Wheels Task Force of Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a division of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), has developed a lightweight steel wheel which is claimed to be equivalent in mass to a comparable aluminum wheel but 40% cheaper.
The design solution has been confirmed by Steel Market Development Institute's (SMDI) Wheels Task Force, which will help automakers in manufacturing vehicles that will meet the new fuel economy regulations while also offering style to consumers.
During the project, the taskforce applied new concept design and analytical methods to an existing high-volume wheel to achieve an advanced lightweight design which can be used in various vehicle platforms
Engineering work of the project was conducted by US-based Altair Engineering while it was funded by SMDI's Wheels Task Force.
SMDI automotive market vice president Ronald Krupitzer said: "With automakers looking for solutions to develop lightweighting technologies, here is another example of steel matching aluminum in mass while beating aluminum in cost. It's also a highly styled wheel that will help sell cars."
SMDI Steel Wheels Task Force members include Accuride, AK Steel, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, ArcelorMittal USA, Carlisle Tire & Wheel, Chrysler Group; CMWA, Ford Motor, General Motors, Heidtman Steel Products, Hess Industries, IBD Connection, Lacks Wheel Trim Systems.
Other members of task force included, Maxion Wheels Company, Nucor, Severstal North America, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, Topy America, United States Steel.
