INDUSTRY NEWS
Award for innovative use of AHSS in SUV
The American Iron and Steel Institute ( AISI ) awarded its Automotive Excellence Award in May to General Motors , Magna and Shape Corp . for their innovative application of advanced high-strength steel ( AHSS ) in the GMC Hummer Sport Utility Vehicle ( SUV ). The award was presented at the 22nd annual ‘ Great Designs in Steel ( GDIS )’ symposium at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi , MI ( USA ).
General Motors Design Release Engineer , Stephen Dissler , Jr .; General Motors Staff Design Release Engineer , James Veal , Jr .; Magna Department Manager , William Perry , and Shape Corp . Product Development Leader , David Seiter , received the award for their 2023 GDIS presentation entitled ‘ GMC Hummer EV SUV Body Structure .’
“ The GMC Hummer SUV has an innovative steel-intensive body structure architecture with a well-integrated Rechargeable Energy Storage System . It leverages a wide range of steel grades from mild to ultra-high strength steels to guarantee occupant safety , ensure battery system integrity and achieve excellent off-road capability while providing an open-air roof design . The Body-in-White is comprised
Award recipients at the GDIS symposium .
of 37 per cent high-strength steel and 26 percent ultra-high-strength steel , seven per cent AHSS , along with press hardened steel and mild steel ,” said AISI .
The GMC vehicle design team used a variety of joining technologies such as traditional spot welding ; metal inert gas welding ; remote and tactile laser welding ; and extensive adhesive applications to meet structural performance
targets designed to enable “ a safe and excellent vehicle driving experience .“ The team demonstrated the power of collaboration which included early planning , development and process design among the automaker and its supplier partners .
The AISI Automotive Excellence Award is presented each year at GDIS . It recognizes individuals or teams from automakers , suppliers or the academic community who have revolutionized the industry and made significant contributions to the advancement of steel in the automotive market .
Award winners are chosen from presenters at the previous year ’ s GDIS symposium . Candidates are rated in several categories , including challenges and benefits associated with cost , mass reduction and performance , overall contribution to the advancement of steel and implementation in production .
This year ’ s event also featured more than 30 technical presentations covering vehicle architectures , materials and manufacturing , and joining , welding and fastening . n
www . steel . org
FABTECH heads to Florida this October
North America ’ s largest metal forming , fabricating , welding and finishing event , FABTECH , heads to Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando ( USA ) from 15-17 October 2024 . With over 800,000 square feet of exhibits , the trade show will encompass two halls where attendees will find a variety of technology pavilions dedicated to Forming & Fabricating ; Tube & Pipe ; METALFORM ; Welding ; Finishing ; 3D / Additive Manufacturing and Automation .
“ FABTECH provides a convenient ‘ onestop shop ’ venue where visitors can meet suppliers , see the latest industry products and developments , and find the tools to improve their productivity , increase profits and discover new solutions to metal forming , fabricating , welding and finishing needs ,” said the show organisers .
FABTECH is made possible by its five event partners , all of whom represent the varied and diverse make-up of the manufacturing industry in North America . They include the American Welding Society ( AWS ); the Chemical Coaters Association International ( CCAI ); the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International ( FME ); the Precision Metalforming Association ( PMA ) and SME .
“ Registration is now open to attend
FABTECH and see the most comprehensive showcase of sheet metal manufacturing processes and the latest developments in fabrication , from over 1,300 suppliers , in what is considered the tenth best state for manufacturing as presented in Florida ’ s 2023 Manufacturing Report . Last year ’ s event in Chicago welcomed over 45,000 attendees representing 80 countries and all 50 states ,” added the show organisers .
To support the future workforce in the manufacturing discipline , new on the FABTECH agenda this year is an Emerging Leaders programme for young professionals including networking , a workshop and a keynote address . Tailored for individuals aged
20-30 , the Emerging Leaders programme aims to inspire , challenge and prepare participants to become influential leaders in their fields . ‘ Women of FABTECH ’ will return in 2024 featuring an inspiring keynote speaker who will share how to further careers in the industry .
The FABTECH Conference combines 60-90 minutes sessions and half-day workshops covering the latest in advanced fabrication and welding technology , workforce and management topics . Led by some key powerhouse speakers , the conference will provide insights , spotlight innovative strategies and offer solutions to manufacturing and production challenges .
FABTECH events include the Weld- Ed conference , seminars , professional programme , society events and the FABx Tech Talks at the FABTECH Theatre .
“ Technical education sessions , dynamic keynotes , expert panel discussions and other special events keep show visitors returning to FABTECH every year . Admission to the FABTECH 2024 exhibit floor is complimentary for industry professionals who register before 12 October 2024 ,” concluded the show organisers . n
www . fabtechexpo . com
20 | ismr . net | ISMR September 2024