Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: Corus Automotive | Subject: Neotec
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 10 February 2003
New steel has environmental issues
covered
Neotec is a lead-free metallic-coated steel specifically designed to help vehicle manufacturers develop emission-free fuel tanks that meet future environmental and recycling legislation.
Neotec is a lead-free metallic-coated steel specifically designed to help vehicle manufacturers develop emission-free fuel tanks that meet not only future environmental legislation but also recycling targets for vehicles at the end of their life Tough environmental legislation such as the Californian Partial Zero Emission Vehicle legislation (PZEV) requires vehicles to have zero fuel evaporative emissions
Corus expects that as other American states and automotive markets, including Europe, adopt similar legislation so vehicle manufactures will come under increasing pressure to develop an alternative to the plastic fuel tank.
Even adapted plastic fuel tanks designed to reduce permeation will struggle to meet PZEV legislation and moreover will significantly increase manufacturing costs.
Another major driver behind the development of Neotec has been the European End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Directive, which from July 2003 will require vehicle manufactures to reduce hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and other heavy metals.
Neotec is lead free and meets ELV legislation.
European ELV directives also dictate recovery or re-use rates of over 85% from 2006 and over 95% from 2015.
With an average vehicle life of over 14 years, new car design needs to reflect this now.
The Neotec steel fuel tank offers vehicle manufacturers a cost-effective alternative to plastic fuel tanks to help meet ELV targets and reduce end-of-life recycling costs.
Plastic is significantly more expensive to recycle than steel, but when impregnated with fuel it poses an additional recycling challenge and further recycling costs, whereas steel is readily recycled.
Andrew Milner, Business Manager, Corus Colors said: "Neotec represents several years of intensive research and development work by Corus.
Already, we have received a very positive response from the industry and Neotec is now being used by MG Rover Group in its Rover 25 and 45 and MG ZR and ZS models and other OEMs are currently evaluating the product".
Milner continued: "Not only is the steel lead-free and impervious to evaporative fuel emissions, but the coating also protects against internal fuel corrosion as well as external environmental corrosion.
Neotec can be formed into complex shapes using conventional stamping and welding processes.
With the latest hydroforming techniques significant design flexibility can be achieved.
Compared with plastic fuel tanks, Neotec offers carmakers cost-down opportunities".
Neotec is a hot-dip tin-zinc alloy coated steel available in both coil and sheet.
It has undergone an extensive and rigorous test programme to make sure that the product is durable when exposed to road conditions such as salt spray and water.
Neotec stands up well to corrosion, has been shown to have an expected service life of 15 years and is compatible with all types of fuel.
Milner concluded: "By working with Corus, vehicle manufacturers not only benefit from our extensive materials knowledge but can also utilise our Automotive Engineering group, based in Coventry, which offers carmakers extensive support in optimising the design of fuel tanks thereby helping to reduce development time and costs". Request a free brochure from Corus Automotive ...
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