Lightweight steel on a (COLD) ROLL

A newly developed high-strength steel for cold stamping aims to beat aluminum for EV battery enclosures and other vehicle applications.

Automotive OEMs are faced with the difficult task of significantly improving fuel economy and safety, while maintaining a competitive position in the market - as well as investing in the electrified future. This, among other benefits, can be accomplished by utilizing higher-strength steel in the production process. A newly developed and patented cold-roll high-strength steel for cold stamping, known as ColdStamp-Steel, is ideal for producing vehicle body-structure and safety components, including battery enclosures of electric vehicles (EV).

The microstructure of ColdStamp-Steel consists of one or more of martensite, ferrite, and retained austenite in different percentages, depending on the steel composition and heat treatment. Also, one or more of carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides are part of the microstructure. The resulting material offers high strength at moderate ductility and ColdStamp-Steel features a higher strength-to-weight ratio than commercial cold-rolled steels. Applications include vehicle bumper reinforcement beams, pillars, door impact beams, rocker panel inners and reinforcements, side-sill reinforcements, roof frame, beltline reinforcements and clips.