Investment for less weight and greater resource efficiency

Multi-material mix or having the right material at the right place: this general idea often appears in the current trade literature when the automobile manufacturing of tomorrow is discussed. Today Salzgitter Europlatinen GmbH (SZEP) is already providing a broad range of customized lightweight construction solutions in the form of Tailor-Welded Blanks.

The trend towards the use of Tailor-Welded Blanks (TWBs) in automobile manufacturing continues. After all, TWBs make it possible to run cost-effective, light-weight construction with optimal material use. In the past, Tailor-Welded Blanks were primarily used in large-surface components, such as side walls, underbody groups, or tailgates, but today smaller and smaller structural elements are being produced as TWBs.

In order to keep up with future OEM requirements, Salzgitter AG has invested an amount in the single-digit million range to expand capacities on an SZEP welding system and modernize the cutting system. The investments are making it possible for SZEP to do an even better job of welding customized smallest formats in the latest ultra-high strength steels.

Thanks to the new welding system, SZEP is making a substantial contribution to resource conservation. It was possible to achieve significant reductions in the energy consumed for a weld seam. The newly installed straightening unit is facilitating the processing of high strength material with up to 1,400 MPa strength in line with quality requirements for the customers.