A New Approach to Steel Grade Selection for Automotive Parts

Selecting the most suitable steel grade from the available set is a difficult task, therefore it is essential that the selection is carried out in a planned way. Because of its importance, the theme of material selection has been the subject matter of several research. In spite of the fact that the literature is very rich, there are obstacles in the implementation of theoretical processes in the steel industry that prompt us to review the well-established practice. The aim of this paper is to present an optimisation proposal for the current material selection process, with a special focus on rolled steel products, due to the problems encountered in industrial practice. In our work, we thoroughly studied the literature on material selection methods and related processes and the characteristic features of rolled steel products that could distinguish them from other raw materials. We found that due to these differences, the application of the standard material selection method is hazardous and it needs to be optimised. Our proposed model eliminates the current uncomfortable situation where steel producers, part manufacturers and part designers argue about each other's responsibilities following a less than successful material selection. The model presented in this paper is intended to provide a practical tool for all interested parties in the automotive and mechanical industry in order to avoid design errors and parts deficiency. Our model can be incorporated in the currently valid first-sampling regulations of the automotive industry.