DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate
DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate - Properties & Equivalents
Comprehensive data on DIN 17102 WStE420 steel: chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, equivalent grades, and automotive applications.
Cold forming, stamping, bending, deep drawing, welding, punching
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DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate Introduction
WStE420 is a weldable fine grain structural steel grade under the German standard DIN 17102, primarily used in the automotive industry for components requiring high strength and good formability. It is a microalloyed low-carbon steel with minimum yield strength of 420 MPa. Key features:
- Excellent cold formability
- Good weldability
- High fatigue strength
It is typically supplied in normalized or thermo-mechanically rolled condition and is suitable for chassis frames, suspension arms, wheels, and other structural parts. The grade has been superseded by EN 10149-2 S420MC, which is the current European standard for such high-strength steels.
DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate Chemical Composition
The typical chemical composition of WStE420 steel according to DIN 17102 is shown below. The steel is microalloyed with niobium, vanadium, and/or titanium to achieve the required strength through grain refinement and precipitation hardening. Maximum limits are specified to ensure good weldability and formability. Values are ladle analysis unless otherwise noted.
| Element | Standard Value (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.12 | Key element for strength |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.50 | Deoxidizer |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1.60 | Improves hardenability |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.030 | Maximum allowed for ductility |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.025 | Low for formability |
| Aluminium (Al, total) | ≥0.015 | Grain refining |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤0.09 | Microalloying, optional |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤0.20 | Microalloying, optional |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤0.15 | Microalloying, optional |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤0.10 | Optional, not always specified |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤0.015 | Typically controlled low |
| Nb+V+Ti | ≤0.22 | Sum of microalloying elements |
DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
The following physical properties are representative for low-carbon microalloyed steel of the WStE420 type. They are not specified by DIN 17102 but are provided for design calculations and are based on typical structural steel data.
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Room temperature |
| Elastic modulus (E) | 210 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Shear modulus (G) | 80 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Poisson's ratio (ν) | 0.3 | – | Room temperature |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 12.0 × 10⁻⁶ | 1/K | 20 – 100 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 12.5 × 10⁻⁶ | 1/K | 20 – 200 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 13.0 × 10⁻⁶ | 1/K | 20 – 300 °C |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 50 | W/(m·K) | at 20 °C, typical |
| Specific heat capacity (c) | 460 | J/(kg·K) | at 20 °C |
| Electrical resistivity (ρe) | 0.20 | μΩ·m | at 20 °C |
DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties are determined on transverse specimens in accordance with DIN EN ISO 6892-1. The values vary with plate thickness. The following data represent the minimum requirements for normalized or normalized-rolled condition as per DIN 17102. Bending test is performed with mandrel of the specified diameter without cracking. For thicknesses below 3 mm, elongation A80 values may apply.
| Property | Standard Requirement | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield strength (ReH) | ≥420 | MPa | t ≤ 16 mm, transverse |
| Yield strength (ReH) | ≥400 | MPa | 16 < t ≤ 40 mm, transverse |
| Yield strength (ReH) | ≥380 | MPa | 40 < t ≤ 63 mm, transverse |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 510 – 650 | MPa | t ≤ 16 mm, transverse |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 490 – 630 | MPa | 16 < t ≤ 40 mm, transverse |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 470 – 610 | MPa | 40 < t ≤ 63 mm, transverse |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥20 | % | t ≤ 16 mm, longitudinal, gauge length 5d |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥19 | % | 16 < t ≤ 40 mm, longitudinal, gauge length 5d |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥18 | % | 40 < t ≤ 63 mm, longitudinal, gauge length 5d |
| Impact energy (KV2) | ≥27 | J | -20 °C, transverse, Charpy V-notch, 10×10 mm |
| Bending test (mandrel diameter) | 0.5 × t | mm | t ≤ 16 mm, 180° bend, no cracks |
| Bending test (mandrel diameter) | 1.0 × t | mm | 16 < t ≤ 40 mm, 180° bend, no cracks |
| Bending test (mandrel diameter) | 1.5 × t | mm | 40 < t ≤ 63 mm, 180° bend, no cracks |
DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Alternative Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe / Germany | EN 10149-2 | S420MC | Direct replacement for WStE420; current standard |
| International | ISO 6930-2 | FeE420 | Equivalent in ISO system |
DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate Application Introduction
WStE420 steel is ideal for structural components in the automotive industry that require a combination of high strength, good formability, and weldability. It is typically used in the form of hot-rolled plates and coils with thicknesses up to 63 mm. The material can be processed by various cold forming techniques and is well-suited for automated production lines. Advantages:
- Weight reduction potential compared to conventional steels
- High fatigue resistance for dynamic loads
- Good surface quality
Product Applications: Chassis frames, Suspension arms, Subframes, Wheel rims, Cross members, Reinforcement brackets, Trailer parts
Processed into products: Longitudinal beams, Transverse beams, Spring brackets, Engine cradles, Axle components, Truck frame rails, Shock absorber mounts
Application industries: Automotive manufacturing, Transportation equipment, Heavy machinery, Construction equipment
DIN 17102 WStE420: High-Strength Auto Structure Steel Plate Similar / Alternative Materials with Comparable Properties
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10149-2 | S355MC | Lower strength (yield 355 MPa), similar formability |
| Europe | EN 10149-2 | S500MC | Higher strength (yield 500 MPa), still good formability |
| USA | ASTM A1011/A1011M | HSLAS Grade 60 [450] | Yield 450 MPa, for automotive structural use |
| Japan | JIS G 3134 | SPFH490 | Yield 490 MPa, used in automotive frames |
Notes:
The DIN 17102 standard has been withdrawn and replaced by EN 10149-2. For new designs, S420MC per EN 10149-2 should be specified. When ordering, the delivery condition (normalized or TMCP) must be agreed upon. Additional testing (e.g., ultrasonic) may be required for demanding applications. The information provided here is based on historical data and current equivalent standards; always refer to the latest material data sheet when available.
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