For some artists, steel can be heavy and difficult to work with. In addition, considerations for ductility, corrosion resistance, and price must also be taken into account. Working to address these issues, POSCO has partnered with many artists, architects, and designers to provide the right steel to match their artistic vision.

In the three pieces below, POSCO’s World Premium Products were used to offer unique solutions for each design concept. See how these three pieces of art utilized steel to not only make them stronger and longer-lasting, but also to make them more beautiful.

POSCO’s Solar Pine – Art that Generates Energy

The Solar Pine sculpture is located at POSCO Energy’s headquarters in Incheon, South Korea. POSCO Energy wanted to install a structure in its Green Park that utilized solar power, could be mass-produced, and displayed an aesthetic beauty that could be used in parks and green spaces around the globe. Its pattern resembles the geometric shape of a pine cone with an angled roof with solar panels. During the day, its unique pattern casts a beautiful shadow on the ground below, and at night the energy absorbed by the solar panels is used to power lighting on the Solar Pine and also within the park.

At night the Solar Pine lights up using the energy absorbed through its solar panels. (Photo courtesy of Kyungsub Shin)

The upper structure is 7.2m in diameter and contains nine separate modules with 54 solar panels that can generate 1200W per hour. Also, because it is made for mass production, each piece is made in the factory and bolt-assembled on location – making construction simpler while also lowering costs.

The Solar Pine roof is tilted to provide maximum energy absorption for the 54 solar panels. (Photo courtesy of Kyungsub Shin)

POSCO’s Solar Pine is built with PosMAC steel, an advanced, high-strength steel that is lighter and thinner than galvanized steel and more resistant to corrosion. PosMAC is ideal for structures like the Solar Pine, which require strong, lightweight steel that can withstand the elements. PosMAC has also been used in other designs requiring this combination including POSCO Humans’ floating solar power system, high-durability homes, auto parts, and several new green energy projects in India.

During the day, the light shines through the roof of the Solar Pine, replicating its geometric design in shadows on the ground. (Photo courtesy of Kyungsub Shin)

POSCO’s Steel Igloo

Steel is typically used as structural support; however, when designing the Steel Igloo, architect Kim Chan-joong decided to use POSCO’s World Premium Product PossSD, an advanced steel that offers superior strength and ductility.

The reflective surface of the Steel Igloo combined with the punctured surface creates a unique viewing experience. First constructed for an exhibition at Kumho Art Museum, it was later moved to a forest near Suwon, Korea.

The Steel Igloo is made from 177 steel sheets, each punctured with holes allowing light to break through. The combination of the holes and the reflective surface of the steel create a very unique experience for those lucky enough to see it in person.

POSCO worked with Kim during the manufacturing process, helping with the polishing, bending and reflective effect that was requested in the original blueprint.

PossSD, which stands for Super Ductile Duplex, was used because of its notable characteristics that make it suitable for an outdoor art display like the Steel Igloo.

The punctured holes of the Steel Igloo allow light to come through and create shadows on the surrounding walls.

PossSD combines austenitic and ferritic steels to maximize the strength of each while minimizing the weaknesses. Austenitic and ferritic steels are both considered fairly easy to produce, but both have certain drawbacks. Austenitic steels are low-strength and but also offer high resistance to corrosion. Ferritic steel, on the other hand, is stronger but less resistance to corrosion. They also use less nickel than austenitic steel, making it slightly more economical.

By combining those two types of steel in PossSD, POSCO was able to create a unique product that is stronger and more ductile than most ferritic grades, while also being twice as strong as both types of steel by themselves. It also offers stronger corrosion resistance while also being more cost effective.

Stepping inside the Steel Igloo allows viewers a completely different experience with light shining inward.

Pangdolane – Resting in a Rock Made of Steel

Pangdolane is a wordplay on the Korean words pang-dol, a type of volcanic rock found on Jeju Island and an-ae, meaning inside. POSCO worked with multiple artists, scientists, and architects to create this public art piece that also provides a small shelter for those visiting Jeju Island.

Pangdolane sits near a beach on Jeju Island. (Photo courtesy of Scale.kr)

With its gray color and holes of varying sizes, the exterior of Pangdolane resembles the basaltic rock for which it is named. Inside Pangdolane, visitors can rest while enjoying the shadows created by the design of the structure.

Sitting inside Pangdolane lets visitors see a completely different view. (Photo courtesy of Scale.kr)

Located on a beach on Jeju Island, designers were faced with issues of corrosion. The air in coastal regions typically has a higher saline density, which causes metals, including steel, to corrode much more quickly. Therefore, POSCO’s World Premium Product PosMAC was used to construct Pangdolane. PosMAC is specifically designed to be both more resistant to corrosion and self-healing. When designing Pangdolane, PosMAC was the obvious choice as its special properties ensure that it will stand the test of time – even on the beach.

Steel is often used in buildings to make them stronger and long-lasting. But steel does not have to be behind walls and floors; it can also be used on the exterior. In each of the art pieces above, POSCO’s World Premium Products were used in order to provide specific benefits that fit each situation’s needs. Whether it is having a higher resistance to corrosion or providing a lighter solution that can be mass-produced and bolted on site – POSCO’s World Premium Products have been able to overcome many of the problems that come with working in steel to make sure that these pieces of art can be enjoyed for decades to come.

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Today, POSCO global blog will try to explain the basics of electric vehicles.

Pictured here: POSCO exhibit set up at The 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo held in Jeju

What is an Electric Vehicle?

An electric car is basically an automobile that is powered by electricity. It is powered by an electric motor that runs on a rechargeable battery as opposed to a gasoline engine. Electric vehicles has gained widespread recognition predominantly because it is the environmentally-friendly alternative to gas guzzling automobiles.

