Ferrous foundry group Grede Holdings LLC reported it has started a production program for lower leaf-spring support brackets for the Chevrolet Silverado, a critical structural element of the suspension system. The Chevy Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that General Motors Corp. introduced in 1998.
“The Chevrolet Silverado has long been the standard in dependability, durability, safety and performance, and the 2014 Silverado is sure to carry on the tradition that consumers have come to expect from GM,” stated Tony Lovell, Grede Holdings v.p. of Global Sales and Marketing.
Grede noted the parts are being produced in the ductile iron alloy called SiboDur®, which was developed by GF Automotive and offered under license by the U.S. foundry group.
Grede also indicated the parts are being manufactured at its plant in Reedsburg, WI.
SiboDur is described as “an ultra-high-strength ductile iron” with a chemical composition and production process engineered for use in safety–critical, high-stress, and high-torque applications where the performance requirements emphasize vehicle stability and safety.
When the Georg Fischer unit first introduced Sibodur in 2008 it indicated it had developed the alloy for cast iron crankshafts, but it added that it would be commercially viable for up to 50 other standard automotive parts.
“In the Silverado leaf-spring bracket application, SiboDur provides improved strength for greater stability and safety, and excellent ductility,” Lovell detailed. “It also enables excellent product design optimization capabilities given the higher mechanical strength properties versus competing materials that are cost prohibitive.”