Improving the Functional Properties of the Body-In-White with Lightweight Solutions Applying Multiphase Steels, Aluminum and Composites

The body-in-white (BIW) - the backbone of a vehicle - has to fulfill many functional requirements. Among these requirements are passive safety, service life, stiffness and acoustics. Besides increased BIW functionality, the relentless demand for fuel efficiency and improved driving dynamics has contributed to a newer focus on lightweight BIW solutions. Lightweight BIW solutions can be grouped into engineering, manufacturing and materials solutions. Engineering defines a homogeneous load path in an optimized package; manufacturing focuses on methods such as sophisticated forming or joining technologies; and materials is the implementation of modern materials such as multiphase steel grades, aluminum, plastics and carbon fiber. Due to economic considerations, this results in the development of the mixed material approach.