Lightweighting is the No. 1 challenge facing automotive engineers today. Manufacturers are scrambling to build vehicles that contain a variety of weight-saving materials, such as aluminum, carbon-fiber composites, high-strength steel, magnesium and plastic.

APPLETON, WI—Voting is underway for the 2012 North American welding hero. The top three vote-getters among the 10 nominees will receive welding equipment and apparel from Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Voting ends July 31.