Higher strength IF steels now also in uncoated and electrolytically zinc-coated designs
17.08.2016 | Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH
For years now, automobile manufacturing has used proven, special deep-drawn steels such as steel grade DC06 for structural components that have to stand up to very demanding forming processes. Steel analyses are used that show the lowest C content. Additions of titanium then give the steel unlimited resistance to aging for the guaranteed formability. The material can then still be processed without restrictions even after years of storage. The material owes this especially good plasticity to the "Interstitial Free" (IF) mechanism, which involves stabilizing the influencing elements (carbon and nitrogen), by adding titanium. Typical uses are in automobile manufacturing for frame parts, reinforcements, mounts or floor assemblies.
It was necessary to use material with higher strength levels in order to make it possible to reduce weight in these applications. The grade group "Higher strength IF steels" was developed for this purpose. The DC06 yield strengths average 150 MPa, while the "higher-strength IF steels" can require a minimum yield strength of 180, 220 or 260 MPA without having to accept any special limitations in the formability
Salzgitter Flachstahl has already been offering this product family for years as higher strength IF steel for hot-dipped zinc-coated products (e.g., HX220YD).
Following process optimization, these steel grades can now also be delivered in uncoated and electrolytically zinc-coated designs.