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Lightweighting
Starting with the Basics:
1. Why do I want this
2. Will it work
1. Why do I want this?
Some lightweighting benefits are listed below.
Increased Payload a lighter fabrication allows for more: more space, more weight, more productivity.
Improved Fuel Efficiency reduce the overall mass without sacrificing function to lower fuel requirements.
Reduced Carbon Footprint go green by lightweighting to reduce carbon emissions.
Better Performance extra weight stresses existing components; extend longevity and get more from your investment.
Market Differentiation lightweighting provides an opportunity to stand out in the marketplace.
Transportation Cost lighter parts means the ability to ship more parts per truck.
Safety reduce workplace hazard by making parts lighter to move.
1. Will it work?
There are three material considerations when switching to a higher strength material.
1. Formability: an increase in strength comes with a decrease in ductility. Softer grades will form to tighter bend radii, while stronger grades need a more generous bend radius to avoid cracking.
2. Shear cracking: shear processes such as stamping and slitting may lead to shear cracking.
3. Stiffness: although the yield and tensile strengths will increase when switching to a higher grade, the elastic modulus will remain the same. This means thinner parts may require stiffeners to be designed into the fabrication.
Weldability can be a concern if the switch is to a heavily alloyed high strength grade. Grades 80, 100, 130, 140, and even 160 are offered as HSLA recipes, which means that they should weld without cracking in the heat affected zone.
Presentation for Sales
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