Outokumpu material experts in cooperation with scientists from Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, in Germany are working on future-oriented stainless steel solutions. The latest innovation is a new battery pack that is specifically designed for electric vehicles. The Forta H1000 austenitic, ultra-high-strength stainless steel from Outokumpu enables the implementation of structural lightweight engineering initiatives, while providing a high level of safety.
Stefan Lindner, Senior Technical Manager for Automotive segment at Outokumpu says: âA high capacity for energy absorption and increased stiffness with thinner wall thicknesses are crucial characteristics for the development of future lightweight designs in automotive engineering. The Forta H-series fulfills these requirements.â?
Because the batteries for electric vehicles are mainly installed in the underfloor area, their casings have very high requirements in terms of hardness and crash safety. At the same time, the structures have to be as lightweight and compact as possible, which is where conventional materials such as carbon steels and aluminium reach their limits.
