The various applications of high-strength steel
High-strength steel is popping up almost everywhere these days thanks to its ability to alter, to improve, the way certain structures are manufactured. AR514 in particular is a conventional quenched and tempered alloy steel plate that is designed for structural applications. Where exactly does that steel appear? Several recent news articles reveal that the uses for steel like AR514 are as diverse as the product itself.
One of the most common applications is in the automotive industry. Chevrolet is just one of the automakers that is incorporating it into their car and truck designs. Tahoe and Suburban models specifically are getting high marks in the industry, and this steel is playing a role in that accolade. As an Auto Channel review noted, a “stronger body structure with more high-strength steel (makes) a more solid feel and a quieter cabin” on both SUV styles. On the safety front, the increased incorporation by vehicle bodies of “high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel … also contributes to improved crashworthiness.”
In fact, its use is helping the beleaguered auto industry make a comeback. An Associated Press article published by SouthCoast Today explained that many automakers are making “more use of aluminum and high-strength steel to reduce the weight of cars,” and they can do so without compromising performance and safety. The newspaper report went on to highlight the Acura MDX, which is “275 pounds lighter than the previous model, thanks to the wider use of high-strength steel and aluminum. Acura says (losing weight) gives you a more agile and better feel. fuel economy of 23 mpg in combined city and highway driving. “
Another industrial use for this steel is in the pipe industry. Canadian company Enbridge recently announced plans to replace an “existing 34-inch diameter pipe with 36-inch high-strength steel pipe.” This change will allow the line to “operate at a maximum capacity of 760,000 barrels per day,” while “it currently operates at 390,000 bpd,” Reuters reported.
This particular steel application is extremely important when it comes to meeting not only the energy needs of North America but the world as well. As Forbes formulated in a February article titled “Building a Coalition to Meet America’s Energy Needs,” “approximately 220,000 miles of modern high-strength steel pipelines traverse the nation that carry natural gas to power businesses, homes and commerce. However, this infrastructure is not keeping pace with America’s energy boom. ” It will take a lot of steel to solve this problem.
Finally, last month, US President Obama announced plans for a Defense Innovation Center. The Bloomberg report detailing this announcement explains that the center “will focus on modern and light metal fabrication.” And it will be that “manufacturers of aluminum, titanium and high-strength steel will work with universities and laboratories in research and development.”
Due to its resistance to heat treatment, AR514 steel is well suited for all these important structural applications.
