Jun 24 2002
On June 14th, Posco commenced work on their new tailored welded blanks (TWB) plant at the Kwangyang Works. When completed, the plant will have a capacity of 1.7 million sheets.
The first phase of construction will involve construction of a blanking line and two welding lines. This work should be completed by the end of the year. The plant will be fully automated to ensure product quality and allow for production and quality improvements. They plan to make product available to local car manufacturers shortly after the plant comes on line.
TWB consists of steel plated of varying thicknesses and strengths to form a desired shape. These materials are used mainly by the automotive industry for doors and other panels. The custom panelling is produced by laser welding and results in significant weight and cost savings. US and European consumption of this material is increasing at the rate of 20-25% per annum.
Posco has also formed a technological alliance with Austria’s Voest-Alpine Stahl AG and will receive technical support from the Automotive Steel Research Center that will also be operating from the Kwangyang Works by the end of the year.
for more information on automotive panels click here.