Experimental analysis of coating layer behavior of Al–Si-coated boron steel in a hot bending process for IT applications

Abstract

The utilization of high-strength steel for automotive structural parts has increased since the oil crisis in the 1970s owing to its high strength and potential for weight reduction. Because of the limited formability of high-strength steels, automotive components are increasingly produced through hot press forming. In some instances, high-strength steel sheets are coated with an Al–Si layer in order to prevent scaling of components during hot press forming, and this can increase their reliability with a view to the dimensional accuracy and stress distribution when they are in service. In this contribution, the coating degradation mechanisms of Al–Si-coated boron steel after the hot bending process are reported. The issues related to coating degradation during hot press forming are critically reviewed at different positions on a part that was subject to hot bending. In addition, the hardness and friction coefficient were tested by a nano-indenter at various positions. The relationship between the experimental parameters and coating layer properties is also reported. It is concluded that the bending deformation affected the coating layer behavior the most.