Greater competitiveness for EU automotive industry
The automotive industry is in constant flux and adapts its production processes regularly to keep up with the latest developments. This can present difficulties to suppliers, particularly smaller companies. The 'Integration of the security sub-modules elements in the automotive industry' (ISSEA) project helped suppliers that produce suspension and steering modules to adjust to these developments. Funded by the EU's Sixth Framework Programme's (FP6) sub-programme targeting SMEs, ISSEA developed a methodology for the integrated production of these vital safety components. The project developed novel metallic structures in high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel, which should enable producers to benefit from its safety performance and lower weight in a cost-effective manner. ISSEA also investigated the optimal laser welding technology and methodology as well as the best non-polluting coatings for the process in question. Laser welding reduces anchorage points and increases the resistance of the sub-module. This resulted in a prototype of integrated security sub-modules, constituting the suspension and steering systems. By reducing costs and boosting safety, this technology could be profitable for suppliers and would boost the competitiveness of Europe's troubled car industry.
