Process Stability and Application of 1900 MPa Grade Press Hardening Steel with reduced Hydrogen Susceptibility

Abstract

While 22MnB5 with aluminium silicon (AS) coating was established as the quasi-standard in press hardening many years ago, the need for steels that offer even higher strength is growing. These needs include corrosion protection of the automotive component and scale prevention during processing in hot forming lines. However, the processing of AS coated ultra-high strength steels involves demands for the furnace atmosphere. Reducing the hydrogen susceptibility and increasing the material strength at the same time was the driving force for the development of MBW 1900 + AS Pro. The paper focuses on the process stability of this steel concerning furnace and stamping parameters as well as the hydrogen induced cracking resistance under different dew points in the furnace atmosphere. In addition, the potential by means of different partial press hardening processes is presented. With tailored tempering, locally heated tools can be used to achieve soft areas in the part. Furthermore, the application potential of MBW 1900 + AS Pro in tailor welded blanks is shown.