7. Prototyping of Multi-material Parts—Efforts to Realize Practical Application of Innovative Materials and Technologies

To confirm the potential for practical application of the innovative materials and innovative joining technologies developed in this project, we examined the performance of the requirements for practical application, such as formability, joining, coating, and rust prevention, through trial production of parts. Specifically, innovative steel sheet was used for the A-pillar, tailored blank fabricated using FSW for the B-pillar outer and inner panels, innovative aluminum for the side member and sill reinforcement member, innovative magnesium for the hood, CFRP/CFRTP panels for the roof, and LFT-D material for the floor, prototypes and evaluations were conducted by applying aluminum and CFRTP dissimilar material joining to the doors. Crash analysis at the actual vehicle level was conducted, and it was confirmed that the performance was equivalent to that of the base vehicle. In summary, the results of the evaluation of the component prototypes indicated that the innovative materials and innovative joining technology have high potential for practical application.