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Improvement of the Ductility of Press-Hardened Plane Sheets through a

Modified Heat Treatment

Article  in  Key Engineering Materials · March 2015

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.639.243

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Key Engineering Materials Vol. 639 (2015) pp 243-248 Submitted: 2014-10-08
© (2015) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland Revised: 2014-12-10
doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.639.243 Accepted: 2015-01-14
Online: 2015-03-20

Improvement of the ductility of press-hardened plane sheets through a

modified heat treatment
Tobias Konrad1,a and Peter Feuser1,b
1
Daimler AG, Bela-Barenyi-Str.1, 71059 Sindelfingen
a
tobias.konrad@daimler.com, bpeter.feuser@daimler.com

Keywords: Hot deformation, Hardening, High Strength Steel

Abstract. Tailored press-hardening processes are used to reduce both production costs and
component weight. The aim of these development methods is to generate regions zones in the
component with both high and low tensile strengths. The B-pillar, for instance, needs high tensile
strength in the region of the roof frame to prevent deformation. However, the connection to the
body should have lower tensile strength to absorb the energy of a crash.
Regarding the production process for tailored welded blanks, the tailored press-hardening
processes for monolithic sheets need no joining operation. As an addition to recent publications, this
paper presents a modified tailored press-hardening process, with a modified time-temperature
process. Starting from the required tailored material properties of the part, with a sheet thickness of
1.5 mm, research has been done on the process window and process design.
This contribution concentrates on modifications to the time-temperature profile. After heating
the hot-dip galvanized, heat-treatable 22MnB5 steel above its austenitic temperature, the aim is to
adjust the material’s mechanical properties within the cooling process.
Based on the continuous TTT diagram, the cooling rate has an impact on the material’s
mechanical material properties. Different proportions of constituents such as Bainite, Ferrite or
Perlite are created by varying the cooling rate. Furthermore, during an intermediate stage in the
cooling-down period, the holding temperature has an even stronger effect on the material’s
microstructural composition and the corresponding mechanical properties. The rate of the
transformation process changes, depending on the intermediate temperature. The third parameter
investigated is the holding time at this intermediate temperature. As the holding time is increased a
transformation, progressing from austenite to other constituents, can be observed.
The results of this parametric study could be transferred to a prototype environment.

Introduction
Custom-tailored press-hardening processes are applied to fulfil the specifications of crash-
relevant parts. Parts which offer both a high structural strength and high deformation capacity in
different zones of the component are required [1]. This variety of necessary mechanical material
properties led to the motivation to generate parts with functionally optimized material properties.
The so-called Tailored Tempered Parts consist of soft regions (high tensile strength) and hard
regions (low tensile strength) [2]. Such parts can be produced by influencing the specific heating
strategy, the cooling behaviour [3] or the tempering strategy.
Similar to the tailored welded blanks [4], this process study shows options for creating soft (high
ductility) and hard regions within one part. The method used modifies the heat treatment process,
particularly in the cool-down period. After heating the test parts – with a maximum heating rate of
10 K/s [5] – up to a temperature above the material specific austenitic temperature, the temperature
must be held for a sufficient time to generate a pure austenitic microstructure. Afterwards, the
process study investigates the influence of several intermediate temperatures (IMT), their holding
times (HT) and cooling rates (CR) and its impact on the mechanical material properties. Fig. 1
shows the examined process design methods for improving the ductility of press-hardened parts.

All rights reserved. No part of contents of this paper may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of Trans
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244 Sheet Metal 2015

Figure 1: Intermediate temperatures (IMT) and cooling rates (CR) for improving the ductility of
press-hardened parts
Due to the different possible combinations of intermediate temperatures, holding times and
cooling rates, it is assumed that a variety of mechanical material properties can be obtained.
Therefore, a parametric study was conducted to find proper parameter sets of cooling rates,
intermediate temperatures and holding times which lead to the desired soft material properties.

Preliminary Tests for the Definition of the Experimental Matrix

The methodology of the pilot tests used for the process window analysis can be divided into
three steps: robustness evaluation, process limitations based on preliminary tests and definition of
the experimental matrix. Besides obtaining an indication of process robustness, the pilot tests also
suggest which characteristics of the parameters should be further investigated. The predefinition of
three cooling rates, three holding times and the intermediate temperatures completes the
methodology of the process window analysis.
Robustness evaluation. First pre-tests were used for evaluating the process robustness. Besides
time-temperature profiles, hardness tests were realized to gather knowledge regarding the
robustness and homogeneity of mechanical material properties.
Therefore, test parts were heated using a conductive heat treatment with a servo-hydraulic testing
machine. With the aid of electric resistance heating and air pressure nozzles, it was possible to
realize idealized time-temperature profiles. The specimen geometry was investigated with regard to
high temperature homogeneity in the longitudinal and transverse direction. Then specimens in the
form of a tension rod were heated for a duration of 115 s and then cooled down with a constant CR
of 10 K/s until the temperature in the part center reached 600 °C. After a HT of 60 s and a transfer
time of 8 s, the part was cooled down rapidly to room temperature using compressed air p of 2 bar.
The results of the thermocouple measurements show only small deviations from the time-
temperature profiles between each other. A small deviation of about 0.8 % at the center of the part
can be observed during the austenitic phase as well as at the end of the first cool-down phase.
Furthermore, Vickers hardness of the five test samples was investigated with regard to their
homogeneity. The hardness values were measured over the cross-section at a distance of 1 mm.
The samples show a low degree of deviation of Vickers hardness HV10 values over the cross-
section. With the exception of two outer points (smallest distance to the boundary) due to
decarburization effects, the inner points have a mean value of 628 MPa ± 18 MPa. In summary, this
process robustness shows repeatability with respect to the following, certain investigations assess
the influence of the three parameters.
Process limitations based on pilot tests. The pre-tests were used to get an impression of the
dependency of material’s mechