US lightweight metal specialist Alcoa has unveiled a new technology called Micromill, which is said to produce aluminium that is 30 per cent stronger and has 40 per cent greater formability than current aluminium.
According to Alcoa, the metal produced using the Micromill method will be twice as formable and at least 30 per cent lighter than high strength steel while also having a greatly reduced rolling mill time – from a standard 20 days into just 20 minutes.
“This technology will unlock the next generation of automotive products with strength, formability and surface quality combinations never before possible. It will allow our customers to redefine the boundaries of vehicle design, supporting the creation of lighter, more fuel efficient, safer and more stylish vehicles for the future,” said Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Klaus Kleinfeld.