Warm forming of aluminium parts: A way to bridge the gap between aluminium and steel

The effects of temperature on the formability of aluminium sheets can be exploited to push back the forming limits of aluminium sheet with a standard stamping process, involving conventional punch and die tooling for mass production. This enables the stamping of high-strength alloys, as demonstrated by Alcan CRV.

Special alloys for special processes

The classic compromise between strength and formability is greatly improved by AMAG’s new material developments in combination with ideal processing methods. Metallic structural and crash management components can be produced, which offer previously unattainable.

Spectacular formability improvement of High Strength 7xxx alloys

Cold Stamping of parts with a complex shape is not possible with classic 7xxx alloys in T4, T6 and T7x tempers. Such parts can, however, be stamped successfully by bringing the material into the fresh W-temper condition prior to the cold stamping.

Ultra lightweight aluminium rear subframe for Porsche Panamera

The rear sub-frame of Porsche Panamera is a hollow core and thin-walled shape aluminium casting that won the European Aluminium Award 2010 in the category “Industrial products – Automotive & Transport”.

Aluminium fenders for the new BMW 5 series

For the very first time, the outer skin of the new 5 series BMW features an alloy produced by Aleris Aluminum Duffel. Fenders for the sedan and touring models were formed from SUPERLITE® 200 in production of the 5 series BMW.

Forged Aluminium Wheels Selected for Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari has selected Alcoa Auto Wheels to supply lightweight forged aluminium wheels for the new and critically acclaimed Ferrari 458 Italia, resulting in better vehicle control and a smoother ride. Distinctive lightweight wheel sharpens steering and dynamics.

Car body design with aluminium – future developments

Lightweight car design remains an important task for conventional vehicles, but even more so for vehicles with electric and hybrid powertrains. At the recent conference “Car Body Lightweight Design” at Castle Bromwich, R. Harings, Novelis Europe, outlined how the aluminium industry supports the automobile producers.

Materials in Car Body Engineering 2011

On 11 and 12 May, the annual Automotive Circle International conference on “Materials in Car Body Engineering”, will take place in Bad Nauheim near Frankfurt/Germany. The event is supported by the European Aluminium Association.