LISI ANNUAL REPORT 2009
Electric vehicles, a major evolution
in automotive technology.
LISI AUTOMOTIVE
is working very
closely with manufacturers and
research institutions for the global
analysis of specific link systems for
electric vehicle platforms.
2. Analysis of the frontiers of
manufacturing processes
The Analysis of the cutting edge of
manufacturing processes (forging, cutting,
assembly…) is the second major area
of innovative R&D at LISI AUTOMOTIVE.
We continually strive to offer our clients
solutions that are optimal in cost and
quality. LISI AUTOMOTIVE developed and
proposed the following to its clients in
2009:
• A range of cold-forged stainless steel for
exhaust lines as a substitute for the bar-
turning procedure;
• cold-forged steel engine components
as substitutes for mechanical working
procedures.
3. Analysis of the chain of
value of fastener creation
(including costs of assembly, disassembly,
deconstruction and supply) for the
automotive industry and general industry.
—
The culture of innovation
in everyday life
The design of products meeting the
immediate requirements of clients is also a
source of innovation. Thus 9 patents were
filed in 2009 by LISI AUTOMOTIVE. They
essentially involve fastening components
developed by study groups within our
Business groups.
—
Materials and
processing: Priority
technologies for research
Several studies are underway in the field of
materials and processing, in particular on
surface coatings.
Improvements to the raw materials used
in cold forging were also made in 2009.
The research focused on the definition of
measurable characteristics representative
of transformation aptitude of the strands.
Among new projects, we can highlight
a first approach to the bainitic steel
dipping of massive slabs, such as screws
or mechanical components. This particular
metallurgy, already applied to clips, confers
improved mechanical characteristics to
steel with reduced risks of deformation and
weakening.
It also promised good industrial potential,
with reduced energy consumption and the
possibility of implementing certain thermal
treatments.
Research work will be intensified in 2010
in this area, with shorter term industrial
objectives.
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