QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate - SEW 092 Data Sheet & Cross-Reference

Comprehensive material properties for QStE420TM hot-rolled high-strength low-alloy steel according to SEW 092. Includes chemical composition, mechanical and thermo-physical data, equivalent grades, and typical automotive applications.

Cold forming, shear cutting, punching, deep drawing, bending, roll forming, welding (resistance, arc, laser), tailored blank manufacturing

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate Introduction

QStE420TM is a thermomechanically rolled, fine-grain, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel specifically developed for cold-formed structural and load-bearing components in the automotive industry. Defined by the German standard SEW 092, this steel offers a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa, excellent formability, and good weldability. Its balanced analysis of microalloying elements such as niobium, titanium, and vanadium enables grain refinement and precipitation strengthening, resulting in a reliable combination of strength and ductility.

  • Designed for bending, deep drawing, and profiling without losing mechanical integrity.
  • Supplied in the as-hot-rolled condition with a controlled cooling pattern, guaranteeing uniform properties across the strip.
  • Supports lightweight design strategies by allowing reduced component thickness while maintaining crashworthiness and fatigue resistance.

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The following chemical requirements are specified in SEW 092 for QStE420TM. Microalloying elements are added to achieve grain refinement and precipitation hardening. The sum of niobium, titanium, and vanadium is controlled to ensure consistent mechanical properties across different thicknesses. Values are maximum unless a range or minimum is indicated.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.12Max.
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.50Max.
Manganese (Mn)≤ 1.60Max.
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.025Max.
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.015Max.
Aluminium (Al)≥ 0.015Min. total Al
Niobium (Nb)≤ 0.09Max.
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.15Max.
Vanadium (V)≤ 0.20Max.
Nb + Ti + V≤ 0.22Optional combined limit

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical parameters are representative of hot-rolled HSLA steel as QStE420TM. Slight variations occur depending on exact composition and processing route. These values serve as a basis for thermal analysis, simulation, and design calculations. Data are given for room temperature unless otherwise noted.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20 °C
Modulus of elasticity (E)210GPa20 °C, static
Shear modulus (G)81GPa20 °C, calculated
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3Elastic range
Coef. of thermal expansion (α)12.0 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹20 – 100 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)46W/(m·K)20 °C
Specific heat capacity460J/(kg·K)20 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.25 × 10⁻⁶Ω·m20 °C

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

The tensile and bending properties of QStE420TM in the as-delivered condition are guaranteed for longitudinal test pieces. Values may vary slightly for heavier gauges. The material ductility allows severe cold forming operations; bending radii are specified to ensure crack-free performance during fabrication. Impact toughness is tested on longitudinal Charpy-V specimens at -20 °C.

PropertyRequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 420MPat ≤ 6 mm, longitudinal
Yield strength (ReH)≥ 420MPat > 6 mm, longitudinal
Tensile strength (Rm)480 – 620MPaAll thicknesses, longitudinal
Elongation (A80)≥ 19%t ≤ 3 mm, L0 = 80 mm, longitudinal
Elongation (A5)≥ 21%3 mm < t ≤ 6 mm, L0 = 5.65√S0, longitudinal
Elongation (A5)≥ 19%6 mm < t ≤ 8 mm, L0 = 5.65√S0, longitudinal
Bending test (180°)d = 0.5 a (no cracks)t ≤ 6 mm, mandrel diameter
Bending test (180°)d = 1.0 a (no cracks)t > 6 mm to 8 mm
Impact energy (KV2)≥ 27J-20 °C, longitudinal V-notch

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards & Substitute Grades

Region/CountryStandardDesignationRemarks
EuropeEN 10149-2S420MCIdentical HSLA grade, thermomechanically rolled; interchangeable for automotive structural use.
GermanyDIN EN 10149-2S420MCDirect adoption of European standard, same composition and mechanical requirements.
InternationalISO 6930-1FeE420TMSimilar thermomechanical fine-grain steel, closely matches SEW 092 QStE420TM.
JapanJIS G 3134SPFH 420Comparable hot-rolled HSLA sheet for automotive applications; check thickness-dependent properties.
USAASTM A1011/A1011MHSLAS Grade 50 Class 2HSLA steel with matching yield/tensile range; slight differences in microalloying approach.

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate Application Introduction

Thanks to its optimized combination of strength and cold formability, QStE420TM is a benchmark material for lightweight automotive body-in-white and chassis construction. The fine-grain microstructure guarantees uniform thinning during deep drawing and permits tight bending radii without fracture. It can be processed using standard workshop equipment (laser, plasma, and resistance welding) and is compatible with most cathodic electrodeposition coating systems.

Product Applications: Automotive chassis frames, Longitudinal and cross members, Wheel rims and rim bands, Suspension arms and control arms, Seat structures and backrests, Bumper reinforcement beams, Side impact bars, Roll-formed profiles for body framing

Processed into products: Stamped and deep-drawn cross members, Bent and precision-cut brackets, Welded sub-assemblies (engine cradles, suspension mounts), Hydroformed chassis parts, Roll-formed U- and L-shaped profiles, Laser-blanked tailored blanks for hot stamping lines, Fatigue-resistant welded assemblies for heavy vehicles

Application industries: Automotive manufacturing, Commercial vehicle (truck, bus), Agricultural and construction machinery, Railway rolling stock, Trailer and container production

QStE420TM Automotive Steel Plate Similar/Close Alternative Material Recommendations

Region/CountryStandardDesignationRemarks
GermanySEW 092QStE460TMHigher strength variant (460 MPa yield), same production mode; suitable for upgraded designs.
EuropeEN 10149-2S460MC460 MPa HSLA grade, equivalent to QStE460TM; increased strength, slightly lower elongation.
EuropeEN 10149-2S380MCLower strength alternative (380 MPa yield); can be used where less mechanical resistance is acceptable.
JapanJIS G 3134SPFH 440440 MPa class hot-rolled steel with good formability; potential substitute for stamping-intensive parts.
USASAE J1392050XLFHSLA steel with 50 ksi yield; close mechanical range but verify composition for welding compatibility.

Notes:

  • Produced via thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) with accelerated cooling, giving a refined ferritic-pearlitic microstructure.
  • Typically supplied with a mill edge; sheared or slit edges are available on request.
  • Excellent weldability with all common fusion and resistance welding methods; low carbon equivalent ensures minimal hardening in the heat-affected zone.
  • When ordering, specify thickness, width, surface condition (e.g. unpickled, pickled & oiled), and internal soundness requirements per SEW 092.
  • For critical deep-drawing applications, a controlled sulfur content (≤0.010%) can be negotiated to improve forming limits.
  • Complies with European directives for hazardous substances and is fully recyclable at end of life.
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