By Rose Eaton, Light Metal Age. Ford’s use of aluminum began slowly over time, beginning with closure applications in hoods, fenders, and decklids, until it became an integral part of the Ford F-150 truck in 2014. Now, throughout each new iteration of the large truck, including the new 2022 F-150 Lightning electric vehicle (EV), high-strength […]
By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. Electric vehicles (EVs) and electrification of transportation in general are topics that dominate news outlets, magazines, and social media. OEMs, materials manufacturers, and those looking to capitalize on this new electrified economy are constantly sharing a barrage of information and data on new business models, the projected performance of […]
Constellium will be supplying aluminum structural components for the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning, which will be available Spring 2022. The F-150 Lightning, like other F-Series pickup trucks, extensively uses high-strength aluminum alloys. The structural components Constellium is providing for the F-150 Lightning include the windshield header, rocker, radiator support, and other unspecified parts. “Constellium is […]
By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. The automotive business is rife with change as OEMs introduce new powertrains for hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). Car companies are also spending billions in big bets on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ride sharing, artificial intelligence (AI), and service businesses in an attempt to shift dollars from the […]
By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. Regardless of whether a vehicle features an electric or internal combustion engine (ICE), there are many factors that affect the fuel efficiency and range in its design. Efficiency losses can come in many forms, but are generally affected by factors such as aerodynamics, rolling resistance, friction losses, and weight. […]
Ford Motor Company and the ExOne Company have jointly developed a patent-pending process for rapid and reliable binder jet 3D printing and sintering of aluminum that delivers properties comparable to die casting. “This is a breakthrough in making 3D printed and sintered parts for the auto industry,” said Harold Sears, Ford technical leader for additive manufacturing. “While the […]
The Reducing EMbodied-Energy And Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute based in Rochester, New York, is investing $43 million in new technology research focused on improving the sustainability of manufacturing operations. Working with industry innovators and academic researchers, the institute selected a total of 24 projects as part of its latest round of funding, including several projects […]
Mayflower Consulting conducted a study on automotive suspension systems to determine the value of aluminum forgings in the application.
By Andrea Svendsen, Managing Editor. Demand for aluminum in the automotive industry is continuing its growth trajectory, according to a new report from DuckerFrontier, 2020 North American Light Vehicle Aluminum Content and Outlook. The report notes that aluminum content is expected to grow to 514 lbs per vehicle by 2026, up by 12% from 2020 […]
