Constellium HSA6™ high-strength aluminium alloys introduced for automotive components
Recognized as an Enabling Technology at the 2017 Altair Enlighten Awards
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellium N.V. (NYSE:CSTM) and (Euronext Paris:CSTM) has introduced a new generation of high-strength 6000-series alloys, Constellium HSA6TM, to help automakers meet growing demand for lighter weight vehicles. Constellium HSA6TM is in production for several 2017 and 2018 model year vehicles, including the MINI Countryman.
Ideal for extrusion-based Crash Management Systems, Body-in-White structural components and battery enclosures, Constellium HSA6TM allows designers to optimize extrusion shapes and reduce wall thickness to achieve weight savings of 15-30% compared to conventional aluminium alloys. With ultimate tensile strength (UTS) higher than 400MPa, Constellium HSA6TM also provides enhanced recyclability, machinability and corrosion resistance.
Alternately, Constellium HSA6TM can provide 15-30% additional strength to reduce intrusion in the event of a crash, thereby enhancing protection of batteries, cooling systems and other critical vehicle systems. Aluminium is the ideal material for absorbing energy in a collision to protect occupants, pedestrians and vehicle integrity.
“With Constellium HSA6TM, we are able to offer automakers a family of the highest strength 6000-series aluminium alloys available on the market for extruded automotive components,” said Martin Jarrett, Operational Excellence and Technology Director for Constellium’s Automotive Structures and Industry business unit.
According to a new study by Ducker Worldwide, aluminium extrusions are expected to increase 65% for Crash Management Systems and 100% for Body-in-White components between 2015 and 2020, with continued growth through 2028.
Earlier today, Constellium HSA6TM was recognized by the Altair Enlighten Awards for innovation in vehicle lightweighting, receiving the award for Runner Up in the Enabling Technology category.
“It is an honor for Constellium to be celebrated as a leader in technology that helps reduce vehicle weight,” said Paul Warton, President of Constellium’s Automotive Structures and Industry business unit. “As automakers continue to make vehicles lighter and electric vehicles become more prevalent, Constellium is uniquely positioned to offer superior materials, as well as the design, simulation, testing, prototyping and production expertise to bring advanced solutions to market.”
In addition to its existing extrusion plants in Europe, Constellium created a new joint venture, Astrex, in Ontario, Canada, to produce its proprietary alloy for components supplied from Constellium’s Automotive Structures plants in North America.
About Constellium
Constellium (NYSE:CSTM) and (Euronext Paris:CSTM) is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value added aluminium products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, automotive and packaging. Constellium generated €4.7 billion of revenue in 2016.
Forward Looking Statement
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release may contain “forward looking statements” with respect to our business, results of operations and financial condition, and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events and conditions. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as, but not limited to, “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “approximately,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” likely,” “will,” “would,” “could” and similar expressions (or the negative of these terminologies or expressions). All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Many risks and uncertainties are inherent in our industry and markets. Others are more specific to our business and operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of Constellium and Wise Metals to achieve expected synergies and the timing thereof; Constellium’s increased levels of indebtedness, which could limit Constellium’s operating flexibility and opportunities; the potential failure to retain key employees, the loss of customers, suppliers and other business relationships slower or lower than expected growth in the North American market for Body-in-White aluminium rolled products, and other risk factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F, and as described from time to time in subsequent reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The occurrence of the events described and the achievement of the expected results depend on many events, some or all of which are not predictable or within our control. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Christel des Royeries – Corporate Communications Phone: +33 1 73 01 46 73 christel.des-royeries@constellium.com Stacie Tong – Automotive Structures Communications Phone: +1 (248) 207-8842 stacie.tong@constellium.com Ryan Wentling – Investor Relations Phone: +1 (212) 675-5450 investor-relations@constellium.com Patricia Radice – MCCI Public Relations Phone: +1 (248) 321-4651 pradice@mccicorp.com
