Don't Shrink it, Rethink it with KVA Stainless MS² Technology to Reduce Automobile Weight

April 2, 2010 - PRLog -- KVA Stainless has developed a technology which will allow auto manufacturers to meet mandated fuel efficiency requirements without having to sacrifice size, affordability or safety. MS² tm  (martensitic stainless steel) high strength steel is capable of providing automakers with an immediate solution to improve crashworthiness of their vehicles, while reducing the overall mass or weight of an auto without sending sticker prices through the roof.

KVA Stainless MS² tm advanced high strength steel is capable of providing automakers with an immediate solution to improve crashworthiness of their vehicles. KVA’s patented technologies enable safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles at a price consumers can afford.

Vehicle designers and manufacturers are trying to reduce the overall body mass of vehicle to improve fuel economy by developing structural members and components that are lightweight and of sufficient strength and durability to meet automotive safety requirements. In addition, automotive structural members must be able to contend with harsh environmental conditions, and thus must be corrosion and wear resistant.

KVA Stainless has developed a portfolio of patents and proprietary technology for forming lightweight, high-strength, structural components for transportation vehicles using martensitic stainless steel alloys. These technologies contribute to the direct reduction in manufacturing costs relative to the implementation of conventional lightweighting methods and materials – for stamped, welded or tubular components.

Automakers are looking for ways to make vehicles lighter and yet safer; as a result, several new materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium, titanium and thermoplastics have been introduced to the industry. Making cars and trucks lighter helps increase fuel economy, and making them safer reduces fatalities caused by serious collisions.

“The use of KVA Stainless MS² tm can reduce the weight of a vehicle’s structural components and parts by as much as 40% percent, while increasing their overal strength up to 20%.  Automakers can develop vehicles that are safe and meet all environmental requirements with cost-effective, lightweight advanced high strength steel technology”, says Douglas Gore, VP Sales & Business Development.

KVA’s team can effortlessly implement and retrofit existing auto plants with their proprietary and patented processes, which will provide automakers immediate solutions to reduce the weight of cars in order to meet the 35 miles-per-gallonfuel economy standard. Auto makers will appreciate all the features and benefits afforded to them with the MS2 tm  patented processes wich provides a low-cost martenstic stainless steel with excellent mechanical properties – high strength, toughness and fatigue performance (in addition to atmospheric corrosion resistance) while remaining easy to form, fabricate and process.

“We believe Advanced High Strength Steel designs and our proprietary breakthrough of MS² tm will build a better car, and the KVA process provides an alternative for the next generation of vehicles,” says Gore.

KVA Stainless recently completed tests with several major automotive manufacturers as well as suppliers on several structural components using KVA’s MS² tm technology.   KVA’s Business Development department is presently interviewing potential strategic partners, ventures, licensees, OEM’s and manufactures.

KVA Stainless has spent years testing and developing patented technology to produce stamped structural components as well as welded shapes for automobiles and trucks with characteristics that are strong and lightweight – yet, they can be produced at low costs. KVA's technology focuses on manufacturing original equipment and aftermarket automotive structural members such as vehicle pillars, sub-frames, cross beams, frame rails, frame brackets, roof rails, seat frames, seat rails, door beams, bumper beams, control arms, instrument panel reinforcements, running boards, roll-bars, tow hooks, bumper hitches, roof racks and numerous other applications. In addition to stamped structures, tube-based components can be fabricated with KVA's seam welded tubing technology: including fuel injection components, hydraulic lines, interior seat frames, exhaust systems, side steps, and roof railings.

For inquires contact the Corporate Office which is located at 124 S. Market Pl., Ste. 200, Escondido, CA 92029, phone 760-489-5821 www.kvastainless.com

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KVA’s technical staff, with a combined 60 years of experience in thermal processing, metallurgy, automated welding, brazing and mechanical design. KVA Incorporated has developed numerous proprietary and patented processing and manufacturing methods to enable the use of lightweight, corrosion-resistant, hardened stainless steel components throughout industry. Additionally, KVA operates an MS² tm tubing manufacturing facility from its R&D and Corporate headquarters in Escondido, CA.

KVA’s President and Founder, Mr. Ed McCrink, previously founded Hi-Temp, Inc. in 1953 and grew the company to become one of the largest processors of stainless steels in North America. Since successfully selling the Hi-Temp, Inc. plants in the 1970’s, he has continuously pursued his vision of utilizing commonly available martensitic stainless steels to reduce weight and increase strength.