Salzgitter has patented a method for producing chassis parts from micro-alloyed steel, enhancing cold workability. The process involves cutting a hot-rolled strip, selectively heating cold-solidified edges, and cold forming the blank, optimizing material properties for improved performance in automotive applications. GlobalData’s report on Salzgitter gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Salzgitter, Battery metal recycling was a key innovation area identified from patents. Salzgitter's grant share as of July 2024 was 55%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
The patent US12053815B2 outlines a method for producing chassis components from micro-alloyed steel, emphasizing improved cold formability in strain-hardened, mechanically separated sheet-metal edges. The process begins with the provision of a hot strip or hot strip metal sheet characterized by a specific alloy composition, including elements such as carbon, manganese, and vanadium, among others. The method involves cutting a plate from this hot strip at room temperature, followed by punching or cutting operations to create recesses or openings. A key aspect of the method is the selective heating of only the strain-hardened sheet-metal edge regions to a temperature of at least 700°C for a brief holding time, not exceeding 10 seconds, before cooling in air. This heating can be achieved through various techniques, including inductive or conductive methods.
Additionally, the patent describes the resulting steel chassis component, which retains the specified alloy composition and is produced through cold forming of the prepared plate. The process allows for further modifications, such as applying organic or metallic coatings and protecting the heated regions from oxidation, potentially using inert gas flushing. The claims also specify that the heating should be limited to a distance from the edge of the plate that does not exceed the sheet-metal thickness, ensuring precision in the treatment of the material. The resulting chassis components are suitable for various automotive applications, including axle brackets and control arms, highlighting the method's versatility and efficiency in manufacturing high-performance steel components.
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