Advanced High Strength Steels have been gaining ground in an automotive industry hunting for all the weight savings it can while satisfying or surpassing safety standards. The material could be called the next step in steel's evolution toward exhibiting the high-strength, lightweight characteristics of more expensive materials, like aluminum and magnesium. Challenges arise, however, from a formability standpoint. The varieties of AHSS do exhibit high formability, but in entirely different [...]

Abstract Challenges faced by stampers in the quest to produce a robust part are magnified when they form high strength steels. As materials increase in strength, the inherent tensile property variability increases. Using products from the family of grades known as the advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) complicate matters even more, since what is supplied from one mill may not be produced in the same way as that from another mill. [...]

Abstract Understanding and compensating for the challenges associated with processing advanced high strength steels (AHSS) can help you minimize springback, edge cracking, trimming, wrinkling, and die wear. Part I of this two-part series presented an overview of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). This article addresses issues encountered when processing these grades. Using AHSS in appropriate applications offers opportunities for reduced product weight, enhanced crash performance, manufacturing process consolidation, and cost [...]

Abstract Advanced High Strength Steels that exhibit high strength and enhanced formability are being offered around the world. These steels have the potential to effect cost and weight savings while improving performance. The increased formability allows for greater part complexity, which leads to fewer individual parts (cost savings) and more manufacturing flexibility. Fewer parts mean less welding (cost and cycle-time savings) and weld flanges (mass and weight savings). Depending on [...]