Vehicle industry is entering evolutionary phase(Source: DS&F)

Trend of Future Mobility

One of the most competitive fields in the world, the automobile industry is currently eyeing two major issues in car body development: passenger safety and fuel efficiency. Competition is fierce between automakers to develop improved technology to make car bodies lighter, thus maximizing fuel efficiency and safety. The introduction of new environmental regulations as well as growth in popularity of electric vehicles has further thrust this focus on lightweight, high fuel-efficiency vehicles into the limelight.

What resources can be recommended for future frame of vehicle(Source: AutoTrend)

Then, what resources would be considered for manufacturing future automotive frame?

In the development of lighter vehicle bodies, steel still remains as an ideal option for the future of automotive frames. In fact, as new steel materials with higher strength capacities and lighter weights continue to be developed, other materials such as aluminium are being left behind due to certain drawbacks.
The future of steel is expected to deliver even lighter yet stronger designs, thereby further reducing a vehicle’s carbon footprint. In line with this trend, and with its unique strengths in durability and weight, AHSS as an alternative material in vehicle frame development has become a particularly hot topic in the industry.

Innovative technology make it possible to manufacturing eco-friendly frame(Source: MadeInAlabama)

Lighter for Green Society

Automakers are making significant investment in cutting edge research to discover technologies that reduce vehicle weight. This ensures they are effectively responding to the global trend of increasing standards for fuel efficiency, with a lighter weight the most effective method for improving car fuel efficiency.
Specifically, when vehicles are 10% lighter, fuel efficiency rises by 3.2%. In addition, acceleration performance increases by 8.5%, steering capability is 19% more effective, durability, 1.6 times higher, and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 3.2%.
Statistics like these back why steel should be considered as a future material for manufacturing vehicle frames, and for its part, AHSS shows impressive results when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.

To elaborate in more detail, the choice of material for even the same automotive part can have substantially different environmental impact, which can offset any weight benefit the specific material might offer. While there have been debates in the past about the best lightweight material, almost every car showcased at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), including the 2018 Car of the Year, was clad in AHSS and significantly lighter than its predecessors.

For example, the all-new 2019 Chevy Silverado comes armed with plenty of steel, with 80% of the vehicle consisting of a higher-grade alloy in the roll-formed, AHSS bed floor. This makes the bed more functional and lighter in weight, resulting in a 450lb/204kg weight reduction. Overall, while the all-new Silverado is taller and seven inches wider than before, it is also 450 pounds lighter with a 10% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the previous model.

Dodge Ram showed outstanding performance with AHSS

In another example, the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500, which was also unveiled at NAIAS, utilizes 54% AHSS in the truck bed and cab, and 98% in the frame. The use of AHSS helped to give the Dodge Ram a 225lb reduction in weight, along with a fuel efficiency increase of 25%, and 20% towing capacity improvement.

Future vehicle is required to be lighter and even stronger(Source: GreenCarReports)

Lighter and even Stronger

While car bodies need to be lighter to improve fuel efficiency, durability can be affected if the body is made too thin. In terms of safety, durability, and weight, AHSS, is helping the car to evolve.

Steel has proved itself to be competitive materials for future vehicle(Source: StarHaus Mercedes-Benz)

“The higher, the yield strength, the higher, the tensile strength. Due to its unique character, steel can absorb higher energy in a crash.” — Kenji Nishimura, JTE STEEL

A key reason why the automobile industry continues to focus on steel products is due its strength, and with ongoing advancements, the strength of steel has increased from 270 MPa over the past 20 years to about eight times the strength of 1 MPa, which can withstand 10 kg per ㎠.

AHSS(Advanced High Strength Steel) may show us the right passage for the future vehicle(Source: Arcelormittal)

According to Kia Motors America, the structure of the all-new Kia Sportage is significantly improved due to the extensive use of AHSS. With 51% of the Sportage’s body-in-white consisting of AHSS versus the outgoing model’s 18%, torsional rigidity has improved 39%. Plus, the structure of the 2019 Kia Forte redesign includes 54% AHSS, improving safety and increasing torsional rigidity by 16%.

