-0,08%Automotive
For the car of today – and tomorrow
Stainless, the Material of Choice
With new technologies, new regulations and new expectations, car manufacturers are looking for a new material solution for reducing weight, improving safety, cutting emissions and lowering costs. That solution is stainless steel. Thanks to its winning combination of corrosion resistance, outstanding properties at high temperatures and exceptional style, stainless steel is used for everything from fuel and exhaust systems to structural parts, chassis applications and décor. It’s even advancing the electric vehicles of tomorrow, with stainless steel being a critical component in the design of battery packs and fuel cells.
Our Key Products
Our KARA range. The “X” means that this molybdenum-containing, niobium-stabilised, 18% chromium Ferritic Stainless Steel is ideal for exhaust applications.
Our KARA range. The “X” means that this 18% chromium titanium-and niobium-stabilized Ferritic Stainless Steel is ideal for exhaust applications.
Our KARA range. The “X” means that this 19% chromium with molybdenum, niobium stabilised Ferritic Stainless Steel is ideal for exhaust applications.
This basic chromium-nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel offers good corrosion resistance, good ductility, and excellent weldability.
A Product
for Every Application
Ready to start working on a tailor-made solution backed by an industry-leading commitment to long-term support? Our experts are standing by and ready to help you choose the right Aperam products for your specific needs.
Applications
Exhaust
Light yet remarkably durable, stainless steel is the right material for the extreme conditions of exhaust systems.
Exhaust
Whether it be a passenger car or a heavy-duty diesel truck, automotive exhaust systems are hot, loud and dirty. Not only do these systems demand a material that can withstand extreme conditions, but, due to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, one that can also help decrease emissions. That material is stainless steel.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Stainless steel can handle the extreme heat and highly corrosive conditions of EGR coolers.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) coolers, used to reduce engine combustion temperatures and prevent NOx from forming, demand a material that can tolerate extreme heat and highly corrosive conditions. Stainless steel fits the bill, which is why EGR manufacturers continue to choose Aperam K44X ferritic stainless steel.
Clamps & Springs
Stainless steel offers unique properties that make it ideal for flat spring applications. For example, because it is hard-wearing, durable and able to achieve very high tensile strengths (up to 2 400 MPa), stainless steel is perfect for clips, hose clamps, door lock springs, precision stamped parts and custom metal stamping. 1.4310 and AISI 301 are the most commonly used grades.
Decotrim
From decorative trim to window seals, mirror covers and tailpipe linings, stainless steel is quickly becoming the material of choice for automotive décor. Offering a winning combination of design, style and aesthetics, K36 and K45 – our exclusive ferritic grades for decorative trim applications – bring a touch of elegance to any car.
Cylinder Head Gaskets
Stainless steel (type EN 1.4310 or AISI 301 in the hardened condition) is the material of choice for the gaskets used to seal the gap between the cylinder head and the engine block. All our stainless steels offer the mechanical characteristics needed to prevent fumes from leaking out of the exhaust system.
Thermal Shields
With a thermal conductivity that is 10 times lower than aluminum, stainless steel can significantly increase a heat shield’s thermal efficiency. This heat retention property is why stainless steel heat shields are regularly used in automotive exhaust pipes and such engine hotspots as turbos, manifolds and catalysts. For the same reason, they are also used in electric vehicle batteries.
Bellows – Hoses
Expansion bellows are used to absorb the movement in, for example, exhaust pipes. Our portfolio of high grade stainless steels for expansion bellows offer the durability, flexibility and corrosion resistance that hydro-formed and welded metal bellows demand. We specialize in 1.4521 (AISI 321), 1.4404 (AISI 316L), 1.4571 (AISI 316Ti) and 1.4828 (R20-12).
Connectors
Connectors that use stainless steel flat springs are better suited for absorbing shock without breaking contact. That’s why stainless steel is the material of choice for the connectors used in such automotive applications as battery contacts, relays, switches, and pluggable connectors.
Battery
Combining excellent mechanical and forming properties with exceptional corrosion resistance and high performance, stainless steel can withstand even the most severe environmental conditions. As a result, it is the material of choice for battery housing, battery module casing, and upper casing applications.
EGR
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler is a little-known but vitally important vehicle component. Using engine coolant, it reduces the temperature of both exhaust gas and engine combustion and, in doing so, prevents the formation of NOx. Needless to say, the material used for this type of application must be able to tolerate high temperatures and corrosive conditions. That is why EGR manufacturers continue to choose Aperam K44X ferritic stainless steel.
Deco Trim
From decorative trim to window seals, mirror covers and tailpipe linings, stainless steel is becoming the material of choice for automotive décor. At the front of the pack are K36 and K45 – Aperam’s exclusive grades for auto decorative trim applications. With a winning combination of design, style and aesthetics, these two stainless steels add a touch of elegance to any car. They also offer excellent corrosion resistance, high mechanical characteristics and a low environmental impact.
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Whether it be a general question about Aperam or assistance choosing the right products for your project, our experts are standing by and ready to help