At a critical stage of the automotive industry’s shift toward lightweighting, high safety, and low carbon, Hot-Formed Steel has become an essential solution for automakers to enhance product competitiveness, thanks to its advantages of “weight reduction, efficiency improvement, and enhanced safety.” According to QYResearch, the global high-strength steel market (yield strength ≥700 MPa) is projected to reach USD 7.299 billion in 2024 and USD 10.52 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2025 to 2031. In response to this trend, high-precision, high-efficiency, and flexible hot forming / press-hardening equipment is a key enabler for automakers to expand production capacity and accelerate product iteration.

HGTECH Full-Chain Smart Equipment System

Leveraging full-chain independent R&D capabilities, HGTECH has developed an intelligent equipment system covering “cutting—selective softening—mold repair,” forming three core product lines that provide end-to-end support from component processing to mold maintenance.

1. AUTOBOT Series 3D Laser Cutting Cells: High-Performance Solution for Hot-Formed Parts

The AUTOBOT series is deeply optimized for hot forming components and has iterated to version 2.5, widely deployed on mass production lines. The AUTOBOT3015, launched in 2017, provides a dedicated solution for hot-formed part cutting. In 2018, the SF4025 extended the cutting area to 4m × 2.5m, accommodating large and complex parts such as complete door rings.

Equipped with a gantry dual-drive structure and dual rotary worktables, the system achieves a maximum positioning speed of 170 m/min, with the rotary table completing a single displacement in just 2.5 seconds, supporting continuous 24/7 operation. Independently developed cutting heads feature unlimited rotation, integrated collision protection, automatic focusing, and vision inspection, enabling precise processing of A/B/C pillars, front and rear crash beams, longitudinal beams, and floor reinforcements made of Hot-Formed Steel.

2. Laser Selective Softening Cells: Precise Balance of Strength and Safety

To meet differentiated structural requirements—high strength in load-bearing areas and high energy absorption in collision zones—HGTECH developed laser selective softening equipment, enabling precise regional control of material properties. By treating crash energy-absorbing zones with specific-wavelength lasers, yield strength can be controlled between 500–1100 MPa, tensile strength 700–1400 MPa, and Vickers hardness 250–450 HV, maintaining overall stiffness while improving energy absorption. This provides automakers with a solution that balances lightweighting and safety.

3. Hot Stamping Mold Repair & Reinforcement Cells: Supporting Green Manufacturing

Molds are critical assets in hot forming / press-hardening production, with precision and lifespan directly affecting product consistency and costs. HGTECH’s laser mold repair and reinforcement equipment uses high-power lasers for localized precision cladding repair, with minimal heat-affected zones and controllable deformation, while enhancing wear and corrosion resistance. On-site repair reduces complete replacements, lowering material consumption and downtime, supporting sustainable manufacturing.

Key Technological Advantages

Efficiency: Compared with traditional molds or robotic cutting, laser cutting significantly reduces processing time. Version 2.5 optimizes motion control and process paths, boosting overall efficiency by ~20%, with critical components cut within 50 seconds per piece.

Precision & Quality: Non-contact laser processing eliminates mechanical stress, ensuring burr-free edges and consistent cross-section accuracy. Integrated vision systems and automatic TCP calibration maintain long-term reliability.

Flexibility & Cost Control: Supports rapid multi-model changeovers without retooling, with built-in process databases and fast programming for diverse part geometries and fixture setups. System structure and maintenance validated in mass production ensures controllable operating costs.

Safety: Fully enclosed safety interlocks and industrial light-curtain protection meet international safety standards, enabling high-throughput continuous operation.

Applications & Achievements

HGTECH hot forming equipment has been deployed at scale in PSA (Stellantis) Wuhan plant, Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory, and leading domestic automakers including BYD, Great Wall, Geely, SAIC, and FAW. Equipment is mainly applied to A/B/C pillars, front and rear crash beams, complete door rings, longitudinal beams, and floor reinforcements, focusing on high-precision cutting and trimming of ultra-high-strength steel above 1500 MPa.

The full-process laser solution enhances production rhythm, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves product consistency. Official data show that after implementing AUTOBOT 3D five-axis cutting and supporting solutions, overall line efficiency increased 30%+, core component processing time is ≤50 seconds, and 24/7 stable operation is achieved. Mold investment and maintenance costs are reduced, and new model iteration cycles are shortened. Processing accuracy reaches ±0.1 mm, with smooth, burr-free edges, supporting lightweight body design and compliance with safety regulations. Cumulative deliveries have exceeded 200 units, demonstrating proven maturity and reliability.

Conclusion: Driving Automotive Manufacturing Upgrades

HGTECH continues to focus on Hot-Formed Steel processing scenarios, providing automakers with stable, efficient, and scalable smart manufacturing solutions. From individual equipment to system integration, and from process implementation to long-term operational support, HGTECH continuously expands the application boundaries of hot forming / press-hardening technology. Looking ahead, the company will continue upgrading technologies and products to meet demands for lightweighting, electrification, and intelligence, co-creating high-quality development with global automotive manufacturing partners.