Uses Of Stainless Steel In Automotive Industry

There is no doubt that stainless steel (also known as SS) is one of the most common materials used worldwide. It is super lightweight and can be machined hassle-free, and that’s why it can be used in an array of applications. In this article, let’s explore stainless steel price and its uses in the automotive industry.

Top Uses

For automotive systems, performance and safety are two crucial things that an automotive systems manufacturer looks forward to. Due to an obligation to fulfil these standards, stainless steel is employed when it comes to making high-performing vehicle parts. Let’s have a look at such uses:

1.   Fuel Tanks: Stainless steel is loaded with such amazing properties that make it the right choice for various automotive applications. To be specific, its anti-corrosion properties make it a perfect fit for use in automotive fuel tanks.

Corrosion-resisting fuel tanks are designed to withstand various forms of material weathering. This, in turn, prevents the possibility of oxidation and rust which can not only negatively affect the engine performance but can be an expensive affair when it comes to conducting repairs. This is one of the important features to factor in as vehicles come in all shapes and sizes.

SS malleability as well as machinability makes shaping the fuel tanks in different sizes and dimensions relatively easier. Eventually, this results in a stronger fuel tank material along with a low evaporative emissions potential.

2.   Exhaust Systems: Be it a small vehicle or a large vehicle, its exhaust system is crucial in enabling it to function for prolonged periods. The vehicle’s exhaust system enables the collection of exhaust gases being produced by the engine. In the process, toxic substances along with other foreign particles that might have accumulated in the gas get disposed of. This, in turn, enables the vehicle to run smoothly and minimise the noise level.

Since a highly extensive job is done by the engine’s exhaust systems, a large chunk of maintenance expenditures goes towards repairing exhaust systems. Keeping high-repair expenses in mind, durable as well as lightweight materials like SS are a go-to option for manufacturing vehicle exhaust components. Stainless steel is engineered to resist the ill effects of destructive conditions exposure by the exhaust engine.  

3.   Tube Hydroforming: Tube hydroforming using SS involves using hydraulic fluid. An empty, hollow tube is kept inside a mould. The desired shape is formed by pumping the fluid into the mould. This process helps in producing various vehicle structures such as radiator support components, hydraulics, engine cradles, suspension parts etc.

With the help of SS tube hydroforming, a single component can be used easily instead of multiple individual parts which are manually welded together. This provides a high level of efficiency and storage space. This, in turn, drastically decreases the cost incurred in making multiple parts as it can be made using a single stainless steel tube hydroforming process.

4.   Cylinder Head Gaskets: Certain stainless-steel properties enable it to enhance its strength. These properties are useful when it comes to making SS cylinder head gaskets. These head gaskets provide a seal between the cylinders’ head and engine block. Used for controlled explosions due to the engine’s different combustion processes, gaskets safeguard the engine from internal fluid leakage (if any).

For this purpose, SS is subjected to a hardening process like cold sheet rolling. When an engine runs, tensile strength fluctuations are experienced in the head gaskets. This repetitive motion needs a specific fatigue strength that can be produced by SS.

Stainless Steel Price

Mentioned below are the EX-Ahmedabad prices (various sizes) for Ratnesh SS Bright Square Bar:

•       316L 22 mm: ₹3,22,000/MT
•       316 55-60 mm: ₹3,05,000/MT
•       304 18-19 mm: ₹1,95,000/MT
•       316 25-50 mm: ₹3,00,000/MT

Key Takeaways

In the automotive sector, stainless steel usage revolves around suspension systems exhaust systems, combustion, and gauging vehicle safety. Stainless steel offers life-saving solutions when it comes to safety concerns faced by vehicle manufacturers in making fuel-efficient, cost-effective, and lightweight vehicles. As far as measuring a vehicle’s safety or crashworthiness is concerned, SS has proven its ‘mettle’. It offers higher absorption capability which surpasses commonly used materials like carbon for making vehicle frames.

Its high absorption capabilities compound with ease of manufacturing and high strength enables it to withstand crashes and ensure vehicle safety. When it comes to prices, SS prices tend to be on the higher side than mild steel prices due to differences in raw materials, chemical properties etc.