High Strength Steels Explained: Properties and Practical ...

Did you know that there are different types of steel? High strength steels are a specific type of steel with unique properties, benefits, and applications.
In this blog post, we will discuss high-strength steels, their properties, benefits, and applications.
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High Strength Steels

Knowledge of a material&#;s yield strength is very important when designing components, since it usually represents the upper limit of the load that can be applied. Yield strength is very important for controlling many materials&#; production techniques, such as forging, rolling or pressing.

HSS is steel with yield strength of more than 250 MPa. As the name implies, high-strength steels offer superior strength and durability.

This makes them ideal for use in a variety of industries, from construction to automotive manufacturing. There are many different types of steel alloys, each with its specific properties and applications.

Benefits of High Strength Steels

Image credits https://www.gemathis.com/high-strength-steel/

High-strength steels are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of industries. And for a good reason &#; they offer several advantages over traditional steel.

For one, their higher strength-to-weight ratio allows for lighter, more energy-efficient products. They&#;re also highly resistant to corrosion and wear, making them ideal for applications where durability is vital.

In addition, high-strength steels can be customized to meet the specific needs of each project, whether it&#;s increased strength, ductility, or weldability.

As a result, they offer designers and engineers greater flexibility in creating innovative products that meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Available High Strength Structural Steel Types

HSSS types and description

&#; Coated &#; H3

Coated High Strength Structural Steel is a type of steel coated with a zinc layer. This coating helps to protect the steel from corrosion, and it also gives the steel extra strength.

It is often used in the construction of bridges and buildings. It is also used in the manufacturing of cars and trucks. This structural steel is an important part of our modern world and is here to stay.

&#; Uncoated

Uncoated High Strength Structural Steel is a type of steel that does not have a coating. It is used in the construction of pipelines, and it is also used in the manufacturing of cars and trucks. They are most suitable for use in applications where there is no need for a coating.

&#; Electro galvanized (EG)

Electro galvanized steel is a type of carbon steel that has been treated with an electrochemical process to create a protective coating of zinc on its surface. EG steel is often used in construction for framing, decking, and other structural applications.

It is also commonly used in the automotive and appliance industries. The zinc coating on EG steel provides extra protection against rust and corrosion, making it an ideal choice for products exposed to harsh weather or other corrosive conditions.

&#; Hot Dip Galvanized

It differs by the process of coating it. The fabricated steel is dipped into a molten pool of zinc, which is believed to be one of the most effective ways to protect it from rusting when used in embedded soil, concrete, or submerged in water.
Also, for more insights on the composition of galvanized handrails, feel free to explore our article, &#;What Are Galvanized Handrails and Their Uses?&#;.

&#; Hot Dip Galvannealed

For applications involving extreme environments, hot-dipped galvannealed steel is a tough, corrosion-resistant alternative.

It is made by placing galvanized sheet steel into an induction annealing furnace, which causes the iron and zinc layers to disintegrate into one another and form zinc-iron alloys on the surface.

Mechanical Properties of Different
High Strength Steels Types

There are a variety of different high-strength steel types, each with its unique mechanical properties. For example, some steels are particularly resistant to abrasion, while others are more resistant to impact.

Mechanical Properties of Different
High-Strength Steels Types

&#; Abrasion Resistance

This property is found in steels that have been designed for use in applications where there is a lot of wear and tear. Structural steels experience a lot of abrasion in their lifetime, so it is vital to choose a steel that can withstand this type of wear.

&#; Impact Resistance

Steel structures experience a lot of impact during their lifetime. This is especially true for bridges and buildings constantly bombarded by high winds and heavy rain. Choosing steel that can withstand these types of impacts is essential.

&#; Hardness

Hardness is a measure of a steel&#;s resistance to deformation. The harder the steel, the more resistant it is to changes in shape. This is important for applications where the steel will be subject to a lot of stress, such as in bridges and buildings.

&#; Ductility

High-strength steel is required to have moderate ductility so it can withstand the stresses of construction and still retain its shape. High ductility can cause the steel to become brittle, so it is important to strike a balance between hardness and ductility.

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Applications of High Strength
Low Alloy Steel

High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steels are a group specifically designed to have higher strengths while maintaining good weldability and ductility.

They are commonly used in the construction industry for applications such as bridge construction, pipeline transportation, and offshore drilling platforms.

However, their use is not limited to large-scale construction projects. HSLA steels can also be used in the fabrication of smaller structures such as storage tanks and containers. Their high strength-to-weight ratio makes them an ideal choice for these applications.

In addition, their resistance to corrosion and abrasion makes them well-suited for use in harsh environments. HSLA steels are a versatile group of steels that can be used in a wide variety of applications including, but not limited to:

&#; Construction

&#; Transportation

&#; Offshore drilling platforms

&#; Storage tanks and containers

HSLA steels are becoming more commonly used in many industrial applications, including transmission pipelines, shipbuilding, railcars and structural steel.
Picture credits: https://fsmdirect.com/handling-hsla/

High Strength Steel vs. Low Strength Steel

There are many different types of steel, each with its own merits. High-strength steel is often used in construction and engineering applications where its superior strength and durability are required.

On the other hand, low-strength steel is more commonly used in applications where weight is a concern, such as in the automotive industry.

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So, which type of steel is right for your application? Let&#;s take a closer look at the pros and cons of high-strength and low-strength steel to help you decide.

Strength & Cost

HS steel is much stronger than low-strength steel, making it ideal for applications where load-bearing is required. In addition, HS steel is more expensive than low-strength steel, so it may not be the most cost-effective option for all applications, especially for structural fabrication.

Low-strength steel is less strong and cheaper than high-strength steel, making it a more cost-effective choice for some applications.

However, LS steel may not be suitable for all applications requiring load-bearing.

Carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel differences.
Photo credits: https://shipbuildingknowledge.wordpress.com and https://euresisjournal.org

Which Steel Grade is Suitable for
Structural Fabrication?

With so many different steel grades on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best suited for your project.

When it comes to structural fabrication, three main categories of steel are commonly used: Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, and Stainless Steel. Each type of steel has unique properties and benefits that make it ideal for different applications.

Carbon Steel:

Carbon steel is the most commonly used type of steel for structural fabrication. Carbon steel is affordable and provides good strength and durability. However, carbon steel is unsuitable for corrosive environments or high temperatures.

Alloy Steel:

It is a more robust alternative to carbon steel and is often used in applications where strength is critical. However, alloy steel is more expensive than carbon steel and can be more difficult to work with.

Stainless Steel:

It is the most expensive type of steel but has superior corrosion resistance and high temperatures. Stainless steel is often used in food processing and medical applications where hygiene is paramount.

When choosing a type of steel for your project, it is important to consider the environment it will be used and the required strength and durability. Doing so can ensure that you select the best type of steel for your needs.

Samples:
1. Alloy Steel
2. Stainless Steel
3. Carbon Steel
Source: https://extrudesign.com

Conclusion

So what are high-strength steels? They are structural steels with a higher strength-to-weight ratio than low-strength steels. This makes them ideal for use in fabricating structures and components that require minimal weight but still need to withstand heavy loads.

Various high-strength steel types are available, each with its unique set of properties. In this article, we&#;ve looked at the different types of high-strength steels and their mechanical properties.

We&#;ve also looked at the benefits of using these steels in structural fabrication applications and some of their most common applications.

Finally, we&#;ve compared high-strength steel to low-strength steel and discussed which type is better suited for specific fabrication needs.

Eziil is the leading provider of digitalization software for project-based metal fabrication. Our MRP software is designed to help our customers achieve their business goals, and our team is committed to providing the highest level of customer service. Sign up today for a no-string attached 14 days free trial.

Steel, and specifically advanced high strength steel, satisfies automotive industry requirements for safety, emissions, fuel efficiency, manufacturability, durability, and affordability.

Affordability

The automotive industry has adopted light-weighting as a key part of their greenhouse gas reduction strategy.  This strategy, however, must be executed in an affordable manner.

Key reasons to deploy advanced high strength steels in automotive body structures include better performance in crash energy management and increased strength allowing this performance to be achieved with thinner materials, translating into lower vehicle weight. Thinner gauges mean a reduced amount of purchased material is needed to achieve this enhanced performance.

Today&#;s steels enable significant mass reduction, while meeting crash and other functional requirements, while preserving affordability. WorldAutoSteel vehicle programs and competitive benchmarking studies (here, here and here) have clearly demonstrated that optimized steel body structures can be constructed with little to no increases in total system cost relative to conventional body structures. 

Recognizing these benefits, global automakers continue to base their fleet on steel-intensive body structures and rely on advanced high strength steel to help them meet customer expectations and government regulations in the most cost-effective way possible.

Most steel companies are extending their research and development efforts to expand the range of properties available through these new steels, to enable the production of safe and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Safety

The percentage of high strength steels used in light vehicles relative to other materials continues to grow, and much of the growth has been fueled by increasingly stringent safety regulations and ratings systems.  Consumers are demanding safe cars, and governments are responding with new tests and standards that influence auto body structures, design and materials. The results of vehicle safety performance tests are therefore a strong incentive affecting consumer purchasing decisions.

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets standards for vehicle safety, such as those for impact resistance, restraints, and fuel economy.N-26 Testing by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has encouraged improved frontal, side, and rear impact ratings, as well as roof strength and rollover ratings, for vehicles on the road today.I-5  Numerous New Car Assessment Programs around the world measures vehicle performance in a variety of crash tests, including front, side and pole impacts, and impacts with pedestrians with the goal of informing the public about the relative safety performance amongst vehicles. A limited number of these are shown in Citations G-5, E-13, and J-25.   Citations C-35 and C-36 summarize the testing that goes into these global New Car Assessment Program standards. Meeting these standards and improving performance often requires the addition of weight to the vehicle.

Diligent application of advanced steels leads to safe, lighter-weight body structures.  Tailoring the engineering design and forming approaches to the material characteristics and properties allows for optimized use of these newer grades and avoids excess or redundant mass in the structure. The FSV program showed that natural, non-linear load paths allow for more effective crash management and lighter-weight structures, attainable through design optimization and rigorous application of AHSS.

Deploying Advanced Steels in Automotive Body Structures 

Several key considerations drive material selection for automotive applications, including safety, fuel efficiency, environmental performance, manufacturability, durability, and quality. For exposed parts, aesthetic concerns related to paint finish and dent resistance are also important. These factors manifest themselves differently in each component of the vehicle, and materials are selected to match each set of performance requirements in the most efficient means possible.

Crash Performance

Perhaps the most critical design considerations for a vehicle structure relate to its ability to carry the required static and dynamic loads, particularly during a crash. Both materials strategy and geometric design play important roles in determining the final load paths and part details.

Two generalized areas of the car have very different safety requirements, as shown in Figure 1. The passenger compartment, enclosed in a rigid &#;safety cage,&#; is designed to protect the passengers in the event of a low or high-speed crash; the structure should prevent any deformation or intrusions that would compromise the integrity of the cage structure and impinge on the space around the passengers.

&#;Crumple zones,&#; located at the front and rear of the vehicle, are designed to absorb as much energy as possible in the event of a front or rear collision. By absorbing the energy over a distance, the crumple zone will cushion the impact and help preserve the structural integrity of the passenger compartment.

Table 1 presents general guidelines for materials selection in the crumple zone and the passenger compartment.

 

Table 1: Steel Grade Strategies For Targeted Safety Performance

 

Crash Zone

Performance Requirements During Crash Material properties to meet need Evidence of Performance Potential Steel Selection Energy Absorbing Crumple Zone High energy absorption over a distance High work hardening, strength, and ductility Large area under the stress-strain curve Dual Phase,
Complex Phase,
Transformation-Induced Plasticity,
3rd Generation Steels Deformation Resisting Safety Cage No deformation or intrusion High yield strength Highest tensile strength Martensite,
Press Hardening
Hot Formed,
>980 MPa Dual Phase,
>980 MPa Complex Phase

 

Automotive components are designed so that together they form a structure that meets all crash, safety, and functionality requirements, including those enforced by regional regulatory bodies and those set internally by car companies. Steel grade characteristics and properties guides the selection for specific applications, as shown schematically in Figure 2.C-5

 

 

Stiffness

Counter to the opinion of many, stiffness is not a function of a material&#;s strength. It is, however, a function of part geometry, elastic modulus and thickness. As an example of how part geometry influences stiffness, consider a sheet of paper. Stiffness improves dramatically once a crease is folded into it, yet the strength has not changed.

In automotive bodies, stiffness is related to handling and safety, as well as noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics.

A common strategy is to deploy AHSS for increased strength while decreasing weight by using thinner material. Casually applied, stiffness can suffer as a result. Geometry, specifically the moment of inertia of the cross-section about the primary load axis, plays a significant role in determining stiffness. The flexibility to adjust cross sectional and overall geometries allows for structural design solutions that more efficiently carry loads in the vehicle. The use of AHSS offers many advantages in this process because high work hardening rates increase formability, allowing for improved shapes for optimal efficiency.  Additionally, AHSS typically possess high bake-hardening ability which can improve the final strength of a component after forming and paint-baking (curing).

Many lower-density metals like aluminium also have a lower elastic modulus than steels.  To have an equally stiff component as one made of steel, the component from the lower-density material must have a combination of increased thickness or increased geometry.  That increased thickness negates some of the perceived weight savings from the alternate material.  Furthermore, lower-density materials must have sufficient ductility to be able to withstand the forming of the additional geometric features like in-part darts and beads and deeper draws associated with the increased shape required for stiffness improvement.
 

Forming and Manufacturability

Advanced high strength steels were developed partly to address the decreased formability typically associated with increased strength in conventional steels.  AHSS grades are available at higher strength levels than conventional high strength steels, and have high work hardening and bake hardening characteristics that allow for increased formability and opportunities for additional optimization of part geometries. Both overall elongation and local elongation properties are important for formability, and global steelmakers have developed grades to address these needs.

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