Docol® automotive steels

Fossil-free steel is SSAB’s name for replacing coking coal with green hydrogen for direct reduction ironmaking – combined with minimizing CO₂ emissions for the entire value chain, from mine to AHSS delivery. The first fossil-free steel vehicle already exists. And commercial quantities of automotive AHSS/UHSS steels will become available in 2026.

SSAB and Gestamp begin partnership in fossil-free steel for automotive components

SSAB has entered an agreement with Spain-based Gestamp, a global tier-one automotive supplier of lightweight and safety components, to deliver fossil-free steel for body-in-white and chassis system products.

AHSS steels for higher crash protection

As you strive to provide higher levels of crash protection for passenger compartments – and all-new intrusion-free structures for EV battery packs – Docol^® can help. For example, we have stimulated scores of AHSS beam designs to find optimized profiles, delivering 2x better crash performance (energy transfer) than square tubes.

Lightweighting with Docol^® automotive steels

What are your lightweighting goals for a specific automotive safety component? 10% to 20% weight reduction? Creating thinner — and lighter — components using higher strength steels is a major reason for AHSS’s yearly growth in the auto industry.

AHSS forming optimized for efficiency and repeatability

From concept, to design, simulation, and validation on your production tools, Docol^® experts are with you for your development process for AHSS components. We’ll help you determine the most efficient forming layout – including optimized die materials, die construction, and coatings – for high production quality and parts repeatability.

Exceptional weldability of Docol^® advanced high strength steels

Achieve strong AHSS welds for increased torsional stiffness and fatigue resistance. We designed even our strongest automotive steels to be used with conventional welding processes, including resistance spot welding, arc, and laser. And we’ll aid in your weld simulations, confirming your proposed AHSS joining processes.

Economical and sustainable AHSS automotive solutions

Alternatives to automotive advanced high-strength steels include aluminum and fiber-reinforced composites: both are much more expensive and CO₂-intensive, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment to form properly. Both are also more difficult to recycle than AHSS steels.

On the other hand, AHSS automotive steels have a long history of successful problem-solving in mass-produced cars, delivering improved impact protection, significant weight savings, and improved vehicle performance.