Wheel Weight Reduction with GM 980X Steel

Automotive component weight can often be reduced by replacing plain carbon steel with thinner high strength steel. However, the poor formability of the latter steels has, in part, restricted their use. GM 980X has far better formability than conventional SAE 980X, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels and can develop the strength of the SAE 980X steels in the formed part. This paper discusses the performance of GM 980X steel in various wheel rim and disc forming trials and in component fatigue tests conducted with the objective of meeting the established performance requirements of plain carbon steel wheels with lighter weight HSLA wheels. Results suggest that GM 980X can be a viable substitute for plain carbon steel in wheels with weight savings as high as 25%.