Extrication from Boron Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel

[JohnnyOV 2]

How has your department adapted to the use of Boron and ultra high strength steel in cars in regards to extrication techniques? Normal cutters will not cut through the metal primarily found in the top and bottom of the A and B post.

Has any department encountered extrications with cars made with these types of metals as well?

[ny10570 745]

Its not just in the headers and rockers anymore. Any place you have unusually thin steel structures you're probably facing one of these high density alloys. Some luxury cars are using these for the entire pillar. The new Mercedes CL coupe is 70% high strength steel alloys including a nearly invisible B pillar made of Mega high strength steel (sounds fake, but Mega high strength is the latest alloy).

I haven't been to any latest and greatest techniques lectures on a few years but it seems like tearing is still your best bet for defeating these alloys. Attack where they're welded to other components and alloys.

One instructor a few years ago promised plasma cutters would be standard equipment inside of 10 years. I'm starting to think he was right if only a few years off.