Integrated Computational Materials, Process and Product Engineering – IC-MPPE 2022

Forged Aluminum alloys have outstanding properties in light weight construction for highly loaded parts. Hence, these alloys are widely used as forgings for automotive chassis applications in millions of cars. In distinction to other manufacturers Krenhof GmbH operates in a niche market for so called “high performance cars” and “hypercars” as well as for racing applications. In this market the yearly production lies between some hundred parts up to ca. 15,000 cars a year. In comparison to typical mass production where some 100,000 cars a year are produced these special markets demand special challenges over the entire production chain in terms of materials and processes. For this purpose, often special materials and tailor-made production processes are used. The presentation gives an overview of the concepts which applied in terms of materials and production processes to fulfil the requirements of these special markets. Besides the technical perspective also economical aspects must be taken into account which often differ significantly from the framework conditions in mass production.