In recent years, the construction machinery market has experienced a continuous downturn, leading to a decline in sales volumes. As one of China's largest manufacturers of track-type bulldozers, Shantui has faced similar challenges. To reduce production costs and enhance economic benefits, a detailed analysis was conducted on the structural design and mechanical properties of bulldozers, leading to the selection of Q235B and Q345B materials. The goal was to find a cost-effective alternative without compromising structural integrity.
Q235B and Q345B are commonly used in bulldozer structures. While Q235B is a carbon steel with lower tensile strength, Q345B is a low-alloy structural steel with higher mechanical performance. By replacing some parts of Q235B with Q345B, it is possible to reduce material thickness while maintaining the same structural strength, thus lowering overall costs.
The chemical composition and mechanical properties of both materials were compared, as shown in Tables 1 and 2. Additionally, welding process tests were conducted under identical parameters to evaluate their performance. The results confirmed that both materials have good weldability, and the quality of the welds met the company’s standards (Q/STB12.606-2000).
In terms of material consumption, Table 3 illustrates the annual usage for 10,000 bulldozers. Based on this data, an economic analysis was carried out. Using Q345B instead of Q235B allows for a reduction in plate thickness, which directly affects cost savings. For example, a 10mm thick Q345B plate can replace a 14mm thick Q235B plate, resulting in significant material savings.
Table 5 provides a comparison of the prices of the two materials. With an annual production of 5,000 bulldozers, replacing half of the Q235B with Q345B could save approximately 3.87 million yuan annually, or about 775 yuan per bulldozer.
Based on the welding performance and cost analysis, several conclusions were drawn:
1. Replacing Q235B with Q345B requires adjustments in part dimensions, thickness, and welding processes.
2. Replacing half of the Q235B material with Q345B saves 775 yuan per bulldozer, totaling over 3.87 million yuan annually for 5,000 units.
3. It is recommended to prioritize Q345B in future product designs to achieve better cost efficiency while meeting structural requirements.
This approach not only improves economic performance but also supports sustainable development in the construction machinery industry.
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