Page 8 - MFi Vol.152 ATZ Extra Issue 2019

ALUMINUM
AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY
ALUMINUM
MATERIAL
Aluminum alloys used in automobiles : 2
02 Aluminum extruded products

Components with complex cross-sectional shapes

Aluminum extruded shapes

Using extrusion, it is possible to produce complex shapes. The process involves
heating the aluminum alloy up to 400-500°C and pressing it through a die. Various
shapes can be extruded, including complex shapes and hollow materials. They are
normally used for automobile subframes and bumper beams.

A space frame structure made of extruded aluminum
shapes was adopted for the Chevrolet Corvette. A strong
body structure with as much as 57% higher rigidity was
realized, while also achieving a weight reduction of 45
kilograms compared to previous models.

Motor Fan illustrated

Space frame using multi-materials
The NSX for the 21st century is not an all-aluminum body
structure, but a multi-material space frame structure using
aluminum, ultra-high tensile strength steel, resin and other
ALUMINUM AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY
materials. Mainly high-strength extruded aluminum shapes
are used. Aluminum alloy accounts for about 79% of the
08 whole structure; other materials include 13.5% of steel and
7.4% of resin.

Aluminum extruded shapes Ablation cast aluminum
Aluminum alloy sheet Gravity die cast aluminum
Ultra-high tensile strength steel Steel

Die Billet
Bumpers of the Mazda MX-5
This bumper is manufactured using a 7000 series
P
aluminum alloy produced by UACJ Corporation for
use in hollow shape extrusions.
Platen Stem Container Block

Solid shape Hollow shape

Solid die Male die Female die Hollow die