Sup3rForm was presented at Car Body Parts 2026, the international congress organised by Automotive Circle in Bad Nauheim, Germany, on 23–24 June. Valentina Pau from MA and Pietro Licignano from CRF, Stellantis, delivered the presentation “From validation to implementation: industrial validation of 3rd Gen AHSS for lightweight structures”, showcasing the project’s progress in bringing advanced steel solutions closer to industrial application.
The presentation focused on the potential of third-generation Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS), particularly Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) and medium-manganese (MMn) steels, to reduce vehicle weight and CO₂ emissions while maintaining crash safety.
The project has investigated the formability and mechanical properties of selected Q&P and MMn steels, assessing their suitability for lightweight automotive structural components. The results showed promising performance, with the tested materials combining high tensile strength with good formability.
The presentation also covered the development of a crash beam prototype using different advanced steel grades. Further testing, including drop-tower and grid tests, will help evaluate the mechanical behaviour and formability of the manufactured components.
Sup3rForm aims to exploit the potential of third-generation Q&P and medium-manganese steels for lightweight structural applications in future mobility. By combining material characterisation, modelling and simulation with industrial validation, the project is working to facilitate the adoption of advanced steels in automotive manufacturing.
The results presented at Car Body Parts 2026 demonstrate the importance of validating these materials under real manufacturing conditions, paving the way for lighter components and reduced vehicle CO₂ emissions without compromising safety.
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