Kobe Steel Develops Steel, Aluminium Hybrid Structure for Automobile

Kobe Steel developed production technology to make welding hybrid structure of high tensile flat steel and flat rolled aluminium alloy for the first time in the world. The new material can reduce the weight by maximum 40% for front side member and by maximum 50% for roof panel while the parts have same crash safety performance as flat steel. The firm tries to improve the position in hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle through the total technical solution for steel, aluminium and welding.

Welding material of steel and aluminium was expected not to apply structural parts of automobile due to weakening strength of welding part. Kobe Steel developed the welding technology 2 years ago through national project by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Kobe Steel launched task force with members from steel, aluminium, welding and technology development units to develop hybrid material. The firm tried to develop material to contribute to major weight reduction for hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle.

Kobe Steel developed the technology of welding steel and aluminium and made front side member parts with galvanizing steel and 6000 series aluminium alloy. The firm confirmed the parts’ welding point has same level of strength as steel structure. The technology is expected to contribute to major weight reduction and cost reduction of automobile by replacing steel and aluminium parts into hybrid materials.