SSAB, Stockholm, announces that Shape Corporation, Grand Haven, Michigan, has won the 2019 Swedish Steel Prize “for the groundbreaking use of martensitic steel in a 3D-formed tube for automotive roof rail applications.”
Shape Corp.’s process made it possible to utilize the cold forming martensitic steel Docol 1700M from SSAB, for a unique lightweight solution for A-pillar and roof rail tubes, with a minimal profile size. The components will soon be implemented in a number of Ford vehicles, including the 2020 Ford Explorer and 2020 Ford Escape.
Thanks to 3D forming, instead of hydroforming, Shape Corp. has succeeded in creating smaller profiles than traditional solutions, allowing for better driver visibility, more interior space, and better packaging of airbags. The 3D formed A-pillars also have an improved strength to weight ratio of over 50 percent, which has led to an overall mass reduction of 2.8 to 4.5 kg per vehicle.
Shape Corp.’s highly innovative technology and use of steel has been proven viable within the global automotive industry and represents a major leap forward in both car safety and automotive design.
The Swedish Steel Prize recognizes good engineering, cooperation, and steel innovations that lead to a better and more sustainable world. The winner receives a diploma, a statuette by the sculptor Jörg Jeschke, and intense media exposure. In conjunction with the Swedish Steel Prize 2019, SSAB will make a SEK 100,000 donation to UNICEF in support of their efforts to provide quality education and learning opportunities to children and adolescents worldwide.
