Press Hardened Steels

Press Hardened Steels

Introduction

Press hardening steels are typically carbon-manganese-boron alloyed steels. They are also commonly known as:

  • Press Hardening Steels (PHS)
  • Hot Press Forming Steels (HPF), a term more common in Asia
  • Boron Steel: although the name may also refer to other steels, in automotive industry boron steel is typically used for PHS
  • Hot Formed Steel (HF), a term more common in Europe.

The most common PHS grade is PHS1500. In Europe, this grade is commonly referred to as 22MnB5 or 1.5528. As received, it has ferritic-pearlitic microstructure and a yield strength between 300-600 MPa depending on the cold working. The tensile strength of as received steel can be expected to be between 450 and 750 MPa. Total elongation must be over a minimum of 12% (A80), but depending on coating type and thickness may well exceed 18% (A80), see Figure 1*. Thus, the grade can be cold formed to relatively complex geometries using certain methods and coatings. When hardened, it has a minimum yield strength of 950 MPa and tensile strength typically around 1300-1650 MPa, Figure 1.B-14  Some companies describe them with their yield and tensile strength levels, such as PHS950Y1500T. It is also common in Europe to see this steel as PHS950Y1300T, and thus aiming for a minimum tensile strength of 1300 MPa after quenching.

The PHS1500 name may also be used for the Zn-coated 20MnB8 or air hardenable 22MnSiB9-5 grades. The former is known as “direct forming with pre-cooling steel” and could be abbreviated as CR1500T-PS, PHS1500PS, PHSPS950Y1300T or similar. The latter grade is known as “multi-step hot forming steel” and could be abbreviated as, CR1500T-MS, PHS1500MS, PHSMS950Y1300T or similar.V-9

Figure 1: Stress-Strain Curves of PHS1500 before and after quenching* (re-created after Citations U-9, O-8, B-18).

Figure 1: Stress-Strain Curves of PHS1500 before and after quenching* (re-created after Citations U-9, O-8, B-18).

 

In the last decade, several steel makers introduced grades with higher carbon levels, leading to a tensile strength between 1800 MPa and 2000 MPa.  Hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) and weldability limit applications of PHS1800, PHS1900 and PHS2000, with studies underway to develop practices which minimize or eliminate these limitations.

 

Lastly, there are higher energy absorbing, lower strength grades, which have improved ductility and bendability. These fall into two main groups: Press Quenched Steels (PQS) with approximate tensile strength levels of 450 MPa and 550 MPa (noted as PQS450 and PQS550 in Figure 2) and higher ductility PHS grades with approximate tensile strength levels of 1000 and 1200 MPa (shown as PHS1000 and PHS1200 in Figure 2).

Apart from these grades, other grades are suitable for press hardening. Several research groups and steel makers have offered special stainless-steel grades and recently developed Medium-Mn steels for hot stamping purposes. Also, one steel maker in Europe has developed a sandwich material by cladding PHS1500 with thin PQS450 layers on both sides.

Figure 2: Stress-strain curves of several PQS and PHS grades used in automotive industry, after hot stamping for full hardening* (re-created after Citations B-18, L-28, Z-7, Y-12, W-28, F-19, G-30).

 

PHS Grades with Tensile Strength Approximately 1500 MPa

Hot stamping as we know it today was developed in 1970s in Sweden. The most used steel since then has been 22MnB5 with slight modifications. 22MnB5 means, approximately 0.22 wt-% C, approximately (5/4) = 1.25% wt-% Mn, and B alloying.

The automotive use of this steel started in 1984 with door beams. Until 2001, the automotive use of hot stamped components was limited to door and bumper beams, made from uncoated 22MnB5, in the fully hardened condition. By the end of the 1990s, Type 1 aluminized coating was developed to address scale formation. Since then, 22MnB5 + AlSi coating has been used extensively.B-14

Although some steel makers claim 22MnB5 as a standard material, it is not listed in any international or regional (i.e., European, Asian, or American) standard. Only a similar 20MnB5 is listed in EN 10083-3.T-26, E-3  The acceptable range of chemical composition for 22MnB5 is given in Table 1.S-64, V-9

Table 1: Chemical composition limits for 22MnB5 (listed in wt.%).S-64, V-9

Table 1: Chemical composition limits for 22MnB5 (listed in wt.%).S-64, V-9

 

VDA239-500, a draft material recommendation from Verband Der Automotbilindustrie E.V. (VDA), is an attempt to further standardize hot stamping materials. The document has not been published as of early 2021. According to this draft standard, 22MnB5 may be delivered coated or uncoated, hot or cold rolled. Depending on these parameters, as-delivered mechanical properties may differ significantly. Steels for the indirect process, for example, has to have a higher elongation to ensure cold formability.V-9 Figure 1 shows generic stress-strain curves, which may vary significantly depending on the coating and selected press hardening process.

For 22MnB5 to reach its high strength after quenching, it must be austenitized first. During heating, ferrite begins to transform to austenite at “lower transformation temperature” known as Ac1. The temperature at which the ferrite-to-austenite transformation is complete is called “upper transformation temperature,” abbreviated as Ac3. Both Ac1 and Ac3 are dependent on the heating rate and the exact chemical composition of the alloy in question. The upper transformation temperature for 22MnB5 is approximately 835-890 °C.D-21, H-30Austenite transforms to other microstructures as the steel is cooled. The microstructures produced from this transformation depends on the cooling rate, as seen in the continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) curve in Figure 3. Achieving the “fully hardened” condition in PHS grades requires an almost fully martensitic microstructure. Avoiding transformation to other phases requires cooling rates exceeding a minimum threshold, called the “critical cooling rate,” which for 22MnB5 is 27 °C/s. For energy absorbing applications, there are also tailored parts with “soft zones”. In these soft zones, areas of interest will be intentionally made with other microstructures to ensure higher energy absorption.B-14

Figure 3: Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) curve for 22MnB5 (Published in Citation B-19, re-created after Citations M-25, V-10).

Figure 3: Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) curve for 22MnB5 (Published in Citation B-19, re-created after Citations M-25, V-10).

 

Once the parts are hot stamped and quenched over the critical cooling rate, they typically have a yield strength of 950-1200 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength between 1300 and 1700 MPa. Their hardness level is typically between 470 and 510 HV, depending on the testing methods.B-14

Once automotive parts are stamped, they are then joined to the car body in body shop. The fully assembled body known as the Body-in-White (BIW) with doors and closures, is then moved to the paint shop. Once the car is coated and painted, the BIW passes through a furnace to cure the paint. The time and temperature for this operation is called the paint bake cycle. Although the temperature and duration may be different from plant to plant, it is typically close to 170 °C for 20 minutes. Most automotive body components made from cold or hot formed steels and some aluminum grades may experience an increase in their yield strength after paint baking.

