Gestamp and SSAB collaborate long-term for a stronger, lighter automotive future

“This is exactly how SSAB likes to work – to be invited right at the start of the project,” said Ben Cook, Sales Segment Manager, SSAB. “The combination of SSAB’s material knowledge and Gestamp’s design and manufacturing experience have both been so important in turning this concept into reality.”

While the team members from both Gestamp and SSAB admit that the seven years had more than their fair share of bumps in the road, they all emphasize that the end result – an innovative new steel grade that delivered what the product required in terms of local and global formability, strength, stiffness, and fatigue – came about as the result of an exceptional collaborative effort on both sides.

“We were able to try a huge number of different compositions thanks to SSAB’s flexibility and quick turnaround when it came to the prototype materials,” explained Carlota Arenillas, Innovation Project Manager, Gestamp Chassis, Spain. “There were moments when this project felt like climbing Mount Everest. However, every time it seemed impossible, someone at SSAB pulled something out of the bag or we were able to reach a compromise together.”

“It’s true that the material concept underwent several alterations during the development that finally landed in a complex phase steel that satisfied the requirements of the part,” agreed Erik Nymann, Product Developer, SSAB. “Compromises were needed, but thanks to the feedback received we were able to focus on the critical aspects of the material.”

Docol 1000CP automotive steel is significantly higher in strength than conventionally used grades, without compromising on quality, performance, or part geometry. This enables a thinner gauge – making the part lighter. The strength and ductility originate from the complex phase microstructure. Along with a good surface quality and high strength, the steel also performs well in fatigue – an important property for FLCA components.

In early 2020, the project teams at Gestamp and SSAB saw their tireless work pay off as the Docol 1000CP steel was successfully launched into production for a front lower control arm of the Toyota Yaris.

“The beauty was that we were able to listen to the customer first to find out what they needed, then put a team together of SSAB experts from all over the business to meet those requirements,” said SSAB’s Cook.

As for what is next, the Docol 1000 Complex Phase steel is also being developed with other OEMs for future launches to deliver reductions in weight and CO₂ emissions. “We believe the front lower control arm is just the first step towards all the things that could potentially be done with this new steel grade,” said Nymann.