Tata Unveils High-Strength Steel for Crash Structures

Tata Steel Ltd. says its new ultra-high-strength automotive steel can reduce component weight 15% without requiring changes to the manufacturer's existing production equipment.

Dubbed DP1000HY-GI, the material was developed in cooperation with carmakers. The steel, which went into production in the Netherlands last month, targets sills, door beams, cross members and A- and B-pillar reinforcements.

The material uses carbon and manganese to improve strength and hardenability and a hot-dipped galvanized coating for corrosion protection. Tata Steel offers DP1000HY-GI in sheets as thick as 2 mm and in widths as great as 1,400 mm.