A Family of High-Strength Steels for Today's Automotive Requirements

New grades of high strength steels are discussed for vehicle weight reductions to improve fuel economy. These new materials are cold rolled high strength steels with a yield strength range of 275 MPa (40 Ksi) to 310 MPa (45 Ksi). These high strength steels are designed to provide strength in formed parts 50 percent greater than comparable grades of today's low carbon cold rolled steels. The basic requirements for these steels are described and compared with today's automotive needs. The developmental status and the experience with these materials are outlined in this paper.