Aluminum industry is a traditional competitive industry in Henan Province. After years of development, Henan aluminum industry has possessed the advantages of the whole industrial chain, and continues to extend to downstream aluminum processing and deep processing. The industrial structure has been continuously optimized. Henan is a truly large aluminum processing province. It is worth noting that the downstream consumption of aluminum processing materials has changed greatly in recent years, and Henan aluminum industry has both opportunities and challenges.
Two Challenges for Henan Aluminum Enterprises to Set foot in Automobile Lightweight
The research shows that for traditional fuel vehicles, about 60% of the vehicle fuel is used to load the self weight of the vehicle, and 0.39 liters of fuel can be saved for every 100 kg weight reduction of passenger vehicles and every 100 km. If the vehicle weight is reduced by 10%, the fuel consumption can be reduced by 6%~8%, thus reducing the emissions by 5%~6%. For new energy vehicles, the vehicle weight directly affects the driving range.
The above industry insiders said that the automobile materials are mainly steel, but the density of aluminum is only about 1/3 of steel, and the performance after alloying can meet the relevant requirements. Replacing steel with aluminum can significantly reduce the weight of automobiles. Aluminum alloy materials can replace steel in strength, heat conductivity, corrosion resistance and recycling.
Wanda ALU introduced that Henan’s aluminum sheet, strip and foil production ranks first in the country, aluminum profiles have made significant development, and wheel hubs have a place. From the perspective of the entire automobile structure, car bodies, wheels, parts, power batteries, etc. have demand for lightweight aluminum for automobiles, and the Association is increasing its research in this field.
However, it is not easy for Henan Aluminum Industry to get involved in automobile lightweight. It should not only face the certification process of automobile manufacturers, but also solve problems in technology and process.
The above industry insiders believe that aluminum alloy auto parts need to pass strict material certification, product certification, automobile production quality management system (IATF16949-2016) certification, and internal certification of vehicle manufacturers or first-class auto parts suppliers. There are few local brand auto manufacturers in Henan, which is the biggest dilemma for Henan aluminum industry to get involved in automobile lightweight.
In addition, the insiders said that in the field of automobile and other industrial aluminum profiles, downstream products with different needs and uses will have different requirements for aluminum profiles, especially in terms of alloy formula, manufacturing technology, process optimization, experience, etc., which requires long-term accumulation and trial.