Why should you care about Electric Vehicles?

Pictured here: EV on display that promotes ‘zero emissions’

 You might have heard the word ‘electric car’ lately, but might not understand what the direct benefits are. The major reasons that electric cars is top-of-mind for the auto industry and society as whole are for the following reasons:

1)      Less pollution: Electric cars are an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline powered cars as they create less pollution

2)      Cost effective in the long-run: Electric cars run on electricity so you can save up on annual car fuel costs and expensive maintenance related to oil changes, fuel filters, etc.

3)      Reduces fuel dependency: Electric vehicles can be powered by electricity produced from multiple energy sources including wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, biofuel, and fossil fuel sources. Therefore, electric vehicles have the potential to support economies while also reducing dependence on imported oil.

4)      Better Sound Quality: Electric cars may be difficult to differentiate from regular cars from the outside, but electric motors provide quiet and very smooth operation.

Challenges for Electric Vehicles

That is not to say that electric vehicles face no challenges. Driving range is a concern for consumers as gasoline vehicles can go longer distances. Recharge time and overall bulk are concerns also. Companies, including POSCO, are continuously investing time and energy to improve technologies and materials for electric vehicles.

Pictured here: Entrance to 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju

During March 15 through 21, the 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo was held in Jeju Island, south of the Korean peninsula. More than 40 companies attended the event and consumers were able to see firsthand electric cars including Kia’s Ray EV, Reno Samsung SM3 Z.E., Chevrolet Spark EV, Kia Soul EV and BMW i3. Nearly 50,000 visitors came to the expo where POSCO Group showcased its innovative electric car technology.

Pictured here: POSCO exhibit at 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju

Of the participating companies, POSCO was the only company to offer a total solution that addresses materials, rechargeable infra and service. POSCO was the first steelmaking company to develop a body for an electric vehicle concept, solidifying its position at the forefront of electric vehicles.

POSCO Group’s <Total Solution>

Pictured here: POSCO executives gathered at the Expo in Jeju

POSCO Group companies including POSCO ICT, POSCO ChemTech, POSCO TMC and POSCO ESM were all present for the expo. As the first steelmaker to create the concept body for electric vehicles, POSCO proved that its steel solutions continue to provide value for the future of electric vehicles. The exhibit was divided into three parts consisting of rechargeable infra needed by electric vehicles, service and materials.

POSCO ICT’s electric vehicle rechargeable infra solution can be applied to all types of vehicles. Moreover, users are able to recharge without having to carry an external cable.

Pictured here: Chevrolet electric vehicle on exhibit being recharged

In addition, in order to improve the user experience, POSCO is offering a variety of convenient services. POSCO ICT has set up charging infrastructure around Jeju so travelers do not need to worry about lack of electricity. Beginning this June, POSCO ICT will form a partnership with E-Mart·BMW to offer easier charging services anytime, anywhere. POSCO ICT will also be forming a partnership with Seoul car sharing services to provide rechargeable infra.

POSCO also highlighted its commitment towards Nd magnets. Nd magnet, which is made of a rare earth metal, is an integral part of electric vehicle motors. They are currently imported from Japan and China. The Nd magnets that POSCO supplies can be applied to domestic electric vehicles and can reduce the dependency on imports.

State-of-the-Art Technology for Future Electric Vehicles

Pictured here: Compact-sized electric vehicle

Compared to internal combustion engines, electric vehicles are still trailing behind in terms of mileage and battery weight. Therefore a variety of new technologies are being applied for lightweight car bodies. For this reason, new materials beyond the previous aluminum and steel are being introduced into the development of electric vehicles.

POSCO is the first steelmaker to develop steel that is optimized for electric vehicle bodies. PBC-EV (POSCO Body Concept-Electric Vehicle) is the car body that was developed to showcase the state-of-the-art technology POSCO has recently developed for future electric vehicles.

PBC-EV has set the standard for EV steel solutions. It is made from cutting-edge steel and the latest components technology for an integrated solution that has reduced weight of 26.4% compared to previous car bodies.

Pictured here: Regular-sized electric vehicle made by Renault Samsung Motors

The Future of Electric Vehicles

As companies continue to improve and build upon existing electric vehicle technologies, the growing prominence of electric vehicles is highly probable. As an environmentally-conscious company, POSCO hopes to see more growth in this field. Would you buy an electric vehicle?

Started in 2010, the group wedding ceremony for multi-cultural families has been held with 5-6 couples every year, selected among multi-cultural families living in Gangnam-gu through the contest of their own stories. This year, 5 couples (3 Vietnamese and 2 Chinese) were selected.

POSCO and Gangnam-gu supported all the expenses in the course of the wedding ceremony including invitation printing, wedding apparel, banquet reception, honeymoon, and family trip, and also invited the bride’s parents to Korea and gave immigrant wives and their parents a chance to feel that they are precious member of Korean society.             

“As two persons from different countries, speaking different languages, met and tied the knot, I’d like to ask you all to understand each other and burst other’s strengths into bloom”, said Vice President Hwang Eunyeon, served as an officiator at this wedding.

After the wedding, the 5 couples went to Jeju Island with their parents from October 17 through 19 for their honeymoon and family trip as well.

Moreover, to help stable settlement of increasing multi-cultural families and to create the social conditions open to many different cultures, POSCO runs ‘Danuri Call Center’ that provides consultation to immigrants by marriage, provides a bilingual lecturer training program to immigrant wives and supoorts special education program for their talented children fluent in both Korean and native languages.