Nippon Steel supplies 2.0 GPa hot-stamping steel for Nissan ELGRAND

Nippon Steel's 2.0 GPa-class aluminized hot-stamping steel sheet has been selected for structural components in Nissan Motor's new ELGRAND model. The material, designed to offer improved resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, has also been adopted by an unnamed overseas automaker.

The steel, designated 2.0G AL-HS, combines ultra-high strength with resistance to hydrogen-related cracking, addressing a major challenge in the development of lighter automotive body structures.

Improved resistance to hydrogen embrittlement

Higher-strength steel sheets allow automakers to reduce the weight of vehicle structures while maintaining crash performance. However, increasing steel strength also raises susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement, which can cause cracking and deterioration of mechanical properties.

Nippon Steel developed its 2.0G AL-HS product by optimizing manufacturing processes to improve resistance to hydrogen ingress and its associated effects.

The material has a strength class of 2,000 MPa and is intended for hot-stamped automotive components requiring high structural performance.

Applications in vehicle body structures

In Nissan's new ELGRAND, the steel is used in underbody reinforcement components forming part of the vehicle's structural framework.

An overseas automotive manufacturer has also selected the material for upper-body reinforcement components, demonstrating its applicability to different areas of vehicle construction.

According to Nippon Steel, the adoption of the material will support further expansion of ultra-high-strength steel applications in automotive manufacturing.

The company intends to extend the use of its hydrogen-embrittlement-resistant hot-stamping steel to additional vehicle components, supporting automotive lightweighting and improved vehicle safety.

The development reflects the growing importance of advanced high-strength steels as automakers seek to reduce vehicle weight without compromising structural integrity.

Source and Photo: Nippon Steel