gavriil

U. S. STEEL DEVELOPS LIGHTER, STRONGER STEEL FOR CARS
An innovative new family of steels is going to make automobiles stronger, lighter and more fuel efficient in the very near future. Engineered by U. S. Steel, the Dual-Ten family of steels offers not only better crash protection than the current generation of high-strength/low-alloy (HSLA) steels, but also better formability in the design of complex components. The processes involved in making Dual-Ten steel can increase steel strength as much as 80% over virgin sheet steel, and it has been shown to absorb 20% more impact energy than HSLA50 steel. Dual-Ten’s added strength allows carmakers to use less steel in their models without giving up any occupant protection. Less steel means lighter cars. Hence, the improved fuel mileage

GoldTypeS_RENAMED

I'm not usually a skeptic but.....

They may be able to use "less steel" but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to cost them "less money" to use this new steel. I wonder why they don't mention how much this new steel costs to produce?? Hmmmmmm......

[ 08-29-2001: Message edited by: GoldTypeS ]

gavriil

I am sure it is still less than what aluminum costs.

Rock Dog

OMG, what if it is cheaper, as well as being lighter?

I don't know what I'll do if this stops Pontiac using 30 sq ft. of plastic cladding on their vehicles.

gavriil

From the actual article:

"DUAL-TEN(TM) steels can provide significant weight reduction with
equivalent or improved strength, durability, and crash performance," said Mike
Juddo, director of product technology at U. S. Steel's automotive center.
"These advanced automotive materials will play a dominant role in the next
decade of vehicle design, to meet the needs of our customers to improve fuel
economy and safety while reducing costs."

gavriil

So it does reduce costs.

e1828

I think he is asking about the cos tof the steel.. but I understand it would reduce costs in the gas purchasing dept. if we get better gas mileage.

gavriil

I am sure the guy in the article refers to the cost of producing the steel.

RedTypeS

I want my next car made out of Unobtainium.
Characteristics are: strong as steel, clear as glass, cheap as shit!