Chongqing - "Our new steel product, with exceptional performance and compatibility with existing production lines, inspires confidence against international competitors of the same category," Zhao Yan, Director of the Beijing Institute of Technology Chongqing Innovation Center and Chairman of Chongqing SydoTech Co. Ltd. (SydoTech), told Bridging News recently in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.
This highly anticipated steel product, LumiSword, is an uncoated, oxidation-resistant press-hardened steel (PHS) developed by SydoTech specifically for automotive applications.
As intelligent NEVs advance, the demand for lightweight automotive materials has surged. "The high elongation and strength of PHS make it ideal for lightweight, complex-profile parts, which can constitute up to 30% of car bodies," Dr. Zhao noted.
Alloy composition fuels LumiSword's technological breakthrough
Dr. Zhao mentioned, "According to statistics, last year, China consumed approximately 1.8 million tons of PHS, producing 6 billion parts with a market value exceeding 60 billion yuan (USD 8.43 billion), a vast market that continues to grow."
What product advantages does LumiSword have over similar steels that give it the confidence to win over the market, given China's growing market demand?
The answer to this question begins with a critical step in PHS processing: heating the material, then pressing it into shape while quenching in the mold. During this high-temperature stage, challenges arise. According to Dr. Zhao, the steel undergoes intense oxidation, resulting in a loose iron oxide layer on the surface, compromising the final product quality.
The solution to this problem gave LumiSword an advantage over similar products. Dr. Zhao mentioned that traditional anti-oxidation processes typically follow one of two approaches.
The first approach involves coating the steel with an aluminum-silicon protective layer to prevent oxidation; however, this increases material costs and affects weldability. The second method uses bare steel that is heated and formed, followed by shot peening—spraying metal or ceramic particles to remove the iron oxide layer and enhance crack resistance.
However, Dr. Zhao noted that these are all "passive" anti-oxidation methods. In contrast, LumiSword employs an "active" approach by incorporating alloy elements directly into the steel. This enables it to form a protective layer during high-temperature heating and effectively suppresses iron oxide formation.
This innovative process grants LumiSword a competitive edge and significant production gains. "Although alloy additions increase costs slightly, the technology ultimately reduces overall expenses," Dr. Zhao noted.
LumiSword's stable performance after high-temperature forming removes the need for coating treatments, enhancing production efficiency. "Many automotive companies have shown interest and active support in collaborative development," Dr. Zhao added.
LumiSword's technological innovation boosts global competitiveness
By incorporating alloy technology, LumiSword has bypassed overseas patents related to aluminum-silicon protective coatings, enabling automakers to export without restrictions. Dr. Zhao noted that LumiSword has further export plans and that its technological advantages also provide strong competitiveness in the international market.
Dr. Zhao explained that global demand for green, efficient production is high. LumiSword avoids shot-peening, enhancing precision, cutting costs, and reducing pollution. Its oxidation resistance ensures weld strength and stability, ideal for complex-profile parts. LumiSword's compatibility with existing lines also allows global manufacturers to adopt it efficiently without costly upgrades.
"LumiSword's shot-peening-free design, outstanding weldability, and compatibility with existing production lines give us strong confidence in competing with coated PHS products from industry giants like ArcelorMittal," Dr. Zhao told the reporter.
Dr. Zhao stated, "We are actively pursuing foreign patent protection to ensure steady international expansion. Partnering with CITIC Metal and CBMM, we're exploring collaboration opportunities with global automakers and parts suppliers to advance LumiSword’s application in worldwide markets."
With an R&D investment of several tens of millions of RMB, LumiSword's supply is expected to reach approximately 10,000 tons by 2025. With a projected market value of 60 million yuan (about 8.44 million USD), it promises substantial profit potential and market prospects.