In Figure 4, press hardened 22MnB5 is shown in the red curve. In this particular example, the proof strength was found to be approximately 1180 MPa. After processing through the standard 170 °C – 20 minutes bake hardening cycle, the proof strength increases to 1280 MPa (shown in the black curve).B-18  Most studies show a bake hardening increase of 100 MPa or more with press hardened 22MnB5 in industrial conditions.B-18, J-17, C-17

Figure 4: Bake hardening effect on press hardened 22MnB5. BH0 is shown since there is no cold deformation pre-strain. (re-created after Citation B-18).

Figure 4: Bake hardening effect on press hardened 22MnB5. BH0 is shown since there is no cold deformation pre-strain. (re-created after Citation B-18).

 

There are two modified versions of the 22MnB5 recently offered by several steel makers: 20MnB8 and 22MnSiB9-5. Both grades have higher Mn and Si compared to 22MnB5, as shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Chemical compositions of PHS grades with 1500 MPa tensile strength (all listed in wt.%).V-9

Table 2: Chemical compositions of PHS grades with 1500 MPa tensile strength (all listed in wt.%).V-9

 

Both of these relatively recent grades are designed for Zn-based coatings and are designed for different process routes. For these reasons, many existing hot stamping lines would require some modifications to accommodate these grades.

20MnB8 has been designed for a “direct process with pre-cooling”. The main idea is to solidify the Zn coating before forming, eliminating the possibility that liquid zine fills in the micro-cracks on the formed base metal surface, which in turn eliminates the risk of Liquid Metal Embrittlement (LME). The chemistry is modified such that the phase transformations occur later than 22MnB5. The critical cooling rate of 20MnB8 is approximately 10 °C/s. This allows the part to be transferred from the pre-cooling stage to the forming die. As press hardened, the material has approximately 1000-1050 MPa yield strength and 1500 MPa tensile strength. Once bake hardened (170 °C, 20 minutes), yield strength may exceed 1100 MPa.K-22  This steel may be referred to as PHS950Y1300T-PS (Press Hardening Steel with minimum 950 MPa yield, minimum 1300 MPa tensile strength, for Pre-cooled Stamping).

22MnSiB9-5 has been developed for a transfer press process, named as “multi-step”. As quenched, the material has similar mechanical properties with 22MnB5 (Figure 5). As of 2020, there is at least one automotive part mass produced with this technology and is applied to a compact car in Germany.G-27  Although the critical cooling rate is listed as 5 °C/s, even at a cooling rate of 1 °C/s, hardness over 450HV can be achieved, as shown in Figure 6.H-27  This allows the material to be “air-hardenable” and thus, can handle a transfer press operation (hence the name multi-step) in a servo press. This material is also available with Zn coating.B-15  This steel may be referred to as PHS950Y1300T-MS (Press Hardening Steel with minimum 950 MPa yield, minimum 1300 MPa tensile strength, for Multi-Step process).

Figure 5: Engineering stress-strain curves of 1500 MPa level grades (re-created after Citations B-18, G-29, K-22)

Figure 5: Engineering stress-strain curves of 1500 MPa level grades (re-created after Citations B-18, G-29, K-22)

 

Figure 6: Critical cooling rates of 1500 MPa level press hardening steels (re-created after Citations K-22, H-31, H-27)

Figure 6: Critical cooling rates of 1500 MPa level press hardening steels (re-created after Citations K-22, H-31, H-27)

 

 

Grades with Higher Ductility

Press hardened parts are extremely strong, but cannot absorb much energy. Thus, they are mostly used where intrusion resistance is required. However, newer materials for hot stamping have been developed which have higher elongation (ductility) compared to the most common 22MnB5. These materials can be used in parts where energy absorption is required. These higher energy absorbing, lower strength grades fall into two groups, as shown in Figure 7. Those at the lower strength level are commonly referred to as “Press Quenched Steels” (PQS). The products having higher strength in Figure 7 are press hardening steels since they contain boron and do increase in strength from the quenching operation. The properties listed are after the hot stamping process.

  • 450–600 MPa tensile strength level and >15% total elongation, listed as PQS450 and PQS550.
  • 1000–1300 MPa tensile strength level and >5% total elongation, listed as PHS1000 and PHS1200.
Figure 8: Stress-strain curves of several PQS and PHS grades used in automotive industry, after hot stamping for full hardening* (re-created after Citations B-18, Y-12).

Figure 7: Stress-strain curves of several PQS and PHS grades used in automotive industry, after hot stamping for full hardening* (re-created after Citations B-18, Y-12).

 

Currently none of these grades are standardized. Most steel producers have their own nomination and standard, as summarized in Table 3. There is a working document by German Association of Automotive Industry (Verband der Automobilindustrie, VDA), which only specifies one of the PQS grades. In the draft standard, VDA239-500, PQS450 is listed as CR500T-LA (Cold Rolled, 500 MPa Tensile strength, Low Alloyed). Similarly, PQS550 is listed as CR600T-LA.V-9  Some OEMs may prefer to name these grades with respect to their yield and tensile strength together, as listed in Table 3.

Table 3: Summary of Higher Ductility grades. The terminology descriptions are not standardized. Higher Ductility grade names are based on their properties and terminology is derived from a possible chemistry or OEM description. The properties listed here encompass those presented in multiple sources and may or may not be associated with any one specific commercial grade.Y-12, T-28, G-32

Table 3: Summary of Higher Ductility grades. The terminology descriptions are not standardized. Higher Ductility grade names are based on their properties and terminology is derived from a possible chemistry or OEM description. The properties listed here encompass those presented in multiple sources and may or may not be associated with any one specific commercial grade.Y-12, T-28, G-32

 

PQS grades have been under development at least since 2002. In the earliest studies, PQS 1200 was planned.R-11  Between 2007 and 2009, three new cars were introduced in Europe, having improved “energy absorbing” capacity in their hot stamped components. VW Tiguan (2007-2016) and Audi A5 Sportback (2009-2016) had soft zones in their B-pillars (Figure 8B and C). Intentionally reducing the cooling rate in these soft zone areas produces microstructures having higher elongations. In the Audi A4 (2008-2016) a total of three laser welded tailored blanks were hot stamped. The soft areas of the A4 B-pillars were made of HX340LAD+AS (HSLA steel, with AlSi coating, as delivered, min yield strength = 340 MPa, tensile strength = 410-510 MPa) as shown in Figure 8A. After the hot stamping process, HX340LAD likely had a tensile strength between 490 and 560 MPaS-65, H-32, B-20, D-22, putting it in the range of PQS450 (see Table 3). Note that there were not the only cars to have tailored hot stamped components during that time.

