Steel Innovations in Hot Stamping

Organizational Approach Driving Innovation

Hot Stamping Innovation History

1974 Objective: Replace cold stamping + batch hardening with forming/quenching in one tool.

Hot Stamping Innovation History

Hot Stamping Innovation History

Key Attributes

• Formability as mild steel

• UHSS material data after hardening

• Yield strength/density ~ extruded Al

• Tight tolerances

• Good weldability

Collaboration with Luleå

University of Technology

1974-1979

• Process

• Tool

• Material

• Joining

Hot Stamping Innovation History

Hot Stamping Innovation History

EVOLUTION OF PHS IN TERMS OF TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIAL

Co-development examples

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY  

1.NEW Zn Hot Stamping

2.Remote Laser Seam Welding

3.In-Die Soft Zones

4.Flex Laser Soft Zones

5.3D Laser Cladding (TPP)

Technology Innovation Status:

- Zn without Microcracks ( <10µm)

- Steel modified to reduce forming start temp, enable mechanical transfer press

- Production ready ~2017-2018

A. High speed centering & transfer system (OP05)

1.Transfer system

B. Press

1.Servo transfer

2.Cycle time = 15-up SPM

3.Blanks per stroke = 1 – 4

4.3,000k S/a

C. Tooling

1.Max OP = 4 – 5

2.Thermostabilized tools

A. Base material

1.Similar post hot stamped mechanical properties to 22MnB5

2.Increased formability vs. 22MnB5 at lower temperatures

B. Zn-coating

1.Offers cathodic protection

2.Capable for direct hot stamping process

3.Micro cracks < 10µm

C. Hot Stamping process

1.High productivity (target cycle time 2-3”)

2.Furnace protective atmosphere not required

3.Possibility to produce complex parts including negative angles

4.Good weldability and savings using LWB (Ablation not required)

5.No Laser cutting needed

6.Tailored properties also possible!!

Technology: HT700 Flex Laser

1.Obtain tailored properties

2.Material grades obtained: HT700, HT550, HT400

3.Narrow areas and complex patterns feasible

4.Application to low thicknesses [0.8 mm]

5.Rivet solutions to aluminum structures