ArcelorMittal Wins Altair Enlighten Award for Lightweighting Enabling Technology

ArcelorMittal has earned the Altair Enlighten Award for its GI Fortiform 980, a 3rd-gen. advanced high strength steel (AHSS) that provides automakers as much as 20-percent weight savings in key energy-absorption parts, including front and rear rails. The steelmaker accepted the award on August 4 at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI.

GI Fortiform 980 features twice the ductility of its dual-phase counterparts. High ductility allows stampers to form complex shapes at the higher strength level for improved safety, while reducing sheet thicknesses by 20 percent and still achieving the same energy-absorption levels. In addition, the alloy exhibits good bake hardening, which further improves performance.

To develop the new AHSS grade, ArcelorMittal invested $45 million at its joint-venture facility in Calvert, AL, delivering a product that reportedly is the industry benchmark for its resistance to liquid metal embrittlement, a phenomenon typical for zinc-coated products subjected to high stress. Its launch in production vehicles began in January 2021.

The Altair Enlighten Award recognizes vehicle lightweighting and sustainability, and honors the greatest advancements in reducing carbon footprint, mitigating water and energy consumption and promoting material reuse and recycling. It comprises five award categories: Sustainable Product; Sustainable Process; Module Lightweighting; Future of Lightweighting; and Lightweighting Enabling Technology.

See also: ArcelorMittal USA Inc.

Technologies: Materials

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