Improving the daily commute

Leslie McManus

Challenge

Passenger safety, durability and cost-efficiency were key considerations in construction of new streetcars in Krefeld, Germany.

Solution

Ferritic Outokumpu Moda stainless steel ensured strength with light weight, long service life and stable pricing.

Delivery

Steel grade: A total of 90 metric tonnes of Outokumpu Moda 410L/4003

Sleek, streamlined streetcars glide just above the pavement on the streets of Krefeld, Germany. Operated by SWK Mobil, the low-floor cars deliver improved comfort and modern design – both important considerations in a city where 65,000 people use streetcars every day. The fact that the streetcar bodies were built from stainless steel produced in Krefeld is equally important.

The 19 cars were manufactured and assembled by Bombardier in Aachen, their undercarriages were made in Siegen and their electrical systems were manufactured in Düsseldorf. In short, the futuristic, efficient streetcars are fully German-made.

 

Strong, light and formable

Based on Bombardier’s Flexity Outlook design, the Krefeld streetcars were built to exacting criteria in 2009. To ensure passenger safety, the car bodies had to be lightweight, but strong. And to protect SWK Mobil’s €45 million investment, long service life was essential.

A total of 90 metric tonnes of Outokumpu Moda 410L/4003 was used in the 19 cars’ sidewall frames, various articulated joints and front ends. Ferritic, Moda 410L/4003 offers elevated yield strength and abrasion resistance. For mobile structures with dynamic loads, joint fatigue performance is critically important; stainless steel excels in that area.

 

Contribution to lightweight designs

The versatility, excellent formability and durability of stainless steel make it the material of choice for an increasing number of manufacturers in the transportation sector. Even low-gauge sheet displays high strength and stiffness, and makes a major contribution to lightweight designs.

Because Moda 410L/4003 contains little nickel, it is less vulnerable to price volatility. And because stainless steel is fully recyclable, it is a sustainable solution.

Recommended products and insights

Automotive and transportation

In transportation, today’s solutions must be dynamic enough to carry us to the future. Safe, strong, economical, durable and sustainable: Stainless steel delivers a new dimension of unmatched performance.

Railway

For passenger, freight, metro or light rail transit and metro systems, stainless steel carries the load effortlessly. A wide variety of grades enhance safety, reduce weight and resist corrosion.

Krefeld, Germany

Outokumpu’s Krefeld mill produces flawless surface finishes made possible by highly advanced technology designed to optimize ferritic stainless steel production.

Sustainability

Stainless steel is a superb material for sustainable solutions as it is 100% recyclable, efficient and long-lasting. Our vision is to become the customers’ first choice in sustainable stainless steel.

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