Vehicle efficiency through material and process development
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Volvo Technology AB - Avd 6000 M1.7 |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 910 000 |
| Project duration | November 2010 - June 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Electronics, software and communication - FFI |
Purpose and goal
The project aims to develop and evaluate new cast material and apply development tools to achieve reduced component weight for environment and transport efficiency. It also aims to reduce product development and increase competiveness for Swedish automotive manufacturers and suppliers. The project has successfully developed a 600-10 cast material with 4.3% silicon content. Developed components have been reduced by 15-30 per cent in weight with the new material and the increased use of numerical simulation.
Results and expected effects
The developed material shows good characteristics on test specimens and materials analyses. Results from the testing of prototypes, which are derived from a rather thin statistical base, showed a varied result in fatigue performance and that the material not can be put into production without further development. The material was found to be relatively sensitive to defect so measures to reduce those need to be further investigated.
Approach and implementation
The project was implemented with partners from academia, suppliers and vehicle manufacturers in collaboration. The project was carried out in six well-defined work packages. As the project have competing partners (Volvo and Scania) the work was performed in parallel work packages in the development of components and prototypes. Cooperation with other work packages such as materials development (Chalmers and Arvika foundry) and machining (Seco) has worked satisfactorily. Volvo Technology has played a coordinating role.