Undoubtedly best steel has come a long way since its first mass production in the mid-1850s. It continues to maintain its utility and usefulness for best steel as a material of choice in a wide range of industries.
The wonder alloy is just indispensable in the automotive industry. Obviously the question may come that what makes steel so essential to automakers? Almost 60-65% of a modern vehicle is made up of steel. The skeletal body, doors, panels and trunk closures are made up of steel. Other than these parts steel is used for the engine block, gears, the suspension, fuel tank, tyres, wheels, steering and braking systems of a vehicle. In one sentence we can say that an automobile is covered in steel from the hood to the bumper.
Versatility of steel
For nearly a century, best steel with its special qualities has endeared itself to the automobile manufacturing sector. An alloy of iron and carbon, has earned an excellent reputation for its elasticity, durability, strength, dependability and ability to resist corrosion. Added advantage is the versatility coupled with a low production cost. This innovation makes steel the backbone of the automotive industry.
The sustainable angle
Sustainability is one of the primary reasons why steel has been chosen as a material of choice now and for the future for the automobile manufacturing industry. The factor which is responsible for the high sustainability of the steel is that it is made of iron. Iron is one of the most abundant elements on the earth, and it is 100% recyclable. We also can say that once steel produced can be used forever. We can recycle it over and over again, although it will not lose its primary properties. The unique quality of steel is to retain its properties after being repeatedly recycled. Steel is the one of the only materials that can be recycled back into the same product. Today steel is the most recycled industrial material in the world.
Technological advancements and Innovations
Constant innovation and technological upgradation has resulted in a new era in the automotive industry. The steel producers are literally on their toes, when it comes to innovations. Thus it fulfills the demands of the consumers and meets the challenges.
Over the past few decades, innovative technologies have developed to satisfy the market. Along with this improving existing steel grades are on track. At the same time the environmental impact of steel production is being taken care of by the steel industry while innovations and technological development.
Top steel manufacturers are also finding ways to clean up their production process. This is needed to meet increasingly demanding environmental protection regulations all over the globe,
Nowadays steel companies are investing heavily in research and development. This R&D has resulted in tapping the amazing power of steel. There are more than 3,500 grades of steel today. These different grades of steel possess different physical properties and chemical compositions. All designed to meet the specific needs of end users.
Greener, Lighter and Stronger steels
Quest for greener and lighter steel has resulted in uniquely lightweight Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS). Ultra strong but lighter steel products designed to meet the expectations of the steel makers as well as the market. These innovations make the steel with
- safety regulations
- reduce emissions
- deliver performance
- at affordable costs
These sophisticated products significantly decrease a vehicle’s structural weight. It also cut the vehicle’s total life cycle CO2 emissions more than any other automotive material.
Today the cutting-edge technologies have resulted in a drastic reduction in the amount of energy used for steel production. It has also reduced the dust emissions in a big way.
The Future of Steel and the Challenges
The automakers tried to make their vehicles lighter. So the car manufacturers explore the uses of magnesium steel alloys, aluminium, polymer composites and carbon fiber. All these materials, although lighter than steel, come at much higher costs. Other than this, there are issues related to recyclability, formability and multi-material complications in joining, as well as painting and after-accident repairs.
While manufacturing steel, it uses much lower amounts of energy in the production process. Except that it scores over other materials on recyclability. Due to its inherent properties, recycling steel is cheaper and simpler than recycling aluminium.
Recently innovative steel products like AHSS are one of the most appealing options for automakers. Steel is the critical component in making cars due to its strength, affordability and versatility. Undoubtedly all industry watchers agree to use the steel as a new generation steel.