Ultrahigh-strength steels cut weight by 20% in rail cars. (Metals).

Extra-high strength and ultrahigh strength steels in rail cars can reduce the weight of rail cars by 20% to 30%, reports SSAB Swedish Steel, Sweden. By taking advantage of certain automobile design ideas, weight can be reduced significantly while maintaining stability and stiffness, thus cutting costs and enabling higher weight-carrying capability. For example, the company says that a 10% weight reduction is equivalent to two tons lower weight per railcar, which translates to lower energy and maintenance costs. The concept is based on ...