Watch the first episode of Driving steel. In this series we will be exploring the everchanging landscape of automotive manufacturing, highlighting how ArcelorMittal and their partners collaborate and innovate to tackle global automotive challenges. Thanks to the cooperation with ArcelorMittal, AP&T has developed machinery which is capable of efficiently producing large MPI parts with a low footprint. This advanced technology has been successfully installed in various regions worldwide. Discover how such a large press-hardening installation works through the animation in this video:

“In response to the global challenges, the automotive industry is always seeking safer, lighter, and more cost-effective solutions,” says Jesse Paegle, Automotive Steel Solution Director at ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products. “But the industry is also looking for more sustainable solutions and ways to simplify vehicle design and production while reducing the size of their production halls.”

ArcelorMittal and AP&T are sharing their expertise to address the need for larger, integrated car parts - available globally. Hot stamping MPI solutions will become more efficient than ever before thanks to this cooperation.

ArcelorMittal assists carmakers in optimising safety and performance using its Global R&D team and extensive experience with advanced automotive steels. The development of press hardenable steels (PHS) such as Usibor^® and Ductibor^®, and their deployment in laser welded blank technology solutions, underpin this dedication. By conducting hot stamping tests with the AP&T hot stamping press at our Global R&D centre in Montataire (France), ArcelorMittal has developed, finetuned, and tested its solutions.

A notable innovation resulting from these efforts is the improved efficiency and scale of ArcelorMittal Multi Part Integration^® (MPI) solutions. This approach enables the integration of multiple vehicle components into one very large – or massive – laser welded blank. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies vehicle design drastically.

However, processing these huge parts results in new challenges for stamping operations. Recognising this, ArcelorMittal collaborates with high-tech stamping partners such as AP&T. These global partners develop and install machinery which is capable of efficiently producing large MPI parts with a low footprint.

AP&T plays a vital role in this partnership, revolutionising automotive production with its state-of-the-art press-hardening equipment. Seamlessly integrating with ArcelorMittal’s steel innovations, AP&T’s multi-layer furnaces and hot stamping presses represent cutting-edge technology.

With numerous installations worldwide, AP&T leads the charge in innovation, meeting the demands of carmakers and Tier 1 suppliers across continents. Thanks to the deepened collaboration on press hardening with ArcelorMittal, AP&T is better equipped to meet global demands for the efficient production of safer, lighter cars. The joint efforts of the two partners also benefit carmakers who are looking to reduce the size of their production halls.

The collaboration between ArcelorMittal and AP&T has yielded remarkable results and pushed the boundaries of automotive manufacturing.

AP&T’s press-hardening installations for large integrated components (AP&T^® SKY Lines) have already made a significant impact worldwide, they are available globally in all our automotive markets. There are numerous lines in operation , including installations at major electric vehicle producers in North America. The partnership between ArcelorMittal and AP&T represents a transformative shift in the automotive manufacturing industry. With ArcelorMittal’s steel excellence and AP&T’s stamping technology, this partnership is poised to redefine industry standards, making vehicles safer, more efficient, and simpler to produce.