Application of advanced technology such as tailored blanks, tailored tubes, sheet and tube hydroforming, and extensive laser welding, along with advanced high strength steels and innovative design enabled the ULSAB-AVC (Advanced Vehicle Concepts) Program to achieve outstanding levels of safety, affordability, fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility.
This paper describes the advanced technology features of ULSAB-AVC including their design considerations, manufacturing feasibility, and cost impact analysis.
The ULSAB-AVC Program is the most recent addition to the global steel industry's series of steel design initiatives. These programs offer steel solutions to the challenges facing automakers around the world today: to increase the fuel efficiency while improving safety, performance and maintaining affordability.