Corus gears up for automotive spring market
19 Jul 2005
A new high-performance grade of wire rod from Corus is rapidly becoming established in the demanding global market for oil-tempered automotive springs.
Recognising the extremely strict quality parameters required for such high-fatigue steels, Corus is keen to join the handful of steel manufacturers able to supply this quality of material – helping to increase security of supply for the automotive market.
The company’s successful record of manufacturing super-clean steel rod for tyre cord gave Corus the experience it needed to develop a new grade for oil-tempered springs. Automotive valve springs are one of the most demanding applications for any steel, since they are in constant motion when in use. Although the valve spring market is significant, very few manufacturers can supply steel of the required quality.
Corus Sales Manager John Morrisroe, says: “We know that the automotive spring market needs more quality suppliers, which is why we are developing our premium-grade steels for these essential components.”
Corus applied its ‘super-clean’ technology to the development of valve spring steel, which requires low levels of non-metallic inclusions in the surface layers of the steel and tight control over other metallurgical parameters, such as surface cracks and decarburisation. A lengthy development process, employing carefully controlled casting and rolling techniques, has resulted in the successful production of an automotive spring-grade steel.
This steel is now undergoing rigorous fatigue tests for valve spring applications. As these trials continue, Corus is in a position to supply material for other critical automotive spring applications, such as clutch, suspension and transmission springs.
Feedback on the new Corus steel from spring makers and car manufacturers has been very positive, and springs made from Corus steel have already been used in car suspensions. There is considerable demand for this steel from the Far East, and other spring manufacturers are keen to use Corus steel for clutch and transmission springs.
To meet this demand, the Corus rod mill is now rolling regular casts of spring-grade rod – giving spring manufacturers a wider choice of supplier in this specialist market.
John Morrisroe continues: “We are now looking to increase volumes to those customers who have already completed trials, and to support any others who wish to begin a trial process. As a performance-critical product, automotive spring steel will benefit from our state-of-the-art automated warehouse facility, with its advanced handling processes to minimise the risk of damage.”
“We want car manufacturers to know that we are working with their supply chains to develop quality spring steels. As awareness of Corus spring steel grows, we hope our presence in the market will provide greater security of supply and a wider supplier base for spring manufacturers around the world.”
Ends
Press release and pictures can be downloaded from websites:
www.automotivepr.com and www.corusautomotive.com
Corus Automotive media enquiries:
Marco Ferrari +44 (0)20 7494 8050 mferrari@automotivepr.com
Belle Wilson +44 (0)20 7494 8050 bwilson@automotivepr.com
Corus marketing enquiries:
Angela Reid +44 (0) 1724 405 198 angela.reid@corusgroup.com
Notes to Editors
Corus Automotive
Corus is one of the leading suppliers of steel products, services and technology to the automotive industry. A broad range of Corus steel from strip, engineering steels, special strip and tubes are used to make products that go into automotive applications including body-in-white, closures, chassis and suspension systems, powertrain, seats, safety systems and other components. Corus is committed to the global automotive industry, and, uniquely, combines its materials and vehicle engineering knowledge to respond cost-effectively to key drivers of importance to the sector, such as safety, fuel-efficiency, innovation and the environment. The Company actively supports supply chain initiatives that improve efficiency and enhance the value of steel used in automotive applications. For further information, view the Corus automotive website (www.corusautomotive.com).
Corus Group Plc (LSE/AEX: CS; NYSE: CGA) is one of the world’s largest metal producers with a turnover of over £9 billion and major operating facilities in the U.K., the Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway, Belgium and Canada. Corus’ four divisions comprising Strip Products, Long Products, Aluminium and Distribution & Building Systems provide innovative solutions to the construction, automotive, rail, general engineering and packaging markets worldwide. Corus has over 48,000 employees in over 40 countries and sales offices and service centres worldwide. Combining international expertise with local customer service, the Corus brand represents quality and strength.
