Manufacture and Application of Advanced High Strength Steel
Sheets for Auto Parts Manufacture
Ohjoon Kwon and Sueng Chul Baik
(POSCO, Pohang 790-785, Korea)
Abstract: Improvement in fuel efficiency and safety has been the primary challenge to design engineers of automotives. In order to
meet the challenge, the application of high strength steels has been expanded and new part manufacturing technologies have been
developed. The advanced high strength steels (AHSS) such as DP and TRIP steels have been broadly applied to various automotive
parts over the last few years. In addition, TWIP steels are being developed by steel makers. The critical part of the manufacture of
AHSSs is to control the cooling conditions so that the microstructure and, hence, the strength-elongation balance could be optimized.
The salient features for new steel grades developed and their practical application to part manufacture utilizing new forming
technologies are described. Examples are given for these applications demonstrating the achieved weight reduction. For the optimal
manufacture of automotive parts, a close cooperation between steel suppliers and automakers is becoming important. Explanation is
given on how steel and auto industries are cooperating together to expand the application of AHSSs during the new model
development period for fuel efficiency and safety.
meet the challenge, the application of high strength steels has been expanded and new part manufacturing technologies have been
developed. The advanced high strength steels (AHSS) such as DP and TRIP steels have been broadly applied to various automotive
parts over the last few years. In addition, TWIP steels are being developed by steel makers. The critical part of the manufacture of
AHSSs is to control the cooling conditions so that the microstructure and, hence, the strength-elongation balance could be optimized.
The salient features for new steel grades developed and their practical application to part manufacture utilizing new forming
technologies are described. Examples are given for these applications demonstrating the achieved weight reduction. For the optimal
manufacture of automotive parts, a close cooperation between steel suppliers and automakers is becoming important. Explanation is
given on how steel and auto industries are cooperating together to expand the application of AHSSs during the new model
development period for fuel efficiency and safety.