Automotive Weight Reduction Expo 2014 (Part 1)

White body of Honda Fit exhibited by H-ONE

 The Automotive Weight Reduction Expo 2014 was held at the Tokyo Big Sight on January 15th to 17th, 2014 as part of the Automotive World 2014. Excitement was felt at the venue, which was attended by a larger number of visitors than the previous year. In particular, the resin-related booth, which was placed near the entrance of the venue, attracted a considerable number of visitors.

 This report will first introduce the exhibition of frame parts using ultrahigh-strength steel sheet by H-ONE and ArcelorMittal. It will then focus on the exhibition of lightweight metals, such as magnesium and aluminum, and laminated molding method by using 3D data (3D printer). The second report, which will be coming shortly, will focus on weight-reducing techniques using plastics.

Related Reports:
EV & HEV Drive System Technology Expo 2014 (Feb. 2014)

Automotive Weight Reduction Expo 2013
(1) 3D additive manufacturing and lightweight metal use
(2) CFRP and other plastics improve weight reduction