Current developments in Application of Advanced High Strength Steels for Exposed Panels in Passenger Cars and Pick-ups

To improve the form ability and surface appearance of HSS exposed panels new HSS grades based on ULC BH and IF-concepts have been developed. Both HDG/EG coated ULC BH and IF HSS have been studied by a number of laboratory and industrial stamping trials. The influence of steel grades, thickness on form ability, surface quality and dent resistance were subject of investigations. It was shown that improvements on die addendum enables the application of HSS (BH and non BH grades) with min. 220 MPa yield point to be used in all exposed panels up to very large panels of pick-ups (more than 2 m width) by excellent surface appearance and 60% higher dent ability.