Heat assisted V-bending characteristics of high strength S700MC steel

Abstract

Abstract. Increasingly stringent regulations force automotive manufacturers to reduce their product weights without compromising passenger safety. To overcome this problem, high strength steels are used that enable a higher payload capacity whilst reducing the plate thickness and overall weight. However, high strength steels are generally associated with lower formability and significantly greater springback compared to mild steels. In the current study, bendability characteristics of high strength S700MC steel in mild temperatures are investigated using V-bending tests. A temperature range between 25°C and 650°C is analysed. Springback characteristics as well as hardness distribution along the thickness direction in the bent area is investigated for several bent samples.