Researchers at Norway’s SINTEF found out that aluminium suspension components for cars can save a lot of time, energy and money. However, these must then be made with cast rather than pressed bolts. “This discovery makes it possible to remove an entire process step from automotive component production lines,” SINTEF said in a press release.
Aluminium is important in reducing the weight of a car. And so now it also helps reduce fuel consumption. A modern car contains large amounts of aluminium and the use of the metal increases over the years. So it is important to make the best use of the material. The process is called Low-Pressure Casting (LPC).
Combining forces
The aim of the HyForge project is to demonstrate that using cast materials is a promising way to produce suspension components in the future. SINTEF is participating in this project in collaboration with Hydro and Raufoss Technology. Raufoss has been producing components for well-known automotive brands for years, with a focus on aluminium components.
