-hemming baking operations do not adversely affect hemmed thin-gauge AHSS assemblies.

“This study allowed the project team to look beyond the boundaries of conventional steel and hem AHSS at a more than 30 percent thinner gauge,” said Giovanni Costa, project lead for the A/SP Hemming of Thin Gauge AHSS team and corporate hemming specialist at FCA US LLC. “We took hemming to new limits and proved it with results. Thinner gauge AHSS, real-world closure shapes, extremely tight breakline radii and weight reduction in outer closures make this a winning project.”

AutoForm Engineering USA, a software solutions company for the die-making and sheet metal-forming industries and a vendor for the team, presented its results from the project at the Steel Market Development Institute’s Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) seminar. The team also showcased the test samples in the Steel Showcase exhibit at the event.

For the Hemming of Thin Gauge AHSS final report, video and images, click here.

You May Also Like

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

ASE is encouraging those pursuing certification to take the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) reminds those preparing for ASE certification or recertification to consider taking the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

“Figuring out how to best study for an exam can be a challenge," said Matt Shepanek, vice president, credential testing programs for ASE. "Those preparing for ASE certification can get a good idea of what to expect by adding the official ASE practice tests to their study plans. ASE practice tests are delivered exclusively online and can help automotive professionals prepare by allowing them to try out questions of similar content and format to those used on the real ASE tests.”

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.

NABC Donates Recycled Rides at NORTHEAST Show

The NABC, GEICO, Mountain View Auto and Collision Center of New Jersey donated two refurbished vehicles at the recent NORTHEAST Show.

Other Posts

Crash Champions Expands in Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Addison Collision Repair in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Auto Care Association Welcomes GAO Report on Vehicle Repair Restrictions

The Auto Care Association is renewing its call for Congress to advance federal Right to Repair legislation that protects independent business owners and consumers.

ProColor Collision Welcomes First Shop in Montana

ProColor Collision Gallatin Valley is operated by Robert Rinta and Simon Gratch, who both served honorably in the Montana National Guard.

Association News

The latest association news appearing on bodyshopbusiness.com.