Tata Steel Nederland has introduced HyperFlange, a new advanced steel designed to help automakers produce lighter, more reliable components, crucial for improving fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
Optimized for use in chassis and suspension parts, HyperFlange offers high strength and enhanced edge ductility, addressing a key challenge in automotive manufacturing: the risk of cracking along complex edges during forming.
Dr. Arjan Rijkenberg, Principal Scientist at Tata Steel Nederland, noted that many chassis’ components require punched holes and intricate shapes for assembly, wiring, and weight reduction. These features often weaken edges, making them prone to fractures. To overcome this, Tata Steel developed new test methods to assess edge fracture risks and measure steel toughness, insights that led to the creation of HyperFlange.
With its improved formability, HyperFlange allows designers to use thinner materials with greater confidence, enabling lighter components and contributing to overall vehicle efficiency and performance.