“Steel is a single metal which can be designed to suit all combination of requirements. That is what makes steel so unique.” — Kinshuk Roy, JSW Steel Limited, India

With ongoing and rapid improvements in both weight and strength, steel is figuring predominantly into efforts to manufacture future high-quality vehicle frames, as well as bringing new life to the automotive industry to allow it to continually thrive in the future.

Last year, California experienced the worst wildfires to date. (Source: Live Science)

It wasn’t just wildfires. The fire that broke out in Grenfell Tower in West London last June claimed 71 lives and sparked a public outcry for stricter building regulations around fire safety. The material used as cladding to wrap the outer part of the building came under scrutiny as it was extremely flammable and contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

To prevent further disasters, architects, builders and policymakers need to reexamine the materials that go into building people’s homes, workplaces and public facilities.

Materials Matter

Steel is one of the most popular materials for construction as it is 100 percent recyclable, cost-effective and easy to work with. Moreover, World Steel Association’s Steel Construction Fact Sheet shows that steel is the most-researched and best-understood construction material available today. Its inherent characteristics and widely-available reinforcement options make steel the safest construction material for fire resistance.

eel is one of the strongest construction materials under high heat. (Source: CIC)

Fire resistance refers to the duration of time a building can withstand the load of the building, limit the passage of flames and gases and insulate the building against rising temperatures during a fire.

Steel is considered to be a fire-resistant material because it can retain all of its strength in temperatures up to 370ºC (700ºF). At 500ºC (930ºF), it loses 30 percent of its strength and at temperatures above 538ºC (1000ºF), unprotected steel loses close to half of its strength.

To put things into perspective, aluminum starts to decrease in strength when temperatures rise above 100ºC (212ºF), and at 204ºC (400ºF), aluminum loses 60 percent of its strength. Copper also loses 25 percent of its strength at 204ºC (400ºF).

Putting Materials to the Test

Darchem Engineering conducted the first-ever fire-resistance test in 1990 comparing galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum and fiberglass. Each material was exposed to temperatures from 1000 to 1050ºC (1832 to 1922ºF) for a period of 5 minutes. Both types of steel passed with minimal damage, while aluminum collapsed after 26 seconds, and fiberglass collapsed almost immediately.

Fire-resistance tests show that stainless steel is one of the most fire-resistant materials available. (Source: Applus)

They also conducted a 2-hour test with the same materials exposed to temperatures from 552 to 555ºC (1026 to 1032ºF). For stainless steel, the testing time was extended to 3 hours and it still had the least amount of damage out of all the materials. Galvanized steel passed the 2-hour mark, but did produce some molten zinc. Aluminum failed after 12 minutes, while fiberglass gave out in 6 minutes.

The results showed that steel, especially stainless steel, is the most fire-resistant material. However, one can never be safe enough when it comes to fire safety, and there are several ways to increase the fire resistance of steel that fall into 3 major categories.

Passive Fire Protection

Passive fire protection methods include boards, sprays and films that insulate the steel surface or structure against high temperatures. Fire protection boards are the most common type of passive fire protection as they can be customized and designed to fit the interior of the building. However, they are quite labor-intensive and costly compared to other options.

Boards are the most common types of passive fire protection. (Source: IPCOM)

Active Fire Protection

Active fire protection refers to any automatic or manual measure that can be taken to detect or fight fires. These include water sprinkler systems, alarms, smoke detectors, first responders and more. With advancements in AI and smart sensors, active fire protection will see vast improvements in the years to come and software systems will likely play a great role in fire prevention and protection.

The majority of active fire protection measures will become automated. (Source: Frontier Fire)

Intumescent fire protection

Intumescent fire protection includes paint-like substances that swell up in high temperatures and act as insulation against the heat. Typically, the intumescent substance will become 50 times thicker than its original state at about 200-250°C, well before steel undergoes any structural damage. Recently, intumescent paints have become much more prominent than passive types of fire protection as they are cost-effective, and can be applied on and off-site saving builders time and money.

Most recently, scientists and engineers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and national industrial developer JTC Corporation came up with a new intumescent fire protection paint called Firoshield. It is much cheaper than other types of intumescent paint and takes half the time to apply. The innovation will allow steel buildings to maintain its structural integrity for 2 hours with only 5 layers of paint, compared to the 15 layers required by other paints. 

Such innovations are expected to reinforce the safety of steel buildings, giving people more time for evacuation and limiting the spread of smoke and flames. On a final note, the fire-resistant qualities of steel should be taken into consideration not only for building frames and exteriors, but also for staircases, doors and other parts of a building that must stay intact for safe evacuations as well as for the safety of first responders.

There are several different definitions for drones, so the numbers may vary, but Business Insider Intelligence projects drone sales of more than USD 12 billion in 2021 for military, personal and commercial use.

Commercial applications for drones are especially on the rise with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19 percent from 2015 to 2020, and The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates commercial drones will be worth USD 82 billion by 2025.

New ways of incorporating drones into the workforce are popping up everywhere, such as for marketing, expedient delivery and information gathering. In heavy industries like steel manufacturing, drones are playing an increasingly important role in workplace safety. When paired with AI, drones have even more possibilities for minimizing workplace hazards.

Accident Prevention

An accident in a heavy industry worksite can be disastrous for workers, the company as well as the environment. That’s why it’s important for factories to be able to monitor and prevent potential dangers before they happen, and it’s one of the most widely applied areas for drones.

Audi’s factory uses drones for automated parts transportation. (Source: Audi)

For example, steelmaker POSCO is incorporating drones into its smart factory to monitor gas leaks that are hard to detect. Workers also wear smart sensors that alert them of potential danger, and let others know their location in the factory.

SEE ALSO: How Factories Produce Steel – the Smart Way

Keeping Humans Out of Dangerous Industrial Areas

Besides monitoring the workplace, drones can be of practical use and take on dangerous and costly tasks formerly done by people. This includes accessing dangerous places. For example, drones can take aerial job site survey photos, eliminating the need for a pilot, helicopter and other employees. Construction companies are using drone mapping to create 3D models of their projects, saving time and resources along the way.

Drones can keep workers out of dangerous workplaces. (Source: Fortune)

The mining industry also uses drones to enter hazardous areas to gather information before sending in workers. Smart drones, or drones equipped with AI software, can provide and process information in real time, saving companies major costs.  

Accident Investigation

Even with drones, not all accidents are preventable. Once an accident occurs it’s vital to have accurate data that tells exactly how the event played out. Drones are a useful forensic tool to recall events and diagnose the situation. With this information, companies can not only fix equipment and operational failures, they can use the data for legal matters regarding insurance claims, court fees and compensation litigation.

Workers can use drones to access stored information. (Source: The Economist)

Due to the increasing adoption of drones in the workplace and the vital role they play in worker safety, the commercial drone market is looking to expand. With increased investment, drones are being upgraded from its structure to the software that goes in them.

What Drones are Made of

Drones are largely composed of a frame, motor, camera, propeller, sensor, controller and battery. The frame serves as the base of the drone to which various parts mounted. Therefore, the frame of the drone has to be light yet durable, in order to maintain its structural integrity and minimize battery consumption.

Most drones are powered by an electric battery. On longer flights and in harsh weather conditions, the motor gets overworked, putting a toll on the battery. Engineers are constantly working to improve the capacity of the battery, which usually results in a bigger, heavier battery pack.

The DJI Phantom 4 is an example of a drone with a magnesium body for weight reduction and added strength. (Source: Petapixel)

In order to make up for the added weight and volume, manufacturers are turning to light and strong materials such as magnesium, the lightest commercial metal available. Magnesium alloys are lighter than aluminum alloys and are widely used in smartphones, tablet PCs and automotive and aircraft parts. Magnesium alloys have high thermal conductivity and excellent heat dissipation. It also has high strength and durability against impact. Moreover, it is corrosion-resistant and cost-effective, making it an ideal material for drones.

The market for drones will be an exciting one to watch going into 2018 due to friendlier regulations, significant investments and drones’ unlimited potential for application. It will result in more industries actively incorporating drones into their operations, and the world can expect the launch of more technologically and structurally innovative drones that will play an increasingly vital role in workplaces.

Cover photo courtesy of Wired.

Weather Events of 2017

2017 saw some of the worst natural disasters across the globe. The Atlantic hurricane season hit hard, and Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria were especially devastating. Hurricane Harvey caused 82 direct deaths, and an estimated USD 180 billion worth of damage. Hurricane Irma swept across 9 U.S. states leaving 75 people dead and damage costs of USD 50 to 100 billion. Hurricane Maria is the worst natural disaster on record in Dominica with the official death toll at 51, but over 900 cremations have taken place in Puerto Rico following the storm.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey shows the importance of resistant housing. (Source: CNN)

In addition, typhoons, tornados and other weather events wreaked havoc on communities around the globe raising awareness for the need for better emergency and disaster relief systems and stronger shelters to withstand natural disasters.

Natural-Disaster-Resistant Homes

For people living in areas prone to natural disasters, a resistant home can make the difference between total property loss and a safe haven. Worldwide, home builders and buyers alike are prioritizing the home’s ability to withstand natural disasters, leading to innovative architectural feats.

The Tsunami House was built to withstand natural disasters. (Source: My Fancy House)

On Camano Island in Washington State, the “Tsunami House” is made to be a safe waterfront home, able to withstand stormy waters. The main living level was built five feet above ground, and the foundations are built on pilings capable of withstanding high-velocity waves. The lower home area was designed with breakaway walls. For both strength and aesthetic purposes, this house contains steel inside and out, with composite and galvanized exterior siding, aluminum windows, and milled finish steel materials indoors. A steel staircase structure ensures safe passage.

The SURVIV(AL) House is sustainable and has a safe room in case of hurricanes or tornadoes. (Source: Inhabitat)

Another example of a home built to survive natural disasters is the SURVIV(AL) hurricane proof house is a solar-powered home with a steel-encased safe room built to withstand the effects of extreme weather like hurricanes and tornadoes. Students from the University of Alabama created this home with a safe room that can withstand a two-by-four plank landing at 200 mph.

The Ophir home sits on a hillside with exposed steel frames to withstand earthquakes. (Source: Inhabitat)

The Ophir home was built in 2010 by a couple in New Zealand following a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that forced many people from their homes and community. The couple, however, built their home back up from scratch, but this time, made sure it would not collapse under any circumstances. Not only can the home withstand earthquakes, it is designed to maximize exposure to sunlight for sustainable living as well. A distinctive feature of the home is its exposed steel frames that support the concrete walls.

The Benefits of Building with Steel    

Steel is one of the most popular materials for construction, but its properties make it especially valuable for natural-disaster-resistant homes. Steel has a high strength to weight ratio for durability, without the heft and its associated transport costs. It requires very little maintenance, even when used as an exterior surface, and will withstand the effects of time. It is also an eco-friendly, cost-efficient material for construction.

Steel Frames are ideal for the construction of natural disaster resistant homes. (Source: Stratco)

In fact, steel can withstand forces up to 150 mph as an exterior material, without becoming damaged. Steel is also an excellent reinforcement when used with concrete, offering the stiffness, strength and ductility needed to help a building withstand damage from events like earthquakes. As part of a building’s foundation structure, steel reinforcements help anchor the foundation, and the entire home, keeping it where it belongs through wind, waves, quakes and rain.

The damage left behind by natural disasters this year show that the effects last well beyond the initial onset. While there is no such thing as a completely weather-proof building, steel can offer a great deal of security and help minimize the destructive outcomes of Mother Nature.

Cover photo courtesy of CENHS.

Moody’s forecasted that POSCO’s financial status will improve in the next 1-2 years as a result of increased profits from the sales of POSCO’s high-value-added products and decreased borrowings due to the improvement of global market conditions. In particular, the ratings agency predicted that POSCO’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) will increase by 20-25 percent over the previous year, and its debt to EBITDA ratio will decline from 4.1 times to 2.8 times in the next 12-18 months.

Moody’s added that its affiliate, POSCO E&C, will also see its profitability improve in the future.

POSCO has reinforced the competitiveness of its steel business and improved its financial health and profitability since the inauguration of POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon in 2014, despite an unfavorable external environment marked by the global oversupply of steel and reinforced protectionism around the world.

POSCO has also been attaining its restructuring goal (149 cases) since 2014, and completed 146 cases of restructuring as of Q317, and should the company complete its restructuring by the end of this year, the number of POSCO’s domestic affiliates will be cut down to 38.

Its financial strength has also improved. POSCO’s consolidated debt ratio of Q3 dropped down by 1.5%p QoQ to 68.1%, the lowest ever since 2010, and its separate debt ratio was 16.3 percent, the lowest ever in its history.

POSCO increased its consolidated and separate sales projections by KRW 4.7 trillion and KRW 3.2 trillion, respectively, to KRW 59.5 trillion and KRW 28.8 trillion compared to its plans at the beginning of the year.

POSCO predicts that steel demand will continue to increase based on the restructuring of the Chinese steel industry, along with the anticipated robust growth of demand in emerging and developing countries. It plans to make continued efforts to generate revenues by securing financial strength, reducing costs and increasing the sales of high-value-added products.

Cover photo courtesy of CBS News.

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To start, POSCO’s Q3 consolidated sales amounted to KRW 15.361 trillion, its operating profit KRW 1.1257 trillion, and its net income KRW 906.6 billion.

It also noted that sales increased by 0.6 percent, its operating profit by 15 percent, and its net income by 71 percent QoQ. The figures reflect the improved performance of its non-steel affiliates, including its energy and ICT division, as well as the enhanced results of its domestic and overseas steel business.

To add, the improved performance of its principal overseas steel subsidiaries contributed to the overall increase in operating profit. The operating profit of its Chinese stainless steel production subsidiary, Zhangjiagang Pohang Stainless Steel, totaled KRW 53.8 billion, up 572.5 percent QoQ, and PT.KP, the integrated steel mill in Indonesia reported an operating profit of KRW 8.8 billion, marking a big turnaround. The operating loss of POSCO SS VINA, its shape steel plant in Vietnam, was greatly reduced.

POSCO’s separate sales increased by 1.7 percent QoQ to KRW 7.255 trillion, and its operating profit rose by 23.4 percent to KRW 721.8 billion. Its net income also increased by 43.3 percent QoQ to KRW 729.9 billion.

POSCO’s financial results continued to show improvements. Its consolidated debt ratio dropped down by 1.5%p QoQ to 68.1 percent, the lowest ever since 2010, and its separate debt ratio was 16.3 percent, the lowest ever in POSCO’s history.

Moreover, POSCO’s consolidated and separate sales projections increased by KRW 4.7 trillion and KRW 3.2 trillion, respectively, to KRW 59.5 trillion and KRW 28.8 trillion compared to its plans at the beginning of the year.

Steel demand looks to continue based on the restructuring of the Chinese steel industry, along with the anticipated robust growth of demand in emerging and developing countries. POSCO plans to make continued efforts to generate revenue by securing financial strength, reducing costs and increasing the sales of its high-value-added products.

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In this spirit, The Steel Wire highlights the innovative use of metals in household appliances and electronic devices from air conditioners and cameras to laptops. Read on to see how innovative applications of metals have the power to present a new, more efficient way to live.

Breeze-Free Air Conditioner with Metal Cooling Panel

There may have been those even in the heat this past summer who didn’t want to use air conditioners due to direct blasts of cold air. Here’s good news: Samsung’s “breeze-free” air conditioner, Q9500, maintains a stable room temperature without blasting a single column of strong and direct wind.

How can air conditioners be “breeze-free”?

The company used a metal cooling panel and a micro hall-based air current passage system that constantly changes the direction of the air. Cold air is sent through 135,000 tiny holes and the short airways can reduce energy use by 65 percent. Also, climate control settings can be adjusted directly via smartphones using IoT technology based on weather data.

Samsung’s breeze-free air conditioner, Q9500, comes with metal cooling panels and 135,000 micro holes which maintain a stable room temperature without blasting strong and direct cold air. (Source: Flickr)

The even distribution of cool air allows air conditioners to naturally blend in as part of any space or room it occupies and eliminates the discomfort of direct, cold air.

Lightweight & Durable Cameras with Magnesium Construction

Global camera brands have long been searching for ideal materials to meet consumers’ needs for lightweight, mobile and durable cameras. For this reason, one of the prestigious features of top-end cameras in the market today is magnesium construction. This is due to magnesium’s lightness, strength and ability to shield users from electromagnetic waves. Magnesium is, in fact, the lightest structurally-used metal in the world with a greater strength-to-weight ratio than that of aluminum. This allows magnesium electronics bodies to be thinner and lighter.

For instance, the exterior shell of the Nikon D3 is made of a magnesium alloy. The product’s magnesium-alloy camera frame effectively protects the camera from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles.

The Nikon D3s’ magnesium-alloy camera frame effectively protects the camera from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference.(Source: Flickr)

Ultra-light Laptop with Duralumin

Over the years, new technologies have pushed PC makers to build ever lighter and thinner laptops with premium materials. Samsung also started to pursue metals that are lightweight yet durable. In the past, the company used magnesium-lithium sheets from overseas suppliers in order to keep their laptops lightweight. The sheets had good machinability but low hardness, making them vulnerable to dents. In order to overcome this, the company turned to POSCO’s specially designed magnesium sheets, duralumin*, known for its high-strength and lightweight qualities. In 2016, POSCO began supplying its magnesium sheets for the Notebook 9 that is just 840g. In 2017, the Samsung Notebook 9’s weight was brought down even further to 799g.

These magnesium sheets, made with a rapid solidification process that is capable of precision control, are tempered several times and undergo special heat treatment until they reach a final thickness of 0.5mm. POSCO succeeded in increasing the surface hardness by more than 20 percent and the yield strength by more than 50 percent, compared to its competitors, while still maintaining a high level of machinability.

Such advancements in lightweight and high-strength materials have allowed people the flexibility, mobility and convenience to work on the go and reduce inefficiencies.  

*Duralumin is a high-strength aluminum alloy made by mixing copper, magnesium and other elements.

POSCO supplies magnesium sheets for Samsung Electronics’ 2017 model of Samsung Notebook 9 that touts ultra-light, high-strength metal materials. (Source: Samsung Newsroom)

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine life without electronic appliances and devices that provide a better quality of life. In a way, the invention and evolution of such products have redefined the way people live, work and play. The application of innovative materials has sped up and continues to allow manufacturers to add value to their products.     

Aging Water Pipeline Systems Around the World

Outdated water pipelines systems such as prestressed concrete cylinder pipelines (PCCP), lead pipes and corrosive iron pipes are causing problems worldwide.

PCCP is common throughout the U.S. They are large in diameter, meaning that when they fail, it can be catastrophic. PCCP failures have ruptured and leaked, cracked and dented, or otherwise ceased to hold up to the high capacity, high-pressure needs they were once installed to meet.

Why are they failing? Generally speaking, PCCP was not held to high standards during 1970s-era installations. The reinforcing wires used within those pipes were not manufactured with enough thickness, ultimately leading to corrosion and brittleness as the pipes reach the earlier-than-expected end of their usefulness.

An example a ruptured PCCP (Source: Hazen)

These pipes are failing wherever they are in use – all over the United States and all over the world. Florida and Maryland have been forced to handle catastrophic failures. In California, PCCP in need of repair or replacement cost USD 40 million for 4.5 miles of relining work. The overall cost of fixing pipes underneath southern California is estimated at $2.5 billion.

That’s just a drop in the bucket, looking at the overall cost of repairing or replacing PCCP in the U.S. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and American Water Works Association estimate that national replacement and repair work could cost $40 billion.

Governments do not want to make the same mistake again while replacing or repairing water pipelines, and there is a clear need to choose a material that can withstand time, pressure and environmental stresses.

The Solution: Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the material of choice in modern pipe installation and replacement projects.

As an example of how this material can offer great benefits, Tokyo’s Bureau of Waterworks began replacing leaky, old cast iron pipes with stainless steel in the 1980s. The material was chosen because of its strength and its well-known resistance to corrosion. All of the pipes in the water distribution system were replaced with stainless steel by 2012, drastically reducing water loss.

A worker inspects a steel pipe during pipe replacement in Japan. (Source: World Steel Association)

Choosing stainless steel for this kind of work is becoming a global standard. Seoul is another major city that replaced its outdated water pipelines with stainless steel. Around 96 percent of Seoul’s pipes were replaced by 2013, and the remaining pipes will be replaced by 2018.

In Taipei, pipes installed before 1979 were mostly made of lead- causing health and safety concerns for Taipei’s citizens. Over 70 percent of existing lead pipes were replaced with stainless steel by the end of 2016, and more replacements are underway.

Why Stainless Steel is Superior

It is clear that PCCP is not an option many would consider, given the huge costs related to replacing it. Even with the vast material options available, there is a clear reason governments and agencies are choosing stainless steel for waterworks systems.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is chemically resistant and lightweight, like steel, but can easily be degraded by sunlight. Because waterworks systems need a long lifespan, it does not make sense to choose a material that can be affected so heavily by environmental factors.

Ductile iron is an option, but is generally rejected because it requires more infrastructure to work, owing to its weight and short laying lengths. More and larger support foundations are required to hoist systems made from this heavy material. Ductile iron requires special lining when used in waterworks systems, as it can be affected by iron bacteria and precipitation.

High-grade stainless steel is naturally resistant to corrosion. It offers high strength and pressure resistance. It is a material that maintains resistance to microbes, and can be manufactured to resist heat.

POSCO’s stainless steel, particularly duplex steel, is ideal for waterworks, for all of the above-mentioned reasons. POSCO’s Lean Duplex steel or PossSD features superior anti-corrosion and intergranular corrosion resistance. It is employed regularly for applications such as water pipelines, and sea-water and chemical equipment. Watch the video for more details.

As cities see PCCP and other old pipe systems failing, materials like PossSD will ensure that replacement water pipelines do not suffer the same fate.

When creating new pipelines, and bringing old systems back to life, stainless steel is the best choice. It is lightweight yet strong, resistant to microbes, corrosion and other damage, and it can withstand all the pressures, temperatures and elements that exist within a pipeline system.

As the majority of the world’s pipeline systems have or will be reaching the end of its lifespan, cities will have to plan ahead and incorporate the best possible materials to ensure clean and safe water delivery, as well as to minimize future costs for repairs and replacement. Stainless steel is already relining or replacing outdated pipes all over the world, and will help governments eliminate safety and budget concerns.

Cover photo courtesy of Overeem.

POSCO held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new wire rod processing center in Jeffersonville, Indiana on September 22. More than 150 people, including POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Representative Trey Hollingsworth, Chicago’s Consul General Jong-guk Lee and officials from local customers such as Nissan, Fontana, Taeyang Metal Industrial Co., Ltd. and Semblex attended the ceremony.

From third on the left to right is Economic and Redevelopment Director Rob Waiz, Governor Eric Holcomb, POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon, Representative Trey Hollingsworth and the Consul General in Chicago, Jong-guk Lee.

Wire rods are steel products used to make bolts, nuts, bearings and long steel used in automobiles, electronics, industrial machines and construction. POSCO is planning to focus its production on high-end automotive parts and bearings that are not currently being produced by local steelmakers in the U.S.

The new wire rod processing center will bring raw materials from Korea, heat-treat them, remove impurities, process them into thin wire rods and customize the final product to the thickness and strength that customers want. Construction began in April 2016, and POSCO invested a total USD 20.9 million. It is POSCO’s second largest overseas wire rod processing center, next to its center in Mexico.

From third on the left to right is Economic and Redevelopment Director Rob Waiz, Governor Eric Holcomb, POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon, Representative Trey Hollingsworth and the Consul General in Chicago, Jong-guk Lee.

POSCO is planning to preempt the high-end wire rod market in the US by not merely selling products, but also providing local services such as quality support, development of new steel products and provision of utilization techniques. The products manufactured will be delivered to Semblex and Taeyang Metal Industrial, Korean companies in the U.S. and local automotive parts makers like Nissan and Fontana.

JP Steel Co., Ltd., which owns 2.2 percent of stakes in the new wire rod processing center, will directly oversee production. JP Steel possesses the technology used for processing POSCO’s wire rods into products that meet the thickness specifications of customers. One of POSCO’s strategies for ensuring the mutual prosperity of small, medium and large-sized companies is to enter a new overseas market together with small and medium-sized suppliers while protecting their technology and business areas.    

Governor Eric Holcomb said, “I hope that POSCO’s wire rod processing center will help improve the industrial competitiveness of American automakers and parts makers, and invigorate the local economy. We will do everything we can to help the new plant become stabilized early.”

CEO Kwon stated, “POSCO is now able to sell our premium products to the United States, the world’s largest wire rod market, and American automakers and parts makers can use quality products to enhance their competitiveness. I hope that this will help domestic parts makers using wire rods make inroads into the US market.”

Cover photo courtesy of Biz Journals.

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Imagine, people with disabilities, after being told they may never walk again, find they can not only walk, but also cover a mile in an hour.

Or, a worker with a physically demanding job who lifts and carries loads of weight every day can wear a suit that does the bulk of the lifting for them. Consider the corresponding change in productivity and morale!

With AI, these scenarios are a reality.

Human Exoskeletons and Where They are Applicable

One robotic exoskeleton, SuitX, has the technology that allows users with lower-body disabilities to cover a mile in an hour. This suit is lightweight, controlled by motors at the hips and knees that move the foot supports. The user wears a backpack battery that will last up to eight hours, and controls the suit with buttons placed on crutches.

A man walks with the help of the Phoenix exoskeleton developed by SuitX. (Source: Instagram)

Another exoskeleton, the ReWalk, is commercially available in the United States. It is strapped onto the user’s body over his or her clothing, again using electric motors for power. Sensors assist in movement, which the user controls through a wrist-worn communicator.

Claire L.uses a ReWalk exoskeleton to complete a race (Source: ReWalk)

Similar technology can be used for exoskeletons in an industrial or military application. Workers and soldiers can wear human exoskeletons to gain an instant boost in strength and stamina, lifting far more than they could heft without the robotic help.

The Application of AI

Alexa, Amazon’s artificial intelligence (AI), is practically a member of the family in many households, especially across the U.S. Alexa stocks up on pantry essentials, shares the latest news, gives weather updates and even plays games. But now, she’s stepping into an all-new role that will truly transform people’s lives, beyond household assistance.

Bionik Laboratories has integrated Alexa to its lower-body exoskeleton. This means that to move, users can simply issue a voice command like, “Alexa, take a step.”

ARKE Exoskeleton by Bionik Laboratories (Source: Bionik Laboratories)

Adding AI to exoskeleton controls can potentially help users become familiar with the device. Users may face a steep learning curve with sensors, communicators, and putting it all together to move with an exoskeleton. With the application of AI, however, voice commands get the process started more seamlessly, until users are confident to take over control without Alexa’s help.

While AI-controlled exoskeletons are still in the early stages of testing, the concept holds a lot of promise for enabling greater independence for people who need mobility assistance.

Comparing Exoskeleton Materials

While exoskeletons might seem futuristic, it does not mean that they are made from futuristic alloys and newly invented materials.

Manufacturers are looking for several things from an exoskeleton material: strength, durability and cost effectiveness. Whether AI-assisted or not, exoskeletons are made from a variety of traditionally used materials; typically, carbon, aluminum, or steel.

Some manufacturers may choose carbon for lightweight parts, as this material is not as hefty as steel or aluminum. Steel is the heaviest of all of those materials, but with a powered exoskeleton, the weight may not matter as much, as the machine will be lifting itself.

Aluminum is durable, but not as resistant to damage as steel. Being an inexpensive material, aluminum might seem attractive to manufacturers at first, but that lower price tag comes with a diminished lifetime in comparison to steel.

Carbon is about as damage-resistant as aluminum, but holds less stiffness against weight. Carbon is also generally brittle, so if it faces damage, it may crack and completely break, rather than denting (or being unaffected). High-end carbon can be expensive, potentially driving up the cost of an exoskeleton made with this material.

Different types of exoskeletons (Source: Wired)

Steel, therefore, is very popular for creating exoskeletons and their parts. It provides raw strength and durability. It stands up to many kinds of damage with ease. It bends or dents instead of breaking, and can typically be repaired, even numerous times, without reaching the full point of failure.

Steel lasts, despite wear and tear. This robust material is ideal for limb elements like arms and legs, which will be doing a lot of moving and lifting. Steel will enable extremely heavy lifting of objects many times the weight that an unpowered human could lift.

Like exoskeleton technology, steel technology is evolving. Lighter weight steel materials are coming onto the market, offering all of the benefits that steel has traditionally offered, with less heft.

Whether manufacturers choose steel for every part of an exoskeleton, or select this high-quality material for some important elements of the technology, it is clear that steel has a role in exoskeletons, now and in the future.

Cover photo courtesy of New Atlas.