The all-day four-track program featured more than 38 technical presentations, many focusing on forming techniques and technologies used to turn advanced high-strength steels into automotive parts. The Automotive Applications Committee (AAC) of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) initiated Great Designs in Steel six years ago to assist automotive engineers in using advanced high-strength steel technologies for designing and building safe, affordable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. Back in 2002 at the first Great Designs event, a total of 13 presentations focused on the USLAB (ultra-light steel auto body) project, and just a few papers covered actual production applications, including hydroformed engine cradles and a laser-welded assembly for the Jeep Liberty.
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