Abstract: The method includes the step of preparing a die assembly and proceeds with the step of heating a blank that is made of metal. The method continues with the step of inserting the heated blank into the die assembly. The method proceeds with the step of closing the die assembly to deform the blank into a structural component. With the die assembly closed, the method continues with the step of simultaneously cooling at least one first portion of the structural component that is in contact with the first and second forming surfaces and directing infrared light directly onto at least one second portion of the structural component through the at least one opening to maintain the at least one second portion at an elevated temperature compared to the at least one first portion.

Abstract: A traverse strut for use in a twist beam axle assembly is provided. The traverse strut extends along a length and presents a central section; a pair of end sections; and a pair of intermediate sections between the central section and the respective end sections. At least a portion of the central section has a first wall thickness, at least a portion of each end section has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness and at least a portion of each intermediate section has a third wall thickness that is greater than the second wall thickness. Additionally, at least two of the central, intermediate and end sections is work hardened. The transverse strut has improved performance and lower weight as compared to other known transverse struts.

Abstract: An automotive component (20) is manufactured by depositing a non-metallic coating (24) on a surface of a steel blank (26) before hot stamping the steel blank (26). The non-metallic coating (24) is typically applied by physical vapor deposition. The non-metallic coating (24) is formed of one to three layers (32) each having a different composition. The non-metallic coating (24) includes at least one of silicon and carbon, and can also include oxygen, nitrogen, ceramic compounds, and carbides. The total thickness of the non-metallic coating (24) is less than 300 nm. A metallic coating (30) can be applied to the steel blank before the non-metallic coating (24). The non-metallic coating (24) provides numerous advantages, including reduced scaling during the hot stamping process.

Abstract: A traverse strut for use in a twist beam axle assembly is provided. The traverse strut extends along a length and presents a central section; a pair of end sections; and a pair of intermediate sections between the central section and the respective end sections. At least a portion of the central section has a first wall thickness, at least a portion of each end section has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness and at least a portion of each intermediate section has a third wall thickness that is greater than the second wall thickness. Additionally, at least two of the central, intermediate and end sections is work hardened. The transverse strut has improved performance and lower weight as compared to other known transverse struts.

Abstract: An automotive component (20) is manufactured by depositing a non-metallic coating (24) on a surface of a steel blank (26) before hot stamping the steel blank (26). The non-metallic coating (24) is typically applied by physical vapor deposition. The non-metallic coating (24) is formed of one to three layers (32) each having a different composition. The non-metallic coating (24) includes at least one of silicon and carbon, and can also include oxygen, nitrogen, ceramic compounds, and carbides. The total thickness of the non-metallic coating (24) is less than 300 nm. A metallic coating (30) can be applied to the steel blank before the non-metallic coating (24). The non-metallic coating (24) provides numerous advantages, including reduced scaling during the hot stamping process.

Abstract: A traverse strut for use in a twist beam axle assembly is provided. The traverse strut extends along a length and presents a central section; a pair of end sections; and a pair of intermediate sections between the central section and the respective end sections. At least a portion of the central section has a first wall thickness, at least a portion of each end section has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness and at least a portion of each intermediate section has a third wall thickness that is greater than the second wall thickness. Additionally, at least two of the central, intermediate and end sections is work hardened. The transverse strut has improved performance and lower weight as compared to other known transverse struts.