SEI Introduces Aluminium Alloy Auto Parts for Weight Saving

Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) expects for increasing adoption of aluminium alloy automotive components. SEI is currently talking with several automakers in Europe and South Korea for adoption of aluminium alloy bolts and tie-rod ends while SEI has supplied several kinds of aluminium alloy automotive parts so far. Automakers recently request aluminium alloy components to lighten car weights. The adoption is expected to increase in 1-2 years.

SEI presently supplies aluminium alloy bolts to European automakers at around 200 tonnes per month. Car makers in South Korea and Japan are evaluating the bolts. Aluminium alloy bolts are used to lock oil pans or other parts. As to tie-rod ends, German car maker and others are in evaluations.

SEI’s subsidiary, Sumitomo Electric Toyama produces aluminium alloy wire rod and processes the wire rod into automotive components. Pistons, A/T spool valves and vibration absorbing parts have been adopted by automakers. SEI develops aluminium alloy components in cooperation with car makers.

Sumitomo Electric Toyama produces high purity aluminium wire rod for overhead power transmission wire, aluminium alloy wire rod for industrial and consumer applications, and porous metal named “CELMET.” The production of aluminium and aluminium alloy wire rod is currently 2,000-2,500 tonnes per month.

SEI is now preparing for commercial production of automotive aluminium wiring harness. If adoption of automotive aluminium wiring harness increases, wire rod production should be expanded.