Stronger and Lighter Steel

U.K. auto makers will soon be incorporating two new types of heat-hardened sheet steel into consumer cars. In addition to providing added structural strength, the new materials will allow manufacturers to reduce overall vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency while still maintaining high safety standards.

Bake Hardening 260 (or BH260) is seven percent lighter than traditional steel and designed for exposed areas of car bodies, where minimizing surface imperfections is important. It also features an anti-corrosive zinc coating, and may be easily shaped and welded. Another product known as DP800GI is designed for use in fabricating the vehicle crash structure. Its superior strength allows for thinner, lighter components to keep weight down and safety standards up.

The company recently started manufacturing both products in the U.K. and on mainland Europe to localize product supply capabilities and further reduce the impact of long-distance shipping on the environment.