This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
The Steel Unibody: The Application of Cost Analysis to Determine Cost Reduction Strategies
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Despite repeated challenges from alternative materials and processes, the stamped and spot welded steel unibody remains the near-unanimous choice of automakers for vehicle body-in-white (BIW) structures and exterior panels in volume production. Conventional steel's only weakness is mass; aluminum and polymer composites offer the potential for considerable mass savings, but generally at a higher cost. Efforts within the automakers as well as by outside organizations such as the international steel industry's Ultra Light Steel Auto Body (ULSAB) program are underway to improve the steel uni-body's mass and cost position.
To reduce cost, it is first necessary to identify cost. The measurement of cost for a complex system such as an automobile BIW is far from a trivial task. This paper presents an analytical approach to understanding the manufacturing cost for a conventional steel unibody. The results of this cost analysis are then used to outline a strategy for future cost reduction.
Recommended Content
Authors
Citation
Dieffenbach, J., "The Steel Unibody: The Application of Cost Analysis to Determine Cost Reduction Strategies," SAE Technical Paper 981004, 1998, https://doi.org/10.4271/981004.Also In
References
- Busch John V. Technical Cost Modeling of Plastics Fabrication Processes Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 1987
- Dieffenbach Jeff R. “Technical Cost Modeling: A Cost Simulation Tool for Material and Process Selection,” International Forum on Design for Manufacture and Assembly Boothroyd and Dewhurst, Inc. Wakefield RI 1992
- Dieffenbach Jeff R. Emmons Bruce J. “A Manufacturing Cost Analysis of Tube and Node Steel Spaceframes,” 1994 Society of Automotive Engineers International Congress Warrendale PA February 1994
- Dieffenbach Jeff R. Palmer Paul D. Mascarin Anthony E. “Making the PNGV Supercar a Reality With Carbon Fiber: Pragmatic Goal or Pipe Dream?,” 1996 Society of Automotive Engineers International Congress Warrendale PA February 1996
- Busch John V. Dieffenbach Jeff R. “Economic Criteria for Sensible Selection of Body Panel Materials,” 1991 Society of Automotive Engineers International Congress Warrendale PA February 1991
- Dieffenbach Jeff R. Sokol Andrew “Solventborne Painting of a Steel Autobody: A Manufacturing Cost Analysis of Conventional and UV Bake Curing,” 1995 Society of Automotive Engineers International Congress Warrendale PA February 1995
- Dieffenbach Jeff R. Mascarin Anthony E. Fisher Michael M. “The Automobile Recycling Infrastructure: Process Cost Simulation,” 1993 Society of Automotive Engineers International Congress Warrendale PA February 1993
- Dieffenbach Jeff R. Wzorek Jay F. “Predicting Tooling Costs Using Regression Analysis,” Technology Management Report 1996 11 4 158 161