Figure 2: Earliest energy absorbing hot stamped B-pillars: (a) Audi A4 (2008-2016) had a tailor-welded blank with HSLA material; (b) VW Tiguan (2007-2015) and (c) Audi A5 Sportback (2009-2016) had soft zones in their B-pillars (re-created after Citations H-32, B-20, D-22).

Figure 8: Earliest energy absorbing hot stamped B-pillars: (A) Audi A4 (2008-2016) had a laser welded tailored blank with HSLA material; (B) VW Tiguan (2007-2015) and (C) Audi A5 Sportback (2009-2016) had soft zones in their B-pillars (re-created after Citations H-32, B-20, D-22).

 

A 2012 studyK-25 showed that a laser welded tailored B-Pillar with 340 MPa yield strength HSLA and 22MnB5 had the best energy absorbing capacity in drop tower tests, compared to a tailored (part with a ductile soft-zone) or a monolithic part, Figure 9. As HSLA is not designed for hot stamping, most HSLA grades may have very high scatter in the final properties after hot stamping depending on the local cooling rate. Although the overall part may be cooled at an average 40 to 60 °C/s, at local spots the cooling rate may be over 80 °C/s. PQS grades are developed to have stable mechanical properties after a conventional hot stamping process, in which high local cooling rates may be possible.M-26, G-31, T-27 

Figure 9: Energy absorbing capacity of B-pillars increase significantly with soft zones or laser welded tailored blank with ductile material (re-created after Citation K-25).

Figure 9: Energy absorbing capacity of B-pillars increase significantly with soft zones or laser welded tailored blank with ductile material (re-created after Citation K-25).

 

PQS grades have been in use at latest since 2014. One of the earliest cars to announce using PQS450 was VolvoXC90. There are six components (three right + three left), tailor welded blanks with PQS450, as shown Figure 10.L-29 Since then, many carmakers started to use PQS450 or PQS550 in their car bodies. These include:

  1. Fiat 500X: Patchwork supported, laser welded tailored rear side member with PQS450 in crush zonesD-23,
  2. Fiat Tipo (Hatchback and Station Wagon versions): similar rear side member with PQS450B-14,
  3. Renault Scenic 3: laser welded tailored B-pillar with PQS550 in the lower sectionF-19,
  4. Chrysler Pacifica: five-piece front door ring with PQS550 in the lower section of the B-Pillar areaT-29, and
  5. Chrysler Ram: six-piece front door ring with PQS550 in the lower section of the B-Pillar area.R-3
Figure 4: Use of tailor welded PQS-PHS grades in 2nd generation Volvo XC90 (re-created after Citation L-29).

Figure 10: Use of laser welded tailored PQS-PHS grades in 2nd generation Volvo XC90 (re-created after Citation L-29).

 

Several car makers use PQS grades to facilitate joining of components. The B-Pillar of the Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV is made of PQS450, with a PHS1500 patch that is spot welded before hot stamping, creating the patchwork blank shown in Figure 11A.B-21  Early PQS applications involved a laser welded tailored blank with PHS 1500. Since 2014, Mercedes hot stamped PQS550 blanks not combined with PHS1500. Figure 11B shows such components on the Mercedes C-Class.K-26

Figure 5: Recent PQS applications: (a) 2018 Jaguar I-PACE uses a patchwork B-pillar with PQS450 master blank and PHS1500 patchB-21, (b) 2014 Mercedes C-Class has a number of PQS550 components that are not tailor welded to PHS1500.K-26

Figure 11: Recent PQS applications: (a) 2018 Jaguar I-PACE uses a patchwork B-pillar with PQS450 master blank and PHS1500 patchB-21, (b) 2014 Mercedes C-Class has a number of PQS550 components that are not laser welded to PHS1500.K-26 

 

 

PHS Grades over 1500 MPa

The most commonly used press hardening steels have 1500 MPa tensile strength, but are not the only optionsR-11, with 4 levels between 1700 and 2000 MPa tensile strength available or in development as shown in Figure 12. Hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) and weldability problems limit widespread use in automotive applications, with studies underway to develop practices which minimize or eliminate these limitations.

Figure 1: PHS grades over 1500 MPa tensile strength, compared with the common PHS1500 (re-created after Citations B-18, W-28, Z-7, L-30, L-28, B-14).

Figure 12: PHS grades over 1500 MPa tensile strength, compared with the common PHS1500 (re-created after Citations B-18, W-28, Z-7, L-30, L-28, B-14).

 

Mazda Motor Corporation was the first vehicle manufacturer to use higher strength boron steels, with the 2011 CX-5 using 1,800MPa tensile strength reinforcements in front and rear bumpers, Figure 13. According to Mazda, the new material saved 4.8 kg per vehicle. The chemistry of the steel is Nb modified 30MnB5.H-33, M-28  Figure 14 shows the comparison of bumper beams with PHS1500 and PHS1800. With the higher strength material, it was possible to save 12.5% weight with equal performance.H-33

Figure 14: Bumper beam reinforcements of Mazda CX-5 (SOP 2011) are the first automotive applications of higher strength boron steels.M-28

Figure 13: Bumper beam reinforcements of Mazda CX-5 (SOP 2011) are the first automotive applications of higher strength boron steels.M-28

 

Figure 15: Performance comparison of bumper beams with PHS1500 and PHS1800.H-33

Figure 14: Performance comparison of bumper beams with PHS1500 and PHS1800.H-33

PHS 1800 is used in the 2022 Genesis Electrified G80 (G80EV) and the new G90, both from Hyundai Motor. A specialized method lowering the heating furnace temperature by more than 50℃ limits the penetration of hydrogen into the blanks, minimizing the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. L-64.

MBW 1900 is the commercial name for a press hardening steel with 1900 MPa tensile strength. An MBW 1900 B-pillar with correct properties can save 22% weight compared to DP 600 and yet may cost 9% less than the original Dual-Phase design.H-34   Ford had also demonstrated that by using MBW 1900 instead of PHS 1500, a further 15% weight could be saved.L-30  Since 2019, VW’s electric vehicle ID.3 has two seat crossbeams made of MBW 1900 steel, as seen in Figure 15.L-31  The components are part of MEB platform (Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten – modular electric-drive toolkit) and may be used in other VW Group EVs.

Figure 4: Underbody of VW ID3 (part of MEB platform).L-31

Figure 15: Underbody of VW ID3 (part of MEB platform).L-31

 

USIBOR 2000 is the commercial name given to a steel grade similar to 37MnB4 with an AlSi coating. Final properties are expected only after paint baking cycle, and the parts made with this grade may be brittle before paint bake.B-32  In June 2020, Chinese Great Wall Motors started using USIBOR 2000 in the Haval H6 SUV.V-12

HPF 2000, another commercial name, is used in a number of component-based examples, and also in the Renault EOLAB concept car.L-28, R-12  An 1800 MPa grade is under development.P-22  Docol PHS 1800, a commercial grade approximating 30MnB5, has been in production, with Docol PHS 2000 in development.S-66  PHS-Ultraform 2000, a commercial name for a Zn (GI) coated blank, is suited for the indirect process.V-11

General Motors China, together with several still mills across the country, have developed two new PHS grades: PHS 1700 (20MnCr) and PHS2000 (34MnBV). 20MnCr uses Cr alloying to improve hardenability and oxidation resistance. This grade can be hot formed without a coating. The furnace has to be conditioned with N2 gas. The final part has high corrosion resistance, approximately 9% total elongation (see Figure 12) and high bendability (see Table 4). 34MnBV on the other hand, has a thin AlSi coating (20g/m2 on each side). Compared with the typical thickness of AlSi coatings, thinner coatings are preferred for bendability (see Table 5).W-28  More information about these oxidation resistant PHS grades, as well as a 1200 MPa version intended for applications benefiting from enhanced crash energy absorption, can be found in Citation L-60.

Table 4: Chemical compositions of higher strength PHS grades. “0” means it is known that there is no alloying element, while “-” means there is no information. “~” is used for typical values; otherwise, minimum or maximum are given. The terminology descriptions are not standardized. PQS names are based on their properties and grade names are derived from a possible chemistry or OEM description. The properties listed here encompass those presented in multiple sources and may or may not be associated with any one specific commercial grade.W-28, B-32, H-33, G-33, L-28, S-67, S-66, Y-12, B-33

Table 4: Chemical compositions of higher strength PHS grades. “0” means it is known that there is no alloying element, while “-” means there is no information. “~” is used for typical values; otherwise, minimum or maximum are given. The terminology descriptions are not standardized. PQS names are based on their properties and grade names are derived from a possible chemistry or OEM description. The properties listed here encompass those presented in multiple sources and may or may not be associated with any one specific commercial grade.W-28, B-32, H-33, G-33, L-28, S-67, S-66, Y-12, B-33

 

Table 5: Mechanical properties of higher strength PHS grades. “~” is used for typical values; otherwise, minimum or maximum are given. Superscript PB means after paint bake cycle. The terminology descriptions are not standardized. PQS names are based on their properties and grade names are derived from a possible chemistry or OEM description. The properties listed here encompass those presented in multiple sources and may or may not be associated with any one specific commercial grade.W-28, B-32, H-33, G-33, L-28, S-67, S-66, Y-12

Table 5: Mechanical properties of higher strength PHS grades. “~” is used for typical values; otherwise, minimum or maximum are given. Superscript PB means after paint bake cycle. The terminology descriptions are not standardized. PQS names are based on their properties and grade names are derived from a possible chemistry or OEM description. The properties listed here encompass those presented in multiple sources and may or may not be associated with any one specific commercial grade.W-28, B-32, H-33, G-33, L-28, S-67, S-66, Y-12

 

Other Steels for Press Hardening Process

In recent years, many new steel grades are under evaluation for use with the press hardening process. Few, if any, have reached mass production, and are instead in the research and development phase. These grades include:

  1. Stainless steels
  2. Medium-Mn steels
  3. Composite steels

 

Stainless Steels

Studies of press hardening of stainless steels primarily focus on martensitic grades (i.e., AISI SS400 series).M-36, H-42, B-40, M-37, F-30  As seen in Figure 16, martensitic stainless steels may have higher formability at elevated temperatures, compared to PHS1500 (22MnB5). Other advantages of stainless steels are:

  1. better corrosion resistanceM-37,
  2. potentially higher heating rates (i.e., induction heating) F-30,
  3. possibility of air hardening – allowing the multi-step process — as seen in Figure 17a H-42,
  4. high cold formability – allowing indirect process – as seen in Figure 17b.M-37

Disadvantages include (a) higher material cost, and (b) higher furnace temperature (up to around 1050-1150 °C).M-37, F-30  As of 2020, there are two commercially available stainless steel grades specifically developed for press hardening process.

Figure 16: Tensile strength and total elongation variation with temperature of (a) PHS1500 = 22MnB5M-38 and (b) martensitic stainless steel.M-36

Figure 16: Tensile strength and total elongation variation with temperature of (a) PHS1500 = 22MnB5M-38 and (b) martensitic stainless steel.M-36

Figure 17: (a) Critical cooling rate comparison of 22MnB5 and AISI SS410 (re-created after Citation H-42), (b) Room temperature forming limit curve comparison of DP600 and modified AISI SS410 (re-created after Citation M-37).

Figure 17: (a) Critical cooling rate comparison of 22MnB5 and AISI SS410 (re-created after Citation H-42), (b) Room temperature forming limit curve comparison of DP600 and modified AISI SS410 (re-created after Citation M-37).

 

Final mechanical properties of stainless steels after press hardening process are typically superior to 22MnB5, in terms of elongation and energy absorbing capacity. Figure 18 illustrates engineering stress-strain curves of the commercially available grades (1.6065 and 1.4064), and compares them with the 22MnB5 and a duplex stainless steel (Austenite + Martensite after press hardening). These grades may also have bake hardening effect, abbreviated as BH0, as there will be no cold deformation.B-40, M-37, F-30

Figure 18: Engineering Stress-Strain curves of press hardened stainless steels, compared with 22MnB5 (re-created after Citations B-40, M-37, F-30, B-41).

Figure 18: Engineering Stress-Strain curves of press hardened stainless steels, compared with 22MnB5 (re-created after Citations B-40, M-37, F-30, B-41).

 

Table 6: Summary of mechanical properties of press hardenable stainless steel grades. Typical values are indicated with “~”. (Table generated from Citations B-40, M-37, F-30.)

Table 6: Summary of mechanical properties of press hardenable stainless steel grades. Typical values are indicated with “~”. (Table generated from Citations B-40, M-37, F-30.)

 

Medium-Mn Steels

Medium-Mn steels typically contain 3 to 12 weight-% manganese alloying.D-27, H-30, S-80, R-16, K-35  Although these steels were originally designed for cold stamping applications, there are numerous studies related to using them in the press hardening process as well.H-30  Several advantages of medium-Mn steels in press hardening are:

  1. Austenitization temperature may be significantly lower than compared to 22MnB5, as indicated in Figure 19.H-30, S-80  Thus, using medium-Mn steels may save energy in heating process.M-39 Lower heating temperature may also help reducing the liquid-metal embrittlement risk of Zn-coated blanks. It also may reduce oxidation and decarburization of uncoated blanks.S-80
  2. Martensitic transformation can occur at low cooling rates. Simpler dies could be used with less or no cooling channels. In some grades, air hardening may be possible. Thus, multi-step process could be employed.S-80, B-14
  3. Some retained austenite may be present at the final part, which can enhance the elongation, through the TRIP effect. This, in turn, improves toughness significantly.S-80, B-14
Figure 19: Effect of Mn content on equilibrium transformation temperatures (re-created after Citations H-30, B-14)

Figure 19: Effect of Mn content on equilibrium transformation temperatures (re-created after Citations H-30, B-14)

 

The change in transformation temperatures with Mn-alloying was calculated using ThermoCalc software.H-30  As seen in Figure 19, as Mn alloying is increased, austenitization temperatures are lowered.H-30 For typical 22MnB5 stamping containing 1.1 to 1.5 % Mn, furnace temperature is typically set at 930 °C in mass production. The multi-step material 22MnSiB9-5 has slightly higher Mn levels (2.0 to 2.4 %), so the furnace temperature could be reduced to 890 °C. As also indicated in Table 7, the furnace temperature could be further lowered in hot forming of medium-Mn steels.

