JFE Steel Corporation introduces its wall bending and restrike method, chosen by Kyoho Machine Works, Ltd., a Japanese auto parts manufacturer, to address springback in pressing 1180MPa-grade ultra-high-strength steel. This method will be applied in the production of rocker inners, vital structural components for vehicles sold by major automakers in Japan.
Springback, the tendency of a material to return to its original shape after being bent, poses a challenge during press-forming of ultra-high-strength steel. JFE Steel’s method optimizes steel shape at the beginning of the press-forming process and applies stress to minimize springback, providing an effective solution.
Kyoho Machine Works will implement this method using a new die jointly developed with JFE Steel for mass-producing rocker inners. This die complements the wall bending and restrike method, ensuring efficient production.
JFE Steel’s ultra-high-strength steel sheet enables automakers to manufacture lightweight vehicles with superior fuel efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions. By mitigating springback, the steel sheet maintains the intended shape specifications critical for vehicle performance.
Through early vendor involvement (EVI), JFE Steel collaborates with automakers to develop tailored solutions. Their comprehensive solution, JESOLVA, integrates proprietary technologies for automotive steel sheet application, driving advancements in vehicle design.
Looking ahead, JFE Steel aims to expand the use of ultra-high-strength steel in automotive parts to enhance performance and sustainability for a greener future.
