Shinko Aluminum Wire Develops High Strength Al Alloy Wire

Kobe Steel’s aluminium rolling subsidiary, Shinko Aluminum Wire developed high strength aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloy wire by improving technology of billet hot rolling. The firm plans commercial production in fiscal 2012 ending in March 2013. The firm targets 5% higher sales for fiscal 2012 than the figure in fiscal 2011 by increasing the wire shipment for automobile and other industries.

The new wire has 450 Newton of tensile strength, which is 45% higher than normal A6061 grade. The wire has higher strength and workability compared with traditional high strength wire of A6056 grade. Shinko Aluminum Wire offers the new wire with 1-18 millimeters diameter.

In Europe, A6056 grade is used for bolt for automotive engine. Japanese automakers use steel bolt due to the severer strength regulation. The firm developed the new wire with higher strength to meet growing demand for lower weight of vehicle.

The firm targets 470?500 Newton of tensile strength for the wire by improving technology of hot rolling. The firm tries to meet demand for lighter bolt and valve mainly for automobile.