Archive for August, 2017
Aluminum Extrusion for Lightweighting: Key Factors
for Success

OEMs can replace steel with aluminum extrusions, but often engineering teams are not as familiar with the alloys, the extrusion process, and the tolerances and performance characteristics that can be achieved. Here’s what engineers need to know and what to expect from suppliers.
FCA, Toyota, Faurecia, AP&T Win Altair Lightweighting Awards

The winner of the Full Vehicle category was the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, which is an impressive 249 pounds (113 kilograms) lighter than its predecessor. Toyota’s carbon fiber closure panels for the 2017 Prius Prime and Lexus LC500, and Faurecia’s Adaptive Valve for exhaust systems employed on the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado took the top honors for the module category.