ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

Material Name Specification Number

STEEL, SHEET, HOT ROLLED HSLA WSS-M1A346-A1/A2/A3/A4/A5/A6

1. SCOPE

The materials defined by these specifications are hot rolled, fully killed, fine grained, high strength
low alloy (HSLA) steel sheet possessing good forming and welding properties (see para 4.1).
The choice of strengthening mechanism is at the discretion of the supplier and shall be described
in the Control Plan. Specification WSS-M1P94-A shall be used where pre-coating by the steel
supplier is required.

Clarification: The variants and minimum yield strength level (MPa) are listed below:

• A1: 220
• A2: 250
• A3: 300
• A4: 350
• A5: 400
• A6: 450

2. APPLICATION

These specifications were released originally for 2003 model year high strength automotive body
parts. To assist in sourcing, additional information is included in para 5.

The abbreviations heading the tables (see para 5.4) indicate the country or company of origin of
the specification as follows:

ISO International Standards Organization

BS UK of GB & NI (British Standards Institute)
SEW Stahl-Eisen-Werkstoffblaetter
EN European Union
ASTM USA (American Society for Testing & Materials)
JIS Japan Industrial Standards
JFS Japan Iron and Steel Federation Standards
MES Mazda Engineering Standards

Date Action Revisions

Uploaded in error, reverted back to version dated 2000-09-21
2002 11 12 Revised
R. Lord
2002 11 11 Revised Rev 3.5, 3.7, 4.5, 4.11, added 4.11 & Renumbered 5.11 & 5.12
K. J. Thurgood
2000 09 21 Activated K J Thurgood (FAO), M Fukahori (Mazda)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

Note: Because of regional supply base variations and to make the most effective use of these
specifications, users should consult with Materials Engineering.

Note: Microalloyed steel supplied to these specifications may contain titanium as an alloying
addition. Such titanium alloyed steels, if subsequently surface treated by a nitrocarburising
/oxidising process, risk becoming embrittled because of the formation of an ultrafine TiN
precipitate. Microalloyed steels containing vanadium and niobium are also thought to be prone to
this effect. Accordingly, special consideration should be given for Microalloyed steel parts
intended to be subjected to the above noted surface treatment processes.

Note: Please be aware that these specifications do not yet deal with hot dipped galvanised (ie.
hot dipped zinc) coatings.

Additional note: Please also see WSS-M1A347- (Cold Rolled)

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 QUALITY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Material suppliers and part producers must conform to the Company's Quality System
Requirements.

3.2 DIMENSIONS AND DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES

3.2.1 THICKNESS AND THICKNESS TOLERANCES (see para 5.5)

The thickness specified on the Engineering Drawing shall be a minimum.

3.3 OTHER DIMENSIONS, TOLERANCES AND ASSOCIATED ITEMS

. These shall be defined by the relevant national standards (see para 5.6)

. As appropriate to the relevant national standards, the title of this paragraph shall be
interpreted to include length, width, flatness, camber and mass.

3.4 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (weight percent)

The upper and lower limits of chemical composition of the controlled elements shall be
established by the supplier and be included in the Control Plan.

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

3.5 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

(Longitudinal Tensile Specimens)(50 mm Gauge Length)
(ISO 6892/ASTM E 8M/EN 10002/JIS G 3135/JFS A 1001/JIS G 3113/
JIS G 3134/JFS A 2001)

(Note: Certain gauge (thickness) limitations apply)

Variant A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6

Yield Strength (0.2 % offset)

(MPa min) 220 250 300 350 400 450
(MPa max) 300 350 400 450 500 550

Tensile Strength
(MPa min) 330 350 400 430 460 500

*Elongation 32 30 28 25 22 22
(% min)

* Gauge lengths other than 50 mm may be used for control purposes, with appropriate
recommended ISO 2566/1) correction in % Elongation. In all cases, 50 mm will be
considered the referee standard gauge length.

# See also para 5.3.

3.6 FORMABILITY

The quality level of steel supplied to fabricate a specific component shall be negotiated
between the manufacturing activity and the steel supplier. Steel cleanliness may involve
the use of a mutually agreed referee method (see para 5.7). Acceptance of subsequent
orders by the steel supplier for a given component at the agreed upon quality level
implies that all steel supplied will be of a comparable quality level and will form that part
satisfactorily as defined by the manufacturing activity.

The company may, at its option and in agreement with the steel supplier, compile a list
(known as the Sheet Metal Requirements List (SMRL)) of property requirements such as
mechanical properties, forming characteristics and surface texture, for each specific part.
If invoked, this list will be a mandatory extension of these specifications (see para 5.8).

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

3.7 WELDABILITY

When the Carbon Equivalent (C.E.) of the material exceeds 0.21%; to demonstrate
acceptable weldability as part of the source approval process:

The material supplier shall consistently produce spot welds which never experience any
interfacial failure, regardless of the testing method (peel or shear) or the strain rate. The
spot welding technique and number of spot welds shall be agreed between the Material
Supplier and the relevant company Weld Inspection Activity, prior to the commencement
of the source approval process.

The aforementioned spot welding technique and associated parameters shall form part of
the control plan.

C.E. is defined as %C + %Mn/6 + %(Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15

3.8 SURFACE FINISH AND APPEARANCE

These specifications define the surface appearance as Class 3, i.e. they shall be
specified for parts of the vehicle that are concealed during normal use. The mean
surface roughness Ra, the surface waviness Wca and the peak density are not defined.
Unless otherwise specified via the Engineering Drawing, the SMRL (see para 3.6) or
Purchase (Supply), these materials shall be coated with a light, even film of protective,
company approved mill oil (rust preventative oil) or prelube.

3.9 PAINTABILITY

Material supplied to these specifications must have prior approval for paintability by the
responsible company activity. This approval shall be based on samples prepared to local
process and performance requirements. (See para 5.9)

3.10 SUPPLIER'S RESPONSIBILITY

All materials supplied to this specification must be equivalent in all characteristics to the
material upon which approval was originally granted.

Prior to making any changes to the material originally approved under this specification,
whether or not such changes affect the material's ability to meet the specification
requirements, the Supplier shall notify the affected Purchasing, and Materials
Engineering activities (with reasons), of the proposed changes. Upon notification of the
Company, further instructions will be provided.

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

Note: Suppliers should be prepared to provide test data and samples demonstrating
compliance to this specification, if requested. Substance restrictions imposed by
regulations or Company direction apply to the materials addressed by this document.
The restrictions are identified in Restricted Substance Management Standard
WSS-M99P9999-A1.

4. APPROVAL OF MATERIALS

Materials defined by this specification for direct supply to the Company must have prior approval.
Certain materials subcontracted by part suppliers may also require prior approval. These include
materials critical to the Company's business for regulatory, safety, environmental or compatibility
requirements or contractual agreements. Suppliers desiring approval of their materials shall first
obtain an expression of interest from either Purchasing, Design or Materials Engineering activity.
Upon request, the Supplier shall submit a completed copy of their laboratory test reports, signed
by a qualified and authorized representative of the test facility, demonstrating full compliance with
all the requirements of this specification.

5. GENERAL INFORMATION

The information given below is provided for clarification and assistance in meeting the
requirements of these specifications.

5.1 DOCUMENT ORIGIN

This document was originally compiled as a collaborative effort between Ford Motor
Company, Mazda (Mazda Motor Corporation) and Jaguar (Jaguar Cars), part of PAG
(PAG is Premier Automotive Group).

5.2 INITIAL SUPPLIER APPROVAL BY FORD

(UNCOATED ONLY - For information for coated
HSLA steel submissions see WSS-M1P94-A)

For initial approval, the supplier should furnish the following information for each variant:

. A plan detailing how each requirement of para 3 will be controlled on a continuing

basis.

. Test results from a typical production sample for the requirements outlined in para 3,
with the exception that paintability testing should be conducted on one sample.

. The intent of para 3.7 is that the Material Supplier should assess material that aims
towards the highest chemistry and thinnest gauge (i.e. the most difficult material to
spot weld) for any given grade.

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

. Mechanical property histograms including mean and standard deviation values. Data
should consist of a minimum of 40 measurements for each property in para 3.5,
taken from a minimum of 20 coils, while the process is operating in statistical control.

Upon approval, the materials will be added to the Engineering Material Approved
Source List.

5.3 MATERIAL USAGE

For materials with a specified thickness below 1.80 mm, (see paras 3.2 & 3.5) Cold
Rolled High Strength Steel (see WSS-M1A347-) is typically used. For materials with a
specified thickness greater than 3.20 mm (see paras 3.2 & 3.5), the use of Cold Rolled
High Strength Steel (see WSS-M1A347-) is infrequent. Hot Rolled High Strength Steel is
typically used.

For guidance, a cross reference of company, National, and International specifications is

given in para 5.4.

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

5.4 CROSS REFERENCE OF SPECIFICATIONS

(Note: for guidance only)

5.4.1 Hot Rolled

Variant Common Terminology SEW 092* BS EN 10149-2 SAE J1392

1449*
A1 Grade 220 n/a n/a n/a n/a

A2 Grade 250 n/a n/a n/a 035 X

A3 Grade 300 QStE340 TM HR40 F 30 S315MC 045 X

A4 Grade 350 QStE380 TM HR43 F 35 S355MC 050 X

A5 Grade 400 QStE460 TM HR46 F 40 S420MC 060 X

A6 Grade 450 QStE500 TM HR50 F 45 S460MC n/a

Variant Common ISO ASTM JFS MES MM 100 JIS

Terminology A 607
5951 Class 2 A 1001 MES MM 107 G 3113,3134
A1 Grade 220 n/a n/a JSH370W SPHN400W SAPH370
JSH400W SAPH400
A2 Grade 250 HSF275 n/a JSH400W SPHN400W SAPH400
JSH440W SPHN440W SAPH440
A3 Grade 300 HSF355 Grade 45 JSH440W SPHN440W SAPH440
JSH440R SPHN440R
A4 Grade 350 HSF420 Grade 50 JSH440R SPHN440R SAPH440
JSH490R SPHN490R SPFH490
A5 Grade 400 n/a Grade 60 JSH490R SPHN490R SPFH490
JSH540R SPHN540R SPFH540
A6 Grade 450 HSF490 Grade 65 JSH590R SPHN590R SPFH590

• Obsolete specifications or obsolete versions of Specifications which may appear on older Engineering
Drawings.

(n/a means not applicable)

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

5.5 THICKNESS TOLERANCE

If and when choosing a minimum gauge from ES-YC15-1N260-AA, if the previous choice
of gauge was nominal, it is important to avoid generating an inadvertent increase in the
ACTUAL thickness of the component, and consideration should be given to specifying
the next lowest minimum gauge e.g. for an existing 2.00 mm nominal gauge, the nearest
equivalent minimum gauge in ES-YC15-1N260-AA is 1.90 mm.

Additionally, it may be necessary to consult with JFS A 2001 or JFS A 1001, to select a
Japanese nominal gauge which satisfies the intent of ES-YC15-1N260-AA.

5.6 OTHER DIMENSIONS, TOLERANCES AND ASSOCIATED ITEMS

Examples of the relevant national standards are:

. EN 10029, EN 10048, EN 10051, ASTM A 568M, JFS A 1001, JFS A 2001.

5.7 STEEL CLEANLINESS REFEREE METHOD

. Examples are JFS A 1001, JFS A 2001, MES MM 106.

5.8 FORMABILITY

The current responsible area for the SMRL (within Ford Motor Company in Europe) is
Research & Vehicle Technology (RVT); Materials Engineering, Testing & Standards
(MET & S). The current responsible area for the SMRL (within Jaguar) is Materials
Engineering. The SMRL may refer to National or International Standards.

5.9 PAINTABILITY

. Examples are ESB-M2P129-B (Class 3 surface applications), MES MN 606

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

5.10 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOT ROLLED MATERIALS

(WSS-M1A346-/A2/A3/A4/A5/A6)

TABLE 1: Typical Values Based On European Practice

r n
Variant Yield Strength Tensile Strength % Elongation (A80) 90 90 r - bar n - bar
(Re) (MPa) (Rm) (MPa) (80 mm GL)

A1 tbd tbd tbd n/a n/a n/a n/a

A2 281 - 305 382 - 398 34 - 39 n/a n/a n/a n/a

A3 334 - 382 426 - 466 26 - 37 n/a n/a n/a n/a

A4 369 - 409 456 - 492 29 - 32 n/a n/a n/a n/a

A5 405 - 453 514 - 554 24 - 30 n/a n/a n/a n/a

A6 tbd tbd tbd n/a n/a n/a n/a

Note: Test specimens taken in the longitudinal (i.e., 0 deg to the rolling) direction.

(n/a means not applicable) (tbd means to be determined)

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

TABLE 2: Typical Values Based on North American Practice

Test specimens and method based on ASTM standards. Values for Yield, Tensile Strength and
Elongation area based on specimens taken in the longitudinal direction (0 deg to rolling).

r n
Variant Yield Strength Tensile Strength % Elongation (A50) 90 90 r - bar n - bar
(Re) (MPa) (Rm) (MPa) (50 mm GL)

A1 tbd tbd tbd n/a n/a tbd tbd

A2 253 - 318 337 - 427 27 - 37 n/a n/a n/a tbd

A3 300 - 384 381 - 483 24 - 36 n/a n/a n/a tbd

A4 354 - 439 452 - 535 22 - 33 n/a n/a n/a 0.140 -

0.180

A5 419 - 514 507 - 590 22 - 30 n/a n/a n/a 0.110 -

0.150

A6 460 - 555 537 - 620 19 - 30 n/a n/a n/a 0.110 -

0.160

(n/a means not applicable) (tbd means to be determined)

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

TABLE 3: Typical Values Based on Japanese Practice

(For Uncoated and Electrolytically Coated; Thickness 2.30 mm.)

Test specimens and method based on JIS Z 2201. For materials with specified Tensile Strength under
490 MPa, values for Yield, Tensile Strength and Elongation area based on specimens taken in the
longitudinal direction (0 deg to rolling). However, for materials with specified Tensile Strength 490 MPa
or over, values for Yield, Tensile Strength and Elongation area based on specimens taken in the
transverse direction (90 deg to rolling). The figures in brackets (parentheses) for Yield strength and
%Elongation, indicate typical values.
r n
Grade Yield Strength Tensile Strength % Elongation (A50) 90 90 r – bar n – bar
MES MM 100
MES MM 107 (Re) (MPa) (Rm) (MPa) (50 mm GL)
JFS A 1001
JSH370W 215 - 335 370 min 35 – 48 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(275) (41)
SPHN400W 235 – 355 400 min 33 – 46 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(295) (39)
JSH400W
SPHN440W 275 – 390 440 min 30 – 43 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(335) (36)
JSH440W
SPHN440R 325 – 440 440 min 27 – 40 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(385) (34)
JSH440R
SPHN490R 365 – 490 490 min 23 – 37 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(430) (30)
JSH490R
SPHN540R 420 – 560 540 min 20 – 34 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(490) (28)
JSH540R
SPHN590R 450 - 600 590 min 18 - 32 n/a n/a n/a n/a

JSH590R

(n/a means not applicable)

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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A346-A1/A6

TABLE 4: Typical Values Based on Japanese Practice

(For Hot Dipped Galvannealed; Thickness 2.30 mm.)

Test specimens and method based on JIS Z 2201. For materials with specified Tensile Strength under
490 MPa, values for Yield, Tensile Strength and Elongation area based on specimens taken in the
longitudinal direction (0 deg to rolling). However, for materials with specified Tensile Strength 490 MPa
or over, values for Yield, Tensile Strength and Elongation area based on specimens taken in the
transverse direction (90 deg to rolling). The figures in brackets (parentheses) for Yield strength and
%Elongation, indicate typical values.
r n
Grade Yield Strength Tensile Strength % Elongation (A50) 90 90 r – bar n – bar
MES MM 100
MES MM 108 (Re) (MPa) (Rm) (MPa) (50 mm GL)
JFS A 3011
JAH370W 225 - 345 370 min 34 - 47 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(285) (40)
SPHM400W 245 - 365 400 min 32 - 45 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(305) (39)
JAH400W
SPHM440W 280 - 400 440 min 29 - 42 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(335) (36)
JAH440W
SPHM440R 335 - 450 440 min 26 - 39 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(395) (33)
JAH440R

(n/a means not applicable)

5.11 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

The reference documents are:

ASTM A 607 BS 1449 ASTM E 8M WSS-M1P94-A

EN 10051 EN 10002 WSS-M1A347- ESB-M2P129-B
ISO 6892 JIS G 3113 JIS G 3134 JIS G 3135
JFS A 1001 JFS A 2001 SAE J1392 JIS Z 2201
ISO 5951 EN 10029 ISO 2566/1 ASTM A 568M
MES MN 606 SEW 092 EN 10149-2 JFS A 3011
MES MM 100 MES MM 106 MES MM 107 MES MM 108
EN 10048 WSS-M99P9999-A1 ES-YC15-1N260-AA

5.12 METHOD OF SPECIFYING

The specification on the Engineering Drawing shall include, if applicable, the surface
quality; also the coating(s), as defined by WSS-M1P94-A.

e.g. Steel, Sheet, Hot Rolled, HSLA, uncoated, minimum yield strength 300 MPa, for a
non-visible component, would be specified thus:

WSS-M1A346-A3: Class 3

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