DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate - Fine-Grain Structural Steel

Comprehensive material properties and data for WStE315 steel plate according to DIN 17102, including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, equivalents, and application guidance for automotive structural components.

Hot rolling, cold forming, bending, welding, cutting, machining

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate Introduction

WStE315 is a normalized fine-grain structural steel specified in DIN 17102, primarily used for load-bearing components in vehicle structures. It offers a minimum yield strength of 315 MPa, good cold formability, and excellent weldability, making it ideal for chassis and frame parts. The fine-grain microstructure achieved through controlled normalizing delivers consistent toughness and ductility at low temperatures. This grade is often supplied in the normalized condition (N) and provides reliable performance under dynamic loads.

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate Chemical Composition

Typical ladle analysis according to DIN 17102 for thickness ≤ 16 mm. Microalloying elements like Nb, V, and Ti refine grain structure and improve strength. The carbon equivalent (CEV) is controlled to ensure good weldability. Elements Al, Nb, V, and Ti are added for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening.

Chemical ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.18Maximum
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.50Maximum
Manganese (Mn)1.00 – 1.60Range
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.030Maximum
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.025Maximum
Aluminium (Al)≥ 0.02Minimum total aluminium
Niobium (Nb)≤ 0.05Maximum
Vanadium (V)≤ 0.12Maximum
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.03Maximum
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.020Maximum

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties at room temperature unless otherwise stated. These values are typical for low-alloy fine-grain structural steels and are suitable for general engineering calculations. Actual values may vary slightly with composition and heat treatment.

PropertyStandard Reference ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At 20 °C
Elastic modulus (E)210GPaAt 20 °C
Shear modulus (G)81GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3-At 20 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.0 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹20 – 100 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific heat capacity460J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.23 × 10⁻⁶Ω·mAt 20 °C

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Minimum requirements in the normalized condition (N) at ambient temperature, transverse test pieces unless otherwise stated. Yield strength and elongation depend on product thickness. Charpy impact energy is guaranteed for quality J at -20 °C. Data based on DIN 17102 and comparable EN 10025-3 S315N.

PropertyStandard Requirement ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 315MPaThickness ≤ 16 mm, transverse
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 295MPa16 < t ≤ 40 mm, transverse
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 285MPa40 < t ≤ 63 mm, transverse
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 275MPa63 < t ≤ 80 mm, transverse
Tensile strength (Rm)490 – 630MPaThickness ≤ 80 mm, transverse
Elongation (A)≥ 22%L₀ = 5.65√S₀, t ≤ 16 mm, transverse
Elongation (A)≥ 21%L₀ = 5.65√S₀, 16 < t ≤ 40 mm, transverse
Elongation (A)≥ 20%L₀ = 5.65√S₀, 40 < t ≤ 63 mm, transverse
Elongation (A)≥ 19%L₀ = 5.65√S₀, 63 < t ≤ 80 mm, transverse
Charpy impact energy (KV)≥ 27JLongitudinal, -20 °C (quality J)
Bend testD = 3 t-180°, with the bend axis perpendicular to the rolling direction

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grade Recommendations

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
GermanyDIN 17102WStE315Original specification, normalized fine-grain steel
European UnionEN 10025-3S315NDirect replacement after harmonization, same yield class and delivery condition N
InternationalISO 4950-1E315Property equivalent, normalized delivery condition
UK (superseded)BS 4360Grade 43EEHistorically comparable, though yield class differs slightly

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate Application Introduction

WStE315 steel plate is engineered for demanding structural applications where weight, strength, and safety are critical. Its fine-grain structure guarantees high toughness even at low temperatures, making it a preferred choice for chassis members, suspension components, and reinforcements in commercial and passenger vehicles. The material can be formed, welded, and machined with standard workshop practices. Typical processing includes plasma or laser cutting, bending, and MIG/MAG welding with matching filler metals. Surface protection (painting, galvanizing) is recommended for corrosion-prone environments.

Product Applications: Truck chassis frames, Longitudinal rails and cross members, Suspension and axle brackets, Reinforcement plates for vehicle bodies, Container underframes

Processed into products: Main longitudinal beams of truck chassis, Cross beams and engine cradle supports, Spring hanger brackets, Tow bars and coupling plates, Welded box sections for bus frames, Bumper back plates and crash boxes

Application industries: Automotive manufacturing (trucks, buses, trailers), Heavy machinery and earth-moving equipment, Railway rolling stock structures, Agricultural machinery

DIN 17102 WStE315 Automobile Structure Steel Plate Similar / Comparable Substitute Materials

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
European UnionEN 10025-2S355J0Higher yield strength (355 MPa), but similar ductility and weldability; thicker sections may require preheat
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 50 [345]Yield strength 345 MPa, similar structural applications, note chemical composition differences
ChinaGB/T 1591Q345BComparable strength level, widely used for vehicle structures; CEV may be slightly higher
JapanJIS G 3106SM490ATensile class 490 MPa, yield ~325 MPa for t≤16 mm, suitable for welded structures
InternationalEN 10149-3S315NCCold-rolled, normalized or normalizing rolled; higher formability but limited thickness range

Notes:

Additional information: WStE315 is suitable for hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) provided the silicon content is controlled to avoid excessive coating thickness. Welding procedures should follow EN 1011-2; preheating may be required for thick plates (>40 mm) to avoid hydrogen cracking. The carbon equivalent (CEV) is typically ≤0.43% for t ≤16 mm, ensuring excellent field weldability. Notch toughness at temperatures down to -50 °C can be agreed upon when ordering with quality K option (not shown here). For fatigue-loaded components, post-weld treatment such as shot peening may be beneficial.

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