QStE460TM Steel

QStE460TM Steel: High-Strength Automotive Structural Plate per Q/BQB 310-2009

Detailed data sheet for QStE460TM automobile structure steel plate, including composition, mechanical properties, thermal properties, equivalents, and applications.

Cutting, bending, stamping, roll forming, welding, machining

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QStE460TM Steel Introduction

QStE460TM is a hot-rolled high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel specified in Baosteel standard Q/BQB 310-2009 for automotive structural applications. It features a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa, good weldability, and high formability for weight reduction and safety. Key characteristics:

Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Good cold formability for bending and roll forming
Weldable by conventional methods
Supplied as-rolled or controlled-rolled condition

Typically used in chassis, suspension, and structural reinforcements.

QStE460TM Steel Chemical Composition

Chemical composition according to Q/BQB 310-2009 for QStE460TM. The steel is micro-alloyed with niobium, vanadium, and titanium to achieve fine grain strengthening. Maximum total micro-alloying elements (Nb+V+Ti) is limited to 0.22% to ensure good weldability and formability. Residual elements such as Cr, Ni, Mo, Cu are not intentionally added but may be present up to 0.10% each.

Chemical Element	Standard Value (wt%)	Remarks
Carbon (C)	≤0.12
Silicon (Si)	≤0.50
Manganese (Mn)	≤1.60
Phosphorus (P)	≤0.025
Sulfur (S)	≤0.015
Aluminum (Al)	≥0.015	Total aluminum
Niobium (Nb)	≤0.09
Vanadium (V)	≤0.20
Titanium (Ti)	≤0.15
Nb+V+Ti	≤0.22	Sum of micro-alloying elements

QStE460TM Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

These physical properties are typical values for hot-rolled HSLA steel at room temperature, not specified in Q/BQB 310-2009. Thermal properties such as heat capacity and conductivity vary slightly with temperature. Electrical resistivity is influenced by alloying content and microstructure.

Property	Typical Value	Unit	Condition
Density (ρ)	7.85	g/cm³	At 20 °C
Elastic modulus (E)	210	GPa	At 20 °C
Shear modulus (G)	80	GPa	At 20 °C
Poisson's ratio (ν)	0.3	-	At 20 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)	12.0	10⁻⁶/K	20 - 100 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)	50	W/(m·K)	At 20 °C
Specific heat capacity	460	J/(kg·K)	At 20 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)	0.22	μΩ·m	At 20 °C

QStE460TM Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical property requirements for QStE460TM as per Q/BQB 310-2009. Tensile test conducted on transverse specimens unless otherwise specified. Bend test is carried out at 180° with mandrel diameter (d) specified below. Charpy-V impact test at -20°C is not mandatory; a typical absorbed energy of 27 J can be achieved when tested.

Property	Standard Required Value	Unit	Test Condition
Yield strength (ReH)	≥460	MPa	Plate thickness t ≤ 16 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)	530 - 720	MPa	Plate thickness t ≤ 16 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)	≥14	%	t < 3 mm (gauge length 80 mm)
Elongation after fracture (A)	≥17	%	3 mm ≤ t ≤ 6 mm (gauge length 5.65√S₀)
Elongation after fracture (A)	≥19	%	6 mm < t ≤ 16 mm (gauge length 5.65√S₀)
Bend test (180°)	d = 0a	-	t ≤ 6 mm, a = specimen thickness
Bend test (180°)	d = 0.5a	-	t > 6 mm

QStE460TM Steel Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/Region	Standard	Grade	Remarks
Europe	EN 10149-2	S460MC	Complete equivalent in chemical and mechanical requirements
International	ISO 6930-2	S460MC	Identical to EN standard, global use
China	GB/T 20887.1	HR460F	Closely matches yield strength; minor differences in elongation limits
Japan	JIS G 3134	SPFH540	Similar strength range, often used for automotive forming; confirm by analysis
USA	ASTM A1011/A1011M	HSLAS Grade 70 [480]	Comparable strength grade (485 MPa min yield); weldability equivalent

QStE460TM Steel Application Introduction

QStE460TM is designed for cold-formed structural and safety components in automotive and commercial vehicles. Its high yield strength combined with good elongation allows weight reduction without sacrificing load-bearing capacity. Processing notes:

Excellent weldability with typical arc and resistance welding methods (low carbon equivalent)
Bending radius should be at least 1.0x thickness for tight radii to avoid cracking
Thermomechanical rolling ensures fine grain size and uniform properties
Parts can be hot-dip galvanized or electro-galvanized for corrosion protection

Product Applications: Chassis frames and subframes, Suspension control arms, Bumper reinforcement beams, C-pillar reinforcements, Wheel housings, Structural cross members, Seat brackets and mounts

Processed into products: Longitudinal beams with formed hat sections, Spring brackets and shackles, Engine cradle (K-frame) components, Shock absorber mounting plates, Tow hooks and recovery points, Brake pedal brackets

Application industries: Automotive manufacturing, Commercial vehicle chassis, Construction equipment, Agriculture machinery

QStE460TM Steel Recommended Similar / Alternative Materials

Country/Region	Standard	Grade	Remarks
Europe	EN 10149-2	S420MC	Lower yield strength (420 MPa), better formability for less demanding parts
Europe	EN 10149-2	S500MC	Higher yield strength (500 MPa), suitable when greater strength is needed
China	Q/BQB 310-2009	QStE420TM	Lower strength grade within same standard, good formability
China	Q/BQB 310-2009	QStE500TM	Higher strength grade in same standard, may require more forming force
International	ISO 6930-2	S500MC	Higher strength alternative, globally recognized

Notes:
QStE460TM is a Baosteel proprietary grade; for export, it is commonly cross-referenced to S460MC per EN 10149-2. When ordering, specify plate thickness and intended forming operations. Corrosion protection may require coating after forming. For complex deep-drawing operations, a lower strength grade (e.g., QStE420TM) may be more suitable. The steel can be supplied with a protective oil coating or pickled and oiled finish.