325
One good example is the analysis of hot stamped steels in comparison to
conventional steel. Hot stamped steels are low-alloy steels with a special aluminumsilicon coating that is heated to 900 °C before the forming process. While the steel
is formed, it is hardened by cooling it down abruptly. Therefore the forming process
is clearly more energy-intensive than the conventional cold stamping process. The
advantage of hot stamping is the much higher strength of the steel part. This property enables thinner and lighter steels that still have the same or even better crash
performance than conventional steels. All in all, for an exemplary part, this results
in a weight reduction of 20 % and a corresponding lower demand for raw materials.
After considering the entire life cycle and the realized weight reduction, the hot
stamped steel is advantageous in comparison to the conventional steels as shown in
Fig. 23.3. Due to lower material demand and the resulting reduction for raw material extraction and steel production, in this case the lightweight alternative is at an
advance even before the first meters are driven with the car. With each driven meter
the lightweight effect can unfold on top.
Therefore hot stamped steel is a good example for lightweight strategy which
offers environmental advantage from the first mile on.
4 Analysis and Derivation of Measurable Technical Targets
The statement of more or less abstract results from different environmental impact
categories as a result of a LCA is barely promising. To enable change in development and to influence new developments, a derivation of measurable technical targets and indicators is needed. In addition, these targets must be based on crucial
success factors for LCE that considerably influence the vehicle’s environmental
impact. With an ideal conception, the targets can be used on a universal scale and
are not bound to specific concepts or assumptions.
Only technical targets in the language of the recipient can be used to support the
developers and decision makers in charge. Thus, the target will not be in direct
context of environmental impact categories like global warming potential (kg
Fig. 23.3 Carbon footprint comparison: cold stamped steel vs. hot stamped steel
23 Implementing Life Cycle Engineering in Automotive Development as a Helpful…
One good example is the analysis of hot stamped steels in comparison to
conventional steel. Hot stamped steels are low-alloy steels with a special aluminumsilicon coating that is heated to 900 °C before the forming process. While the steel
is formed, it is hardened by cooling it down abruptly. Therefore the forming process
is clearly more energy-intensive than the conventional cold stamping process. The
advantage of hot stamping is the much higher strength of the steel part. This property enables thinner and lighter steels that still have the same or even better crash
performance than conventional steels. All in all, for an exemplary part, this results
in a weight reduction of 20 % and a corresponding lower demand for raw materials.
After considering the entire life cycle and the realized weight reduction, the hot
stamped steel is advantageous in comparison to the conventional steels as shown in
Fig. 23.3. Due to lower material demand and the resulting reduction for raw material extraction and steel production, in this case the lightweight alternative is at an
advance even before the first meters are driven with the car. With each driven meter
the lightweight effect can unfold on top.
Therefore hot stamped steel is a good example for lightweight strategy which
offers environmental advantage from the first mile on.
4 Analysis and Derivation of Measurable Technical Targets
The statement of more or less abstract results from different environmental impact
categories as a result of a LCA is barely promising. To enable change in development and to influence new developments, a derivation of measurable technical targets and indicators is needed. In addition, these targets must be based on crucial
success factors for LCE that considerably influence the vehicle’s environmental
impact. With an ideal conception, the targets can be used on a universal scale and
are not bound to specific concepts or assumptions.
Only technical targets in the language of the recipient can be used to support the
developers and decision makers in charge. Thus, the target will not be in direct
context of environmental impact categories like global warming potential (kg
Fig. 23.3 Carbon footprint comparison: cold stamped steel vs. hot stamped steel
23 Implementing Life Cycle Engineering in Automotive Development as a Helpful…