Tailored blanks
Laser welded blanks (LWBs) are advanced, high‑precision sheet‑metal components engineered to combine multiple steel grades or thicknesses into a single, optimized part. Produced at ArcelorMittal facilities around the world, these blanks enable stronger, lighter and more efficient vehicle designs.
For 100+ years, stamped automotive parts have been produced from a single piece of steel. That method takes extra steel, secondary processes, time and money.
At ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks, we have the capabilities to laser butt weld two or more separate steel shapes into a single piece. Most laser‑welded blanks (LWBs) are made from two unique pieces, though some can incorporate six or more different blanks. Our design and development processes allow for all engineering and material optimization to be determined before stamping.
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How LWBs are made
This allows us to put thickness, strength or corrosion protection only where it's needed. The parts are then stamped and no secondary processes are necessary.
Some examples of tailored blanks applications include:
Door inners that need to be thicker in the hinge attachment area
Front rail, rear rail, B-pillar or full door rings – with softer or lighter grades in the area of first/greatest impact. This absorbs energy. Then, within the same part, we're able to transition to stronger or thicker areas that aid in preventing intrusion. This saves lives.
Additional benefits include:
Weight reduction from eliminating spot weld overlap flanges
Better nesting of irregular shapes with a coil to reduce engineered scrap and cost
Improved quality from avoided part shape distortion that results from spot welding parts together or inside one another
Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art inspection and tracking systems that ensure each customer gets the highest quality and can trace the provenance of their steel.
These cutting-edge processes mean an increase in vehicle safety, weight savings, increased transportation and floor space. Efficient energy usage over multiple steps also reduces the carbon footprint of the manufactured part and the vehicle it becomes part of.
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The new Usibor® door ring
Doing business with ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks North America
AMTB North Americas General Purchasing Conditions 2021