Part spectrum

    Description

    The Audi A6 clearly shows the trend toward higher strength materials and a wider variety of different materials.

    Structural parts
    Structural parts, with very few exceptions, are constructed in steel, while in some cases stainless (H400) is used for complicated parts. Since the problems of joining technology and electrical insulation (electrochemical series/corrosion) seem to be solved, there is a growing trend toward aluminum and stainless for reasons of weight reduction or tensile strength.
    The weight advantages of complete aluminum structures are significantly neutralized by the introduction of the newer high-strength steels.  Raw material costs and the more costly processing in the case of aluminum can only be economically justified in for the luxury car markets (for example, Audi A8/Jaguar XL).

    Hang-on (attachment)/outer skin parts
    For hang-on/attachment and outer skin parts such as, for example, front fenders or hoods the primary factors in material selection is either vehicle design or vehicle weight. For this reason, the industry is seeing increased use of easily formed steels as well as aluminum and synthetics/plastics. Improved process reliability and the development of high-strength steels and the improved formability of materials will in the future also lead to greater tensile strength in hang-on and outer skin parts.

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