Introducing a New tubular component in DP980DH steel

The automotive industry is continuously evolving towards producing lighter vehicles to enhance fuel efficiency, extend driving range, and reduce emissions. Lighter components not only contribute to improved vehicle performance but also support the principles of the circular economy by reducing the raw materials required per vehicle.

In the quest for weight reduction, automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) increasingly turn to higher steel grades. While these grades offer superior yield strength (Ys) and ultimate strength (UTS), they often come with a trade-off in reduced elongation (A), which can impact the ductility and overall performance of the component. To address this challenge, ArcelorMittal’s Global R&D division and ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products developed the DP980DH (CR700Y980T-DH) material. This steel grade enhances the properties of its predecessor, DP780, by increasing both Ys and UTS while maintaining similar elongation capabilities.

At ArcelorMittal Europe - Tubular Products, we embarked on a mission to adapt an existing automotive component, originally manufactured in DP780, to the new DP980DH material. Our goal was to achieve a thinner, lighter component without compromising performance. Through detailed calculations, we determined that we could reduce the component's thickness from 2.0mm to an optimized 1.8mm. We conducted extensive trials to verify our ability to produce a rectangular tube using the DP980DH steel grade, and finally, we ensured that the new component met all geometrical and performance parameters of the original design.

All tests yielded positive results. Consequently, we are proud to present an automotive tubular component that offers a 10% weight reduction while maintaining the performance and integrity of its predecessor. This breakthrough is a testament to the successful collaboration between ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Carbon, ArcelorMittal Europe - Tubular Products and our common Global R&D division. By achieving a significant weight reduction, we provide the automotive industry with a viable, sustainable alternative that meets the increasing demands for lighter and more efficient vehicles.

Stay tuned for more innovations as we continue to drive the future of automotive technology. 

 

For detailed insights into this development, visit our website and explore the full potential of our DP980DH tubular components: https://tubular.arcelormittal.com/business-units/automotive

To find out more about the detailed properties of this steel grade, please visit the DP980 DH online product catalogue: https://automotive.arcelormittal.com/DH