Worthington Steel, Inc. announce that its tailor welded blanking joint venture, TWB Company, LLC (TWB), has signed a licensing agreement with ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks for use of its patented ablation technology in the production of hot formed tailored blanks. This technology expands TWB’s hot formed tailored blanking capabilities in North America. Along with this agreement, TWB plans to install a fully automated ablation line at its Monroe, Michigan, facility.
“We’re excited to be one of two companies in North America to offer ablation technology and hot formed tailored blanks to our customers,” said Worthington Steel president and CEO Geoff Gilmore. “As one of the fastest growing segments in the tailored blank market, this innovative technology allows for welding of advanced high-strength steel, enhancing strength, crash performance and reducing weight for automotive applications.”
Specifically, the ablation process allows for the removal of aluminum silicon coating on the weld edge of a tailored blank, which is required before the press hardened material can be welded. The hot forming process allows this advanced high-strength steel to be stamped into a variety of safety and weight-critical applications.
“As more of our customers embrace this technology and the market continues to grow, we look forward to investing and supporting our customers’ efforts in this area,” said TWB Company president Ivan Meltzer.
TWB plans to install the new fully automated ablation line in its flagship facility in Monroe, Michigan. The 300,000 square foot facility currently produces traditional tailored blanks, tailored aluminum blanks and tailor welded coils. Following the ablation line installation, the company expects to spend 12-15 months undergoing OEM qualifications before beginning full production.