A study in the EU showed that if the maximum furnace temperature is 930 °C, which is common for 22MnB5, natural gas consumption will be around 32 m3/hr. In the study, two new medium-Mn steels were developed, one with 3 wt.% Mn and the other with 5 wt% Mn. These grades had lower austenitization temperature, and the maximum furnace set temperature could be reduced to 808 °C and 785 °C, respectively. Experimental data shows that at 808 °C natural gas consumption was reduced to 19 m3/hr, and at 785 °C to 17 m3/hr.M-39  In Figure 20, experimental data is plotted with a curve fit. Based on this model, it was estimated that by using 22MnSiB9-5, furnace gas consumption may be reduced by 15%.

Figure 20: Effect of maximum furnace set temperature (at the highest temperature furnace zone) on natural gas consumption (raw data from Citation M-39)

Figure 20: Effect of maximum furnace set temperature (at the highest temperature furnace zone) on natural gas consumption (raw data from Citation M-39)

 

Lower heating temperature of medium-Mn steels may also help reducing the liquid-metal embrittlement risk of Zn-coated blanks. It also may reduce oxidation and decarburization of uncoated blanks.S-80

Medium-Mn steels may have high yield-point elongation (YPE), with reports of more than 5% after hot stamping. Mechanical properties may be sensitive to small changes in temperature profile. As seen in Figure 21, all studies with medium-Mn steel have a unique stress-strain curve after press hardening. This can be explained by:

  1. differences in the chemistry,
  2. thermomechanical history of the sheet prior to hot stamping,
  3. heating rate, heating temperature and soaking time, and
  4. cooling rate.S-80
Figure 21: Engineering Stress-Strain curves of several press hardened medium-Mn steels, compared with 22MnB5. See Table 7 for an explanation of each tested material (re-created after Citations S-80, L-37, W-30, L-38).

Figure 21: Engineering Stress-Strain curves of several press hardened medium-Mn steels, compared with 22MnB5. See Table 7 for an explanation of each tested material (re-created after Citations S-80,L-37, W-30, L-38).

Table 7: Summary of mechanical properties of press hardenable Medium-Mn grades shown in Figure 18. Typical values are indicated with “~”. Toughness is calculated as the area under the engineering stress-strain curve. Items 4 and 5 also were annealed at different temperatures and therefore have different thermomechanical history. Note that these grades are not commercially available. Citations: L-38, W-30, L-37, S-80

Table 7: Summary of mechanical properties of press hardenable Medium-Mn grades shown in Figure 18. Typical values are indicated with “~”. Toughness is calculated as the area under the engineering stress-strain curve. Items 4 and 5 also were annealed at different temperatures and therefore have different thermomechanical history. Note that these grades are not commercially available.L-38, W-30, L-37, S-80

 

Composite Steels

TriBond ® is the name given to a family of steel composites.T-32 Here, three slabs (one core material (60 to 80% of the thickness) and two cladding layers) are surface prepared, stacked on top of each other, and welded around the edges. The stack is hot rolled to thickness. Cold rolling could also be applied. Initially, TriBond ® was designed for wear-resistant cladding and ductile core materials.

The original design was optimized for hot stamping.B-14 The core material, where bending strains are lower than the outer layers, is made from generic 22MnB5 (PHS1500). Outer layers are made with PQS450. The stack is cold rolled, annealed and AlSi coated.Z-9 Two grades are developed, differing by the thickness distribution between the layers, as shown in Figure 22.R-14

Figure 22: Sample microsections of the conventional hot stamping grade PHS1500+AS, the high strength composite Tribond® 1400 and the high energy absorbing composite Tribond® 1200. The Tribond® 1200 microsection is experimental and is taken from Citation R-14. The other two images are renditions created by the author for explanation purposes. (re-created after Citations R-14, R-15)

Figure 22: Sample microsections of the conventional hot stamping grade PHS1500+AS, the high strength composite Tribond® 1400 and the high energy absorbing composite Tribond® 1200. The Tribond® 1200 microsection is experimental and is taken from Citation R-14. The other two images are renditions created by the author for explanation purposes. (re-created after Citations R-14, R-15)

 

Total elongation of the composite steel is not improved, compared to PHS1500, as shown in Figure 23. The main advantage of the composite steels is their higher bendability, as seen in Table 8. Crashboxes, front and rear rails, seat crossmembers and similar components experience axial crush loading in the event of a crash. In axial crush, Tribond® 1200 saved 15% weight compared to DP780 (CR440Y780T-DP). The bending loading mode effects B-pillars, bumper beams, rocker (sill) reinforcements, side impact door beams, and similar components during a crash. In this bending mode, Tribond® 1400 saved 8 to 10% weight compared to regular PHS1500. Lightweighting cost with Tribond® 1400 was calculated as €1.50/kgsaved.G-37, P-26

Figure 23: Engineering Stress-Strain curves of core layer, outer layer and the composite steel (re-created after Citation P-26).

Figure 23: Engineering Stress-Strain curves of core layer, outer layer and the composite steel (re-created after Citation P-26).

 

Table 8: Summary of composite steels and comparison with conventional PHS and PQS grades. Typical values are indicated with “~”. (Table re-created after Citation B-14).

Table 8: Summary of composite steels and comparison with conventional PHS and PQS grades. Typical values are indicated with “~”. (Table re-created after Citation B-14).

 

* Graphs in this article are for information purposes only. Production materials may have different curves. Consult the Certified Mill Test Report and/or characterize your current material with an appropriate test (such as a tensile, bending, hole expansion, or crash test) test to get the material data pertaining to your current stock.

For more information on Press Hardened Steels, see these pages:

 

 

eren billur, PhD Thanks are given to Eren Billur, Ph.D., Billur MetalForm, who contributed this article.

 

 

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PHS Production Methods

PHS Production Methods

In its simplest explanation hot stamping consists of five operations: (1) blanking (or cutting-to-length), (2) forming, (3) heating, (4) cooling (quenching) and (5) trimming/piercing. Each process route listed below has a distinct order or type of these operations.

In most sources, hot stamping is explained with only two processes: Direct hot stamping (also known as Press Hardening) and indirect hot stamping (also known as Form Hardening). While this used to be accurate, there are currently at least 10 processes for part manufacturing:

  1. Direct Process (Blanking > Heating > Forming > Quenching > Trimming)
  2. Indirect Process (Blanking > Forming & Trimming > Heating > Quenching > Trimming)
  3. Hybrid Process (Blanking > 1st Forming > Heating > 2nd Forming > Quenching > Trimming)
  4. Pre-cooled Direct Process (Blanking > Heating > Pre-cooling > Forming > Quenching > Trimming)
  5. Multi-Step Process (Blanking > Heating > Pre-cooling > Forming and Trimming > Air Quenching)
  6. Form Fixture Hardening (Roll Forming > Cut-to-length > Heating > Bending forming > Quenching > Trimming / piercing)
  7. Roll Form PHS (Roll Forming > Heating > Quenching > Cut-to-length > Trimming & piercing)
  8. Form Blow Hardening / Hot gas metal forming (Cut-to-length tube or roll formed / welded profile > Heating > Pressure forming > Quenching > Piercing)
  9. 3DQ (Cut-to-length tube > Local induction heating > 3-D Bending > Direct Water Quenching > Piercing)
  10. STAF (Cut-to-length tube > Cold preforming > Heating > Pressure Forming > Quenching > Piercing)

The video below explains some of these processes and how they are employed at Gestamp Automoción. Here, Paul Belanger, Director of Gestamp’s North American R&D Center, was interviewed by Kate Bachman, the Editor of STAMPING Journal®. Thanks are given to Paul and Kate, as well as FMA, Fabricators & Manufacturers Association®, for permission to reproduce this video.

 

 

Direct Process

The most common process route in hot stamping is still the direct process (also known as press hardening).D-20 Here, previously cut blanks are heated typically in a roller hearth or a multi-chamber furnace to over 900 °C to create a fully austenitic microstructure. Depending on the material handling system, transfer from the furnace to the press may take up 6 to 10 seconds.B-14  During this time, the blank may cool down to 700 °C.G-24 Forming is done immediately after the blanks are transferred on the die, and should be completed before the blank cools below 420 °C.G-24, K-18 The blanks are formed in hot condition (state  in Figure 1), and quenched in the same die to achieve the required properties. For 22MnB5 steel, if the quenching rate is over 27 °C/s, the part will transform to almost 100% martensite. For productivity purposes, higher cooling rates are often realized.K-18 Typical cycle times for a direct process with the 22MnB5 chemistry could be between 10 and 20 seconds, depending on the thickness.B-14 Global R&D efforts target improvements in cycle time.

The process is typically used for bare/uncoated steels or AlSi coated steels. Zn coated blanks are not suitable for direct process, as pure Zn melts around 420 °C and GA (Zn-Fe) coatings around 530-780 °C. (see Figure 3)G-25 If forming is done with liquid Zn over the blank, microcracks may fill with Zn and lower the fatigue strength of the final part significantly.K-20 A recently developed alloy minimizes these concerns, as explained in the “Pre-cooled Direct Process” section below.

Figure 1: Summary of hot stamping processes. In direct process forming is done at state (1), in indirect process at (2) B-14

Figure 1: Summary of hot stamping processes. In direct process forming is done at state , in indirect process at B-14

 

Typical Al-Si coatings prevent scale formation and decarburization at elevated temperatures. The aluminum-rich coating contains 7% to 11 wt.% Si, and acts as a barrier to offer corrosion resistance during service.F-14 In automotive industry, typical coating weights are AS150 (75 g/m2 coating on each side) or AS80 (40 g/m2 coating on each side).A-51 Refer to our page on Al-Si coatings for more details.

When using uncoated blanks, controlled atmosphere in the furnace helps avoid excessive decarburization and scale formation. Surface scale locally changes the critical cooling rate, alters the metal flow and friction, and leads to premature tool wear. Without a controlled atmosphere, a surface conditioning step like shot blasting may be required after forming to remove the scale.A-52  Varnish coatings may also be used with direct hot stamping.

Formed parts must be trimmed and pierced to final geometry. In the direct process, the most common trimming method is laser cutting. The capital expense and cycle times associated with laser trimming factor into overall part cost calculations. In most plants, for every hot stamping line, there are 3 to 5 laser trimming machines.B-14

The grades used with the direct process may be referred to as PHS950Y1500T-DS (Press Hardening Steel with minimum 950 MPa yield, minimum 1500 MPa tensile strength, for Direct [Hot] Stamping).

 

Indirect Process

(Blanking > Forming & Trimming > Heating > Quenching > Surface Conditioning)

Typically used for galvanized blanks, indirect hot stamping, also known as form hardening, starts by cold forming the part (at in Figure 1) in a transfer press or a tandem transfer line. The direct process is limited in that only one forming die can be used. However, the indirect process can accommodate multiple die stations, allowing for the production of more complicated geometries, even those with undercuts. The part has almost the final shape exiting the cold forming press, where piercings and trimming could also be completed. The formed parts are then heated in a special furnace and quenched in a second die set.B-14,K-21,F-15

BMW 7 Series (2008-2015, codenamed F01) was the first car to have Zn-coated indirect hot stamped steel in its body-in-white.P-20  Zn-based coatings are favored for their cathodic protection. Zn-coated blanks may develop a thin oxide layer during heating, even if a protective atmosphere is used in the furnace. This layer helps preventing evaporation of the Zn (pure Zn evaporates at 907 °C at 1 atm. pressure), but must be removed before welding and painting. To achieve this, sandblasting, shot blasting or dry-ice (CO2) blasting are typically used.F-14, F-15  The grades for indirect process may be referred to as PHS950Y1500T-IS (Press Hardening Steel with minimum 950 MPa yield, minimum 1500 MPa tensile strength, for Indirect [Hot] Stamping).

The indirect process cannot be applied to Al-Si coated blanks, as they have a hard but brittle intermetallic layer which would crack during cold deformation.F-14

 

Hybrid (2-Step) Process

(Blanking > 1st Forming > Heating > 2nd Forming > Quenching > Trimming > Surface Conditioning)

In this process, as summarized in Figure 2, some of the forming occurs at the cold stage [ in Figure 1]. The semi-formed part then is heated in the furnace, significantly deformed to a final shape [ in Figure 1] and subsequently quenched in the same die. This process had found greater use in Europe, especially for deep drawn parts such as transmission tunnels. To avoid scale formation in the furnace and hot forming, a special varnish-type coating is commonly used. The final part must be surface cleaned with a process like shot blasting before welding to remove the varnish coating.S-63  Since the early 2010s, the process has been replaced by the direct process of Al-Si-coated blanks.N-15

Figure 2: Summary of “hybrid process” where deformation is done both at cold and hot conditions.B-14

Figure 2: Summary of “hybrid process” where deformation is done both at cold and hot conditions.B-14

 

Pre-Cooled Direct Process

(Blanking > Heating > Pre-cooling > Forming > Quenching > Trimming > Surface conditioning)

A galvannealed (GA) coating primarily contains zinc and iron, and solidifies at temperatures between 530 °C and 782 °C, depending on the zinc content, as shown in Figure 3. Liquid Metal Embrittlement (LME) is not a concern if forming is done in the absence of liquid zinc.G-25  Hensen et al. conducted several studies heating galvannealed 22MnB5 blanks to 900 °C, but forming after a pre-cooling stage. As seen in Figure 4, the microcrack depth is significantly reduced when the forming starts at lower temperatures.H-26

Figure 3: Temperature limit to ensure absence of Zn-rich liquid (re-created after Citations G-25 and G-26)

Figure 3: Temperature limit to ensure absence of Zn-rich liquid (re-created after Citations G-25 and G-26)

 

Figure 4: Crack depth reduces significantly if the forming is done at lower temperature (re-created after Citation H-26)

Figure 4: Crack depth reduces significantly if the forming is done at lower temperature (re-created after Citation H-26)

 

In the pre-cooled direct process, the blank is heated above the austenitization temperature (approximately 870-900 °C), and kept in the furnace for a minimum soaking time of 45 seconds. Once the blank leaves the furnace, it is first pre-cooled to approximately 500 °C and then formed. Typical 22MnB5 cannot be formed at this temperature due to two reasons: (1) its formability would be reduced and (2) forming could not be completed before the start of martensite formation at approximately 420 °C).K-22, V-8

The development of a “conversion-delayed” hot stamping grade (see PHS Grades with approximately 1500 MPa TS), commonly known as 20MnB8, addresses these concerns. This steel has lower carbon (0.20%, as the number 20 in 20MnB8 implies), but higher Mn (8/4 = 2%). . This chemistry modification slows the kinetics of the phase transformation compared with 22MnB5 – the critical cooling rate of 20MnB8 is approximately 10 °C/s. This allows the part to be transferred from pre-cooling stage to the forming die.

In the pre-cooled direct process, first the blank is heated to over 870-900 °C and soaked for at least 45 seconds. Then the blank is transferred to “pre-cooling stage” in less than 10 seconds. Precooling must be done at a rate over 20 °C/s, until the blank is cooled to approximately 500 °C. Then the part is transferred from the pre-cooling device to the press in less than 7 seconds. The forming is done in one hit in a hydraulic or servo-mechanical press, which can dwell at the bottom. The cooling rate after pre-cooling is advised to be over 40 °C/s. The final part may have zinc oxides and surface cleaning is required.K-22, V-8 The grade may be referred to as PHS950Y1500T-PS (Press Hardening Steel with minimum 950 MPa yield, minimum 1500 MPa tensile strength, Pre-cooled and Stamped).

Recently, several researchers have shown that pre-cooling may be used for drawing deeper partsO-6 or to achieve better thickness distribution of the final part.G-24 Since formed parts are typically removed from the press at approximately 200 °C, a pre-cooled part may require shorter time to quench, thus increasing the parts per minute.G-24

Multi-Step Process

(Blanking > Heating > Pre-cooling > Forming and Trimming > Air Quenching)

22MnSiB9-5 (see PHS Grades with approximately 1500 MPa TS) is a new steel grade developed by Kobe SteelH-27 for a transfer press process, named as “multi-step”. This steel has higher Mn and Si content, compared to typical 22MnB5. As quenched, the material has similar mechanical properties with 22MnB5. As of 2020, there is at least one automotive part mass produced with this technology and is applied to a compact car in Germany.G-27 Although critical cooling rate is listed as 2.5 °C/s, even at a cooling rate of 1 °C/s, hardness over 450HV can be achieved.H-27 This critical cooling rate allows the material to be “air-hardenable” and thus, can handle a transfer press operation (hence the name multi-step) in a servo press. This material is available only with Zn coating and requires a pre-cooling step before the transfer press operation.B-15 The grade may be referred to as PHS950Y1500T-MS (Press Hardening Steel with minimum 950 MPa yield, minimum 1500 MPa tensile strength, for Multi-Step process).

 

Roll Form PHS

(Roll Forming > Heating > Quenching > Cut-to-length > Trimming & piercing)

Also known as inline hardening, this process is used to make profiles with constant cross sections and linear shapes. It is also possible to have closed profiles (tubes and similar) with this technology by adding a laser welding to the line (see Figure 5a). The process has been successfully used in many car bodies. Typical uses are: cross members, roof bows, side impact door beams, bumpers (with no sweep), front crash components and similar.G-28, H-28, F-16

Figure 5: Roll form PHS: (a) steps of the line [24], (b) photo of the induction heated area.G-28

Figure 5: Roll form PHS: (a) steps of the lineH-28, (b) photo of the induction heated area.G-28

The heating is typically done with induction heating, see Figure 5b. In one of the installations, the first induction coil operates at 25 kHz and the second at 200 kHz. The total heating power was approximately 700 kW and the line can run as fast as 6 m/s. It was found that if lubrication, speed and bending radius can be optimized, AlSi coated blanks could also be cold roll formed. However, they are not suitable for induction heating and may require a different process, such as form fixture hardening.K-23

Recently, voestalpine developed a Zn-coated steel for roll forming applications. This process also uses induction heating and water cooling. As the deformation is done at cold condition, the parts do not suffer from liquid metal embrittlement (LME).K-22

 

Form Fixture Hardening

(Roll Forming (or tube blank) > Cut-to-length > Heating > Bending & forming > Quenching > Trimming / Piercing)

The main difference between roll form PHS and form fixture hardening is the secondary “hot bending and forming” in the press. Here, cold roll formed profiles are cut-to-length and heated in a furnace. Heated profiles are then transferred to a press die, where sweep bending and/or further forming operations are completed. The parts are subsequently quenched in the same press die, similar to direct process. A typical line layout can be seen in Figure 6a. The secondary forming makes variable sections possible, as seen in Figure 6b. As the parts are cold roll formed and furnace heated, uncoated, Zn-coated and AlSi-coated (with precautions not to crack AlSi) blanks may be used in this process.H-28, K-23

Figure 6: Form fixture hardening: (a) schematic of a lineK-23, (b) bumper beam of Ford Mustang (2004-2014) made by this process.L-26

Figure 6: Form fixture hardening: (a) schematic of a lineK-23, (b) bumper beam of Ford Mustang (2004-2014) made by this process.L-26

 

Form fixture hardening parts have been used in low volume cars such as Porsche 911 or Bentley Mulsanne. In some cars, form fixture hardening was used to manufacture the A-pillar of the convertible (cabriolet) versions of high-volume cars, especially in Europe. Most of these applications involved uncoated boron alloyed tubes (similar to 22MnB5).H-28  The 5th generation Ford Mustang (2004-2014) had form fixture hardened bumper beams in the front and rear, as seen in Figure 6b.L-26  The form fixture hardening process allows for use of AlSi coatings, since the steel goes through a furnace rather than an induction hardening step. Special care must be taken in cold roll-forming process to ensure the AlSi coating is not damaged.K-23

 

Form Blow Hardening / Hot Gas Metal Forming

(Cut-to-length tube or roll formed and welded profile > Heating > Pressure forming > Quenching > Piercing)

In hot gas metal forming, the tube or roll formed closed profile is heated first and placed onto a die set. The ends of the tube are sealed and pressurized gas or granular medium is forced inside the tubular blank. The forming forces are applied by the high pressure built inside the tube.C-16  It is also possible to end-feed material as in the case of (cold) tube hydroforming. After the deformation, the part is quenched either with water (form blow hardening) or by the air inside and the surface of the tool cavity (hot gas metal forming). In the latter case, similar to direct process, a water-cooling channel system inside the die inserts are typically required.K-23

Fraunhofer IWU has developed a hot gas metal forming setup in which both forming and quenching are done by compressed air. As shown in Figure 7a, the internal pressure can be increased to 70 MPa (700 bars) in only 6 seconds. The tools are cooled with internal cooling channels, Figure 7b. The parts produced with this technique have hardness values between 460 and 530 HV. Crashbox and camshafts are among the parts produced.L-27, N-16

Figure 7: Blow forming and quenching with air: change of pressure in the tube and temperature of the tube, (b) simulation of heat transfer to the dies and cooling channels (recreated after Citation N-16)

Figure 7: Blow forming and quenching with air: (a) change of pressure in the tube and temperature of the tube, (b) simulation of heat transfer to the dies and cooling channels (recreated after Citation N-16)

 

In 2011, Spanish car maker SEAT published a study on form blow hardening process. In this study, they replaced the A-pillar and cantrail assembly of the SEAT León (Mk2, SOP 2005) with one form blow hardened part. The results were summarized asO-7:

  1. 7.9kg weight reduction per car,
  2. Sheet material utilization increased from 40 to 95%,
  3. Number of components in the assembly on one side of the car reduced from 5 to 2, and the roof rail was eliminated.

One advantage of this technology is the possibility to use the same die set for different wall thickness tubes. By doing so, parts can be produced for different variants of a car (i.e., coupe and cabrio, or North American spec. vs. emerging market spec.). This information applies to monolithic (i.e., same thickness throughout the tube) and tailor rolled/welded tubes as well.F-16  In 2017, tubular parts are hot gas formed by using 1900 MPa PHS tubes for customer trials.F-17

Since 2018, form blow hardening is being used in the Ford FocusB-16 and Jeep Wrangler.B-17 In the Ford Focus, a tailor rolled tube with thicknesses between 1.0 and 1.8 mm is used in Europe, whereas in China it is a monolithic (same thickness everywhere) 1.6 mm thick tube.F-16

 

3-Dimensional Hot Bending and Quenching (3DQ)

(Cut-to-length tube > Local induction heating > 3-D Bending > Direct Water Quenching > Piercing)

In the 3DQ process, a tubular profile with constant cross section is quickly heated by induction heaters. By using movable roller dies, the part is bent. As the material is fed, water is sprayed on the induction heated portion of the tube to quench and harden it. The schematic of the process and the material strength through the process is illustrated in Figure 8. It is also possible to replace the movable roller dies with an industrial robot to bend and twist the tubular part.T-25

Figure 8: Schematic of 3DQ system (re-created after Citation T-25)

Figure 8: Schematic of 3DQ system (re-created after Citation T-25)

 

In January 2013, Mazda announced that the ISOFIX connection in the rear seats of a Premacy MPV (known as Mazda 5 in some markets) model was produced by this method, as shown in Figure 9a.M-24  In 2016, Honda started production of the sports car NSX (known as Acura NSX in some markets). This vehicle’s A-pillars were produced by 3DQ process, as shown in Figure 9b.H-29

Figure 9: 3DQ applications: (a) Seat reinforcement of Mazda 5/PremacyM-24, (b) Acura NSX’s A-pillar.H-29

Figure 9: 3DQ applications: (a) Seat reinforcement of Mazda 5/PremacyM-24, (b) Acura NSX’s A-pillar.H-29

 

The technology has been used on uncoated blanks. In 2019, an academic study showed the feasibility of using Zn coated blanks in the 3DQ process.R-10

 

 

Steel Tube Air Forming process (STAF)

(Cut-to-length tube > Cold bending > Heating > Press Forming > Pressure Forming > Quenching > Piercing)

Steel Tube Air Forming process (STAF) is a modified and enhanced version of hot gas metal forming. In the STAF process, a metal tube is bent in a small press at room temperature. The preformed tube is transferred to the main press, where it is heated to the critical temperature using electrical conduction (Joule heating) by passing current through the tube. The first step creates the flanges where the press closes on the partially air blow formed tube. In the second step, air pressure completes the process by forming the desired cross section and overall shape.

As seen in Figure 10, the parts made with the STAF process can have a flange area for further welding/joining to other car body components. Some peripheral parts can be integrated into a single STAF part, improving productivity and manufacturing cost. The continuous closed cross section is created without the need for spot welding, improving stiffness and further reducing manufacturing costs. These factors combine to result in mass savings compared with conventional hot formed components, as indicated in Figure 11. F-18, F-41, F-42

Figure 10: The Steel Tube Air Forming process compared with other manufacturing approaches. STAF integrates flange formation without the need for additional spot welding.F-42  HSS stands for High-Strength Steel and may refer to conventional HSS or Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS).

Figure 10: The Steel Tube Air Forming process compared with other manufacturing approaches. STAF integrates flange formation without the need for additional spot welding.F-42  HSS stands for High-Strength Steel and may refer to conventional HSS or Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS).

 

Figure 11: The STAF process may reduce part count, assembled weight, and manufacturing complexity compared with other manufacturing approaches.F-41

Figure 11: The STAF process may reduce part count, assembled weight, and manufacturing complexity compared with other manufacturing approaches.F-41

 

 

The following video, kindly provided by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, highlights the STAF process along with associated benefits.F-41

 

 

eren billur, PhD Thanks are given to Eren Billur, Ph.D., Billur MetalForm, who contributed this article.

 

 

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