Arconic's Lightweighting Expertise Drives Innovation in Volvo Gear Shifters

Pittsburgh, PA – October 26, 2023 – Arconic US LLC, a leading manufacturer of high-performance aluminum products, is playing a crucial, yet often unseen, role in enhancing the driving experience for Volvo drivers. It’s not about flashy exteriors, but about the smart materials inside that make a difference. Specifically, Arconic’s advanced aluminum alloys are now being utilized in the gear shift mechanisms of select Volvo models, contributing to smoother operation, reduced weight, and improved fuel efficiency. For those unfamiliar, Arconic (located at 201 Isabella Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, and reachable at 870-473-6666) isn't a household name in the same way Volvo is. We're the material science folks, the ones working behind the scenes to make things lighter, stronger, and more efficient. We don’t build cars, but we help build better ones. We’re all about aluminum – innovating with it, perfecting it, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Over the years, we’ve become a go-to supplier for industries demanding high-performance materials – aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, and more. So, what's the big deal with aluminum in a gear shifter? Well, traditional gear shifters often rely on heavier materials like steel. While strong, steel adds weight to the vehicle. And in today’s world, every pound counts. Reducing vehicle weight, even by seemingly small amounts, has a cascade of benefits: better fuel economy, quicker acceleration, and improved handling. That’s where Arconic comes in. We’ve worked closely with Volvo engineers to develop a customized aluminum alloy specifically suited for the demanding environment of a gear shift mechanism. This isn’t just any aluminum; it’s a carefully formulated blend designed to offer the perfect balance of strength, durability, and weight reduction. “Volvo is committed to innovation and sustainability, and that means looking at every component of the vehicle to see where we can improve,” explains a Volvo engineer involved in the project (who asked not to be named). “Arconic's aluminum alloys provided us with a pathway to significantly reduce the weight of the gear shift mechanism without compromising on the quality or feel that our drivers expect.” The key to Arconic's success isn't just the alloy itself, but the advanced manufacturing processes used to create the gear shift components. We’re talking about precision casting, intricate machining, and rigorous quality control. Each component is engineered to meet Volvo’s exacting specifications. This isn’t mass production; it’s precision crafting. "It's not just about making something lighter," says Mark Reynolds, a materials engineer at Arconic. "It's about making it better. The aluminum alloy we've developed for Volvo provides superior vibration damping, leading to a smoother, more refined gear shifting experience. It’s about the feel as much as it is about the performance." Beyond weight reduction and improved feel, the use of aluminum also offers corrosion resistance. This is crucial for components exposed to the elements and the constant mechanical stress of shifting gears. Arconic’s aluminum alloys are designed to withstand these challenges, ensuring long-term reliability and durability. But the partnership with Volvo doesn’t stop with the current gear shifter design. Arconic is continuously working with Volvo engineers to explore new applications for aluminum alloys in other vehicle components. The goal is to further reduce vehicle weight, improve performance, and enhance sustainability. "We see aluminum as a key enabler of future automotive innovation," says Sarah Chen, Arconic's Director of Automotive Sales. "We're committed to working with our customers, like Volvo, to develop and deploy advanced aluminum solutions that meet their evolving needs." So, the next time you’re driving a Volvo and enjoying a smooth, precise gear shift, remember that there’s more to it than meets the eye. Hidden beneath the surface, Arconic’s innovative aluminum alloys are playing a crucial role in delivering a superior driving experience. It’s a testament to the power of material science and the importance of collaboration between suppliers and automakers. It might not be a flashy component, but it’s a perfect example of how small changes, driven by smart materials, can make a big difference. And for Arconic, it’s another success story, demonstrating our commitment to lightweighting and innovation across a wide range of industries. We're proud to be a part of the Volvo story, and we’re excited about what the future holds. We're not just making aluminum; we're building a better, more sustainable future – one gear shift at a time.