With the deepening of electrification and lightweighting in automobile manufacturing, integration towards intelligence and manufacturing is becoming a new technological hotspot. Following S-in motion®, ArcelorMittal's Multiple Parts Integration (MPI) solution further innovates and breaks through with its streamlined and efficient characteristics, transforming the manufacturing and supply chain modes of automobiles, expanding the potential of automotive performance and environmental standards. On May 24, 2024, a grand event focusing on multi-part integration technology opened at the Shanghai Fosun Art Center. As a leader in domestic automotive steel solutions, VAMA & GONVVAMA is committed to driving the transformation and innovation of automobile manufacturing, bringing cutting-edge multi-part integration technology and solutions, engaging in in-depth dialogue and extensive exchanges with over 30 domestic automotive manufacturers.
Under the guidance of the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, a multi-component integrated solution integrates aluminum-silicon-coated hot-formed steel, hot forming technology, and laser welding technology. Several components are integrated into one module, significantly reducing the number of parts and assembly steps, simplifying the production process, significantly improving production efficiency, and further reducing carbon emissions. Providing ideas and support for the low-carbon, efficient, and sustainable development of the Chinese automotive industry.
The aluminum-silicon coated hot-formed steels Usibor® and Ductibor® are known as flagships in ultra-high strength steels. Usibor® provides robust intrusion resistance 'hard zones' for vehicle bodies with its outstanding strength characteristics, while Ductibor® absorbs energy rapidly during collisions, effectively reducing impact on passengers due to its excellent toughness. Apart from the first-generation Usibor® 1500 and Ductibor® 500, and the second-generation Usibor® 2000 and Ductibor® 1000 already in production, ArcelorMittal continues to push boundaries in the development of materials combining high strength and toughness. The third-generation aluminum-silicon coated hot-formed steels are set to be introduced soon, offering broader design possibilities for car manufacturing.
The application of laser welding technology makes the design of parts more flexible. Depending on collision requirements, materials of different strengths and toughness can be combined, enabling a single part to possess both high strength and high toughness. Simultaneously, laser welding technology allows steel plates of different thicknesses to be welded together, reducing local plate thickness and weight overlap at joint areas, thus achieving effective weight reduction. Furthermore, the application of laser welding technology helps streamline processes in the automotive factory, improve production cycles, enhance efficiency, and save on space, personnel, and equipment investments.
With the continuous evolution and iteration of new materials and components concepts, the automotive manufacturing industry is firmly advancing towards green and intelligent strides. We can foresee that multi-part integration technology will play a more important role in future car manufacturing. In this wave of green and smart trends, future cars will also be lighter, safer, and more environmentally friendly, bringing more possibilities to our travel and daily life.
