Project Overview

Project Overview
 

Steel Dynamics recently undertook a significant project to process and supply stainless steel for armoured vehicles commissioned by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). In collaboration with a key customer in the defence sector, we provided a tailored solution for processing free-issue steel plate material, ensuring that the material was cut and prepared to the precise dimensions required for use in military-grade vehicles. 

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The customer, a supplier to the MOD, provided free-issue materials that required specific processing for use in armoured vehicles. Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) armour-grade steel is known for its toughness and ability to withstand direct hits from high-velocity projectiles without cracking. It is often used in the hulls of armoured vehicles to offer a balance between protection, mobility and weight, ensuring the vehicle can withstand battlefield threats while remaining agile and maneuverable.

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​​​​For this project, Steel Dynamics used our advanced fibre-laser cutting technology to precisely cut the free-issue steel plates provided by the customer. Our fibre-laser machines are highly efficient and allow for clean, precise cuts, even on high-strength materials such as armoured-grade stainless steel. The laser cutting process ensured minimal distortion of the material, preserving its mechanical properties, which is a critical factor when dealing with materials used in defence applications.

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One of the key vehicles where the processed stainless steel is to be used is the AJAX Armoured Fighting Vehicle. The AJAX is one of the MOD’s newest armoured platforms, designed for reconnaissance and combat operations. The primary structure of the AJAX AFV includes armour-grade steel designed to provide protection against ballistic threats, such as small arms fire, armour-piercing rounds and shrapnel. The armour-grade steel is used in military vehicles due to their durability, hardness and ability to resist impact.

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Throughout the project, Steel Dynamics worked closely with the customer, ensuring a seamless integration of materials into our processing workflow. Our dedicated team and highly skilled technicians ensured that all specifications were met with meticulous care, understanding the critical role that these materials would play in protecting military personnel.

 

We maintained open lines of communication with the customer to confirm that all dimensions and technical requirements were met before cutting, ensuring that there were no errors or delays in the production process. Our in-house capabilities allowed us to manage the entire processing chain from material handling to final output, providing the customer with a fully integrated solution.

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The MOD and its suppliers demand the highest levels of precision, performance and reliability when it comes to materials used in defence applications. With this in mind, Steel Dynamics were proud to meet the challenge of processing free-issue stainless steel plates with the care and precision required for military-grade armoured vehicles.

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This case study demonstrates Steel Dynamics expertise in providing high-quality, processed stainless steel for critical applications in the defence industry. Our ability to offer tailored solutions, from free-issue material processing to advanced cutting and finishing, highlights the value we bring to customers operating in sectors where quality and precision are non-negotiable.