November 2023 Volume 5

MATERIALS

Electric Vehicles—a Big Threat to Forgers? Carmakers have been talking for decades about offering electric vehicles to stem emissions of harmful greenhouse gases. Those cars and trucks have finally arrived. While it’s true that battery-powered vehicles with small electric motors will displace many of those with large internal combustion engines, the trend may not be the threat many forgers fear. “Even if we do embrace EVs eventually, there will still be components that require high-quality bar and forgings,” said Candy. “I think the EVs will still need a similar amount of steel because they are heavier and need bigger suspensions,” said Spieth. “But the parts will be different. The forging industry will have some adjustments to make going forward.”

Green Steelmaking’s in the Mix FIA’s panel also addressed the growing urgency for sustainability in steel production as customers demand more “green” credentials from their suppliers. Both Alton and Charter have solar projects in the works. By the first-quarter 2024, Alton expects to have two solar arrays in place capable of generating 6.5 megawatts, enough energy to power 1,300 homes, reducing the equivalent of 6,762 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. “The solar panels will be able to handle 10% of the mill’s base load during the day. We melt our steel at night during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower utility rates,” Hoerr noted. Charter’s 60-acre solar field in Saukville, Wis., set to come online in 2024, will generate an estimated 15 megawatts of electricity each year, helping the company achieve a 25% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2025. Since its green initiative began in 2016, Charter is already more than 17% toward that goal, Spieth said.

Photo of bar inventory courtesy of Eaton Steel Bar Co.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023 32