As the automotive industry continues to prioritize safety, performance and longevity, manufacturers face increasing pressure to produce lightweight, corrosion-resistant components that meet stringent quality standards. Galvanized steel is a material of choice, offering an exceptional combination of:
- Strength
- Cost-effectiveness
- Protection against corrosion
At ATD, we leverage advanced galvanized steel stamping techniques — including blanking, flanging, coining and embossing — to create precise, high-quality components that stand up to the demands of modern vehicles. From underbody brackets to structural supports, our expertise in stamping ensures every part meets or exceeds industry standards.
In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of galvanized steel, its role in automotive manufacturing and how ATD’s advanced equipment and processes deliver durable, corrosion-resistant components for critical applications.
The Role of Galvanized Steel in Automotive Applications
Material Advantages
Galvanized steel is coated with a layer of zinc that provides outstanding corrosion resistance, making it ideal for automotive components exposed to harsh environments. This zinc coating protects against rust, ensures durability over time and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Additional benefits of galvanized steel include:
- High Tensile Strength: Ideal for structural and safety-critical components.
- Cost-Effectiveness: More affordable than alternatives like stainless steel while still meeting performance requirements.
- Formability: Excellent compatibility with stamping processes, enabling complex geometries and tight tolerances.
Compared to stainless steel and high-strength low-alloy steel, galvanized steel is a versatile, cost-effective material choice that delivers robust performance in a wide range of automotive applications.
Ideal Applications in Automotive Manufacturing
At ATD, we use galvanized steel for parts that demand strength and resistance to the elements. Common applications include:
- Door lock mechanisms
- Tailgate lifts
- Fuel system brackets
- NVH reduction components
- Heating & cooling system supports
These components require high precision and consistency — areas where ATD excels through our advanced stamping processes.
ATD’s Advanced Processes for Galvanized Steel Stamping
Preserving Coating Integrity During Stamping
One of the key challenges of galvanized steel stamping is maintaining the integrity of the zinc coating during manufacturing. The coating can be damaged during processes like blanking, embossing or bending, which can compromise its corrosion resistance.
ATD solves this through:
- Optimized Die Design: Minimizing coating damage with precise tooling.
- Mechanical Press Calibration: Adjusting press settings to ensure uniform pressure distribution.
- Specialized Techniques: Processes like coining and advanced sheet metal forming maintain coating durability while delivering tight tolerances.
Learn more about ATD’s engineering expertise.
Post-Stamping Treatments & Quality Assurance
To further improve corrosion resistance, ATD offers post-stamping treatments, including secondary coatings and heat treatments. These additional steps provide extra durability for components exposed to extreme environments.
Our IATF-certified quality processes ensure every part meets the highest standards for strength, precision and long-term performance.
The Benefits of Choosing ATD for Galvanized Steel Stamping
Lightweight, Durable Components
ATD’s galvanized steel stamping expertise enables us to produce lightweight components with exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, supporting the automotive industry’s goals for fuel efficiency and extended vehicle lifespan.
Technology-Driven Precision
Our use of advanced servo and mechanical presses allows us to stamp thinner components (≤ 2.5 mm) with precision. These capabilities enable consistent production of safety-critical parts like underbody brackets and NVH reduction components.
Application-Specific Expertise
We tailor our processes to meet the unique needs of each application, delivering parts that meet strict performance, safety and durability requirements. From design consultation to final production, we collaborate with customers to optimize their projects.
Read how we reduced production time & costs for an automotive manufacturer.
Why ATD Is the Trusted Partner for Automotive Manufacturers
Collaborative Design & Engineering
ATD works closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to select materials, refine component designs and identify cost-saving opportunities early in the process. This consultative approach results in efficient, reliable production.
IATF-Certified Processes
Our adherence to rigorous industry standards ensures high-quality, defect-free components for safety-critical applications.
Advanced Facility & Equipment
ATD’s state-of-the-art facility features cutting-edge stamping presses, metrology equipment and tooling capabilities. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality results at scale.
Driving Durability & Efficiency with Galvanized Steel Solutions
In today’s competitive automotive industry, the need for corrosion-resistant, lightweight components has never been greater. Galvanized steel offers the perfect combination of strength, durability and affordability, while ATD’s advanced stamping processes ensure every part meets the highest standards for quality and performance.
Ready to see how ATD can optimize your next project? Contact us today or request a quote.