Development of Aluminum Subframe Using Hot Bulging and Vacuum Die Casting

摘要

The world's first aluminum subframe has been developed which is composed of bulge-formed members and die cast members welded by MIG. The bulging employed a newly developed hot process with superior formability together with an alloy developed for the hot process. The die casting employed a newly developed vacuum die casting process and alloy which has superior weldability. A method of MIG welding was established, after the weldability of these new alloys was researched. The developed subframe achieved a cost reduction and 10% weight reduction while keeping functional performance equal to or better than the company's conventional aluminum subframe.