The success of introducing low cost, better quality special steels as input materials in auto industry for suitable application, depends strongly on the integration of steel making and processing, product properties, effect of steel composition, the processes followed at different stages, heating cycles for forging/rolling/working, different cooling conditions of the same, treatment cycles of the finished/semi-finished products to achieve the desired properties, proper application and processing in the automobile industry, design of dies, tools and lubricant used. The special steel makers in the country are confident to produce any critical grade and product of national or international standard which will be required by the new players coming in the car and other vehicle segments. Alloy Steels Plant, Durgapur, the pioneer in the country, is striving to be the best in class in most cost competitive way, rationalizing grades and products, establishing strong relationship with customers in auto sectors, defence establishments and other priority sectors based on commitment to excellence, taking adequate steps right from melting to finished stages and providing after sales service. The new players in the auto sector should also build contacts with the steel makers for their true requirement and other expectations so as to get full support from the steel makers for mutual benefit, which, in turn, will help to increase the consumption of domestic steel. Cold forming techniques, in our country, needs faster development to produce near-net shape components e g, bevel gears, side gears, synchronizing cone rings and various face cams for fuel injectors to compete with international players. Japanese auto industry is probably the largest user, world-wide, of cold formed parts i e, near-net shape components. On an average, about 50 kg of cold formed parts are used per car in Japan against 25 kg used in Europe while same in our country is only 15 kg. Another process technique named as orbital cold forming is gaining importance and popularity in Japan and European countries because parts produced are stronger with better surface finish as well as process is cheaper and environment friendly, requiring less material, and energy compared to conventional hot forming or cold forming process. The area needs more attention in our country. Road condition in our country needs improvement to encourage automobile industries in increasing production at their end and steel makers also can increase their output for this sector. Considering cost, safety and environment aspects, replacement of particular type of costly wood in making vehicle body by steel in totality needs attention.
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