USE OF STAINLESS STEEL IN AUTOMOBILE SECTOR

Introduction
 Jindal Stainless, India’s largest stainless steel manufacturing group, is ready
to partner the process of shaping a sustainable automotive segment in the
country. Vijay Sharma, Head, Sales, Jindal Stainless said, “Jindal Stainless
has registered a growth of 25% in the automotive sector in the last financial
year, by virtue of its continued investment in innovation and a focus on
import substitution. We have the capacity and capabilities to meet the
growing stainless steel requirements of auto segment in the future as well”.
 Last year, India became the second largest producer of stainless steel in the
world. As the market leader in Indian stainless steel industry, Jindal Stainless
has successfully partnered with and gained the trust of automotive stalwarts
like Honda Group, Yamaha, Bajaj, Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, and Toyota.
 This has been achieved through an extensive network of sales offices and
warehouses in western India. As per industry estimates, the automobile sector
accounts for around 7.1% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), which is
expected to go up to 12% in the next decade. A growth of 14.78% in FY18 was also
recorded in this segment. India remains a prominent auto exporter and has strong
export growth expectations in the near future.
 USES OF STAINLESS STEEL IN AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY

In order to keep in line with stringent norms of pollution control agencies and
safety organizations, automobile industries have been extending their best efforts
to enhance the strength weight ratio. And it is really not surprising to see
automobile industries moving towards effective utilization of stainless steel to
achieve their intended target.
Yes, with excellent corrosion
resistance and highly desirable mechanical properties, stainless steel has emerged as
one of the main material of construction in automobile industries. Recognized as
one of the leading stainless steel manufacturers in India, it is indeed our privilege
to illustrate the uses of SS in automobile industry. \
 NEED FOR STAINLESS STEEL IN AUTOMOBILES

How come the pollution control norms, weight of the vehicle and usage of
stainless steel are linked? Well, it is a known fact that reduction of 10% in weight
of the vehicle would automatically translate into 5% less of fuel consumption.

With less fuel utilized, the quantum of pollution would also come down. As high
strength steel paves way for reduction in kerb weight, it is a win-win situation for
all concerned players!
 FERRITIC STAINLESS STEEL IN AUTOMOBILES

 To enhance efficiency of operating parameters, research scientists have been

giving their attention towards better exhaust systems that can withstand the
harsh conditions of corrosions and environments.
 Hence addition of several stabilizing elements with proper selection of
stainless steel grades becomes a feature of paramount importance. Ferritic
stainless steel with Titanium and Niobium has emerged as clear winners for
exhaust systems that include manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, and
pipes.
 As performance expectations are growing rapidly, complex designs are being
worked out and grades such as SS 409L, SS 432, SS 436L, SS 439, SS 441
are being suitably deployed.
 AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL
Usage of Chrome – Manganese stainless steel devoid of Nickel as bumper
material is slowly gaining momentum in automobile industries. As these materials
drastically bring the thickness of bumpers by 75%, industry is cheering at savings
made in cost and material. Infact, research engineers associated with major
automobile industries have started exploring the options of using these materials
for variety of parts:
 Body and floor panels, reinforcements and beams
Fuel tanks
Wheels, gear shafts, and suspension arms.
How about completely building the body of an automobile with cold worked Cr-
Mn steel that has the ability to bring the total weight of the body atleast by 40%?
Infact, engineers have almost reached with final version of vehicles made out of
these materials and the trial runs are on.
 STAINLESS STEEL IN RAILWAY
 Stainless steel has been a preferred material in railway applications
worldwide on account of its longer life, higher strength to-weight ratio,
aesthetic appearance & corrosion resistance. Its durability and minimal
maintenance requirements makes stainless steel a better choice economically.
 Benefitted by energy saving lightweight design and 100% recyclability at the
end of service life, stainless steel can be qualified as environmental friendly
material. Bright contemporary finish of stainless steel has further
strengthened the applicability of stainless steel in rail industry. In addition,
stainless steel does not require protective paint coatings which further reduce
maintenance cost.
 Many stainless steel grades are in use in railways operations today. Austenitic
stainless steel grades 301LN, 201, 301, 201LN and 304 have been used in the
construction of railway coaches, while ferritic stainless steel 409M/IRSM 44
97 and Nitronic 30 have been used for freight wagons.
 Stainless Steel in Passenger trains & Metro
Coaches

 Various austenitic stainless steel of chrome-nickel and chrome-

manganese varieties, chemical composition and mechanical properties
listed below, have been used for manufacture of passenger trains and
metros.
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties