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 Carmakers are increasingly turning to companies like Corus to develop innovative solutions that help designers to reduce component weight, improve service life and cut manufacturing costs Smethwick Drop Forge (SDF), the UK’s leading forger of connecting rods for passenger and commercial vehicles, approached Corus for help in developing its con-rods. The company needed to satisfy the ongoing demand from customers for lighter-weight components, improved fatigue performance and reduced machining – taking costs out of the manufacturing process on current production components. Corus has extensive expertise in computer modelling techniques and in-depth knowledge of the application of different steel grades, which it used to reduce the weight of SDF’s con-rods by up to 15 per cent. This lighter component design in turn improves engine efficiency and contributes towards meeting stringent environmental legislation. The improved machining responses were delivered without sacrificing the strength or durability of the part. Commenting on the collaboration, Mark Adams, Managing Director SDF, said: “By partnering with Corus and utilising their material knowledge and expertise in computer simulation techniques, we have been able to carry out many iterations in a short space of time to determine optimum con-rod design for our customers.” | |
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