The specific characteristics of aluminium alloys offer the possibility to design lightweight structural components and modules with high stiffness and excellent crash energy absorption potential. The wide range of aluminium product forms, e.g. sheets, tubes and profiles as well as net-shaped parts produced by different techniques which are available in different alloys, sizes and geometries of various degrees of complexity allow the cost-efficient production of structural components for small and large series. Key to a successful introduction of aluminium modules into the car body structure is a total systems approach taking into account the benefits offered by the alloy, the specific component production process and the use of suitable forming, joining and finishing processes. The emergence of hybrid (multi-material) body structures adds a new dimension to the competition between homogeneous monocoque and spaceframe designs.
