Kongsberg Automotive produces couplings for air and fluid systems for the automotive industry. Currently, the components are mainly manufactured from leaded-brass or plastic composite materials. The automotive industry faces increasingly strict sustainability and environmental requirements, and the EU is expected to regulate the permitted lead content in brass used in this industry from 2030. In the FUSMA project, we are developing knowledge that makes it possible to adopt new, lead-free materials in components, while ensuring that production in Norway remains competitive and profitable.
The project is investigating several alternative metals, with a main focus on lead-free brass and aluminium alloys without undesirable alloying elements. The aim is to find solutions for different components that combine good corrosion resistance, the required strength and performance and a corresponding productionprocess that have a low carbon footprint and efficient material utilisation.
The main objective of the project is to identify alternatives that can contribute to:
- reduced environmental impact
- increased sustainability in the value chain
- high quality and reliability for demanding applications
- competitive production in Norway
SINTEF contributes expertise in materials technology, production technology, and product and process development, working together with the project partners to find the optimal solution for the couplings of the future.