Materials Selection for Automotive Closure Applications with Respect to Cost and Function 2003-01-2885

In the past ten year period, due primarily to government mandates for fuel economy improvement, alternate materials have replaced steel on many closure applications at American OEMs (hoods, decklids, and liftgates). But due to recent cost reduction initiatives set by automakers and the advent of newly developed high strength steels, this trend has been challenged by lighter weight, less costly steel alternatives, with near equal or superior performance. This paper, through case studies undertaken at several North American OEM facilities, examines the cost differential, material property options, manufacturing differences, and performance characteristics between the application of aluminum and steel for common hood, lift gate, and deck lid assemblies for both current and future production parts.