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| Kobe Steel introduces steel bar with outstanding magnetic and cutting qualities |
| First application in electronic clutch in the Acura RL (North America) and the Honda Legend (Japan) available this fall |
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> October 7, 2004
TOKYO, October 7, 2004 - Kobe Steel announces that its ELCH2S steel bar is being used in the electromagnetic clutch of Honda's luxury performance sedan, the Acura RL (North America) and Honda Legend (Japan), which will be introduced this autumn. This environmentally-responsive, energy-saving new steel is noted for its outstanding magnetic and cutting qualities.
These two models are equipped with Honda's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD). This is the world's first and only all-wheel-drive system that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the right and left rear wheels. The SH-AWD system uses direct electromagnetic clutches inside the rear drive unit, another world's first, that employ solenoids to obtain precise, continuously variable torque regulation.
The solenoids in the clutches are made of Kobe Steel's high performance steel, ELCH2S, noted for its exceptional magnetic properties. With increased electromagnetic control, ELCH2S makes possible smaller, lighter parts with lower battery consumption. In addition, the excellent cutting properties of the steel contribute greatly to productivity in parts production.
To improve system responsiveness and reduce power consumption of automotive solenoids and other electronically controlled parts, steel containing no more than 0.02% carbon is commonly used because of its excellent magnetic and cold forging properties. Other impurity elements are also low in this ordinary steel.
However, conventional low-carbon steel suffers from poor chipping during cutting, resulting in low efficiency in automatic operations. In addition, it is difficult to process into complex shapes. To improve processability, a small amount of lead is often added. As lead burdens the environment, manufacturers have been grappling with ways to increase cutting performance without using lead.
Using its know-how in specialty steel production, Kobe Steel has, in ELCH2S, succeeded in improving the cutting quality while maintaining the magnetic properties by adding elements other than lead. Kobe Steel was able to develop a new steel responsive to the environment with energy-saving qualities. Improved cutting, without using lead, a burden on the environment, enables ELCH2S to contribute to improving mileage through smaller lighter vehicles and saving power.
Year by year, electrical parts for control systems are becoming more complicated and must operate at faster speeds. In order to increase the function of the parts, the quality of the material, the shape of the parts, and environmental considerations demand attention. Serving these needs, Kobe Steel utilizes its electromagnetic field simulation technology to provide optimum designs for customer solutions.
For more information on the SH-AWD:
 http://world.honda.com/news/2004/4040401.html |
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