( Lundqvist).
The Truck Group at GMC is one company that is using this new technology. The Frame engineers use the new hydroforming technology to construct the front frame rails and engine cross members. By first bending tubed steel and placing it in a die such as the one mentioned above. ( Silverado).
The hydroforming method worked so well for the 1988 Sierra pickup frame design that Ford Motor Company used a nearly identical design for its current F-150 Pickups. ( Silverado).
Another company using hydroforming is BMW. BMW is using this process to create the rear axle for its 300 series vehicle.
Daimler Chrysler has done testing on a hydroformed camshaft. Since that time Daimler Chrysler has also decided to use hydroforming to create some components for its vehicles within the next 1 or 2 years. ( Iron Age New Steel).
There are many advantages towards using this technology, yet many cars being made everyday do not use this method. I believe that hydroforming should be used for all types of this manufacturing. Some reasons that Hydroforming should be used are: The process is much more economical than current boxed frame technology methods, and this unique fabricating method uses much less welding to create a frame than its predecessor.
This process eliminates approximately 300 inches of weld from the front frame section of the 1999 Silverado. The prospect of nearly eliminating the welding process alone will allow manufacturers to save approximately 44 pounds of steel scrap per frame. This excess can now be used elsewhere by using the hydroforming method. .
( Silverado).
Reducing the weight of the automobile is one of the primary means by which fuel consumption is lowered. The two elements that decide this are the design and what materials are needed to construct the vehicle without sacrificing safety or quality. .
Scott Ryan, writing for Cambridge abstracts on hot topics in the automotive industry, has noticed a trend of movement toward the use of light materials and their alloys in automotive components.
