Great Designs in Steel 2023 Presentations: A Closer Look - Toyota TNGA-F Full- Frame Platform

Eric Geng and Graeme Ackersviller from Toyota Manufacturing North America presented at Great Designs In Steel 2023. They highlighted the new generation TNGA-F full-frame platform in their Non-Linear Tailor Welded Blanks Application In Chassis Frame presentation.

The TNGA-F frame, found on new generation Tundra, Tacoma, and Sequoia, utilizes tailor welded blank (TWB) construction in high stress areas. Per Toyota, “Tailor Welded Blank: Multiple steel materials with different plate thicknesses, materials, surface treatments, etc. are welding joined, and then press-molded.” The TWB panels are used to provide lightweight frames without sacrificing strength or rigidity. The lightweighting is accomplished by replacing conventional standard thick plate reinforcements with the right material in the right place.

This new frame design provides new challenges for the collision repair industry. With a mix of HSS 590 MPa, HSS 780 MPa, and UHSS 980 MPa identifying where these materials are located and what repair considerations are needed. Toyota offers CRIBs #161, #57, and precautions in the service manual to help guide repair decisions. The 2022 Toyota Tundra frame offers repair instructions for the frame side rail plate (front bumper mounting bracket), cab and deck (pickup bed) mounting brackets.

The push for more efficient vehicles has progressed the design structure of a full-frame vehicle. Toyota is utilizing weight savings and new aerodynamics features to help achieve more efficient vehicles. Make sure to identify if the vehicle has a high-voltage battery and become familiar with all safety precautions necessary.

Always refer to Toyota/Lexus service information for the most up-to-date CRIB information.

To find out more check out the Non-Linear Tailor Welded Blanks Application In Chassis Frame

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