Cleveland-Cliffs announced today that it completed a production trial in collaboration with a major automotive OEM.
During the trial, Cleveland-Cliffs’ exposed steel parts were stamped with no defects using the OEM’s existing aluminum-forming equipment. The trial marks a milestone in demonstrating that Cleveland-Cliffs steel can effectively replace aluminum in automotive applications without the need for costly retooling. The accomplishment is a breakthrough in the wake of recent disruptions in the aluminum supply chain.
Cleveland-Cliffs’ technical service and application engineering teams worked with the OEM’s production and tooling specialists to fine-tune the material design and forming parameters. The result was a smooth transition from aluminum to steel, with no changes required to the stamping line.
As of now, Cleveland-Cliffs has moved from the trial phase to routine production and delivery of regular orders to the client. Cleveland-Cliffs has also received inquiries from other clients for programs that will replace aluminum with Cleveland-Cliffs steel.
Cleveland-Cliffs is a North America-based steel producer. Based in Cleveland, Cleveland-Cliffs employs about 30,000 people across its operations in the United States and Canada. Cleveland-Cliffs has locations in Burns Harbor and East Chicago.
