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Working together for success

New steel material and processing technology from a single source

The challenges facing the next generation of cars are huge: They need to be safer, lighter, and more economical, while also meeting rising requirements for climate protection. Innovative steels can help solve such challenges. And a company able to supply OEMs not only with a new material but also with the appropriate processing technology is at a real advantage. That’s possible in our Group, where materials specialists and production line engineers work hand in hand.

Sandwich material made of steel and plastic

Sandwich material made of steel and plastic

LITECOR is a hybrid material comprising two thin steel sheets and an elastomer core. Flat parts made from this material are significantly lighter than when using conventional materials. But what are its processing properties like? Can it be readily bent? What about welding? And how quickly can it all be done?

This is where our experts for automotive production equipment come in. For example, in close collaboration with the steelmakers, they developed a welding concept that has now been patented for our Group. With regard to forming, based on simulations they calculated that the new material behaves in exactly the same way as conventional steel.

These are the advantages of a diversified industrial group: Joining forces in research opens up new potential.