Input material requirements for sophisticated precision tubes in the automotive sector

Precision steel tubes in both seamless and welded versions have a variety of applications in the automotive sector, for example in vehicle bodies, chassis and drive trains as well as in engines and transmissions. The precision tube and thereby also the input material are subject to a variety of requirements, dependent on the component concerned. The subject of lightweight design has an important role to play, with the associated reduction in weight paired with increased performance.

From chassis and steering systems to body shells, technical requirements are rising everywhere that are then reflected in ever-increasing demands on input material.

The following features, among others, are of decisive importance:
-    the surface condition of the strip
-    strip homogeneity
-    high degree of purity
-    suitability for plastic forming

SZFG is constantly making improvements and optimizations in these areas to enable it to offer and implement customized solutions tailor-made for and with its customers.

Manganese-boron steels are among the range of heat-treatable steels alloyed with boron. In addition to excellent formability in as-delivered condition, following heat treatment these steels are notable for their particularly high strength, dimensional stability and wear-resistance. They contain small proportions of carbon and manganese and small amounts of boron. Around two dozen different manganese-boron steels are currently available as standard from Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH with carbon contents of 0.10 % (10MnB5) to 0.40 % (40MnB5). These are based on the 20, 30 and 39MnB5 as well as 27MnCrB5-2 grades standardized in DIN EN ISO 683-2. From these starting points, a wide variety of manganese-boron steels can be derived in close collaboration with the Technical Customer Services department at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, each tailored individually to meet the wishes and requirements of the customer.

Once typically used in the manufacture of agricultural machinery, they are meanwhile increasingly establishing themselves in other fields including the automobile industry. After heating to above 900°C followed by accelerated cooling, it is possible to achieve extremely high tensile strengths even in thick sheet.

The applications for various MnB steels in the field of precision tubes are diverse and extensive, including for example hydraulic cylinder tubes, diesel injection tubes, axle tubes and stabilizer bars. The development and production of seamless and welded, custom-rolled and drawn precision tubes are among the key areas of competence of Mannesmann Precision Tubes GmbH (MPT).

The Technical Customer Services and Sales departments will be pleased to answer any queries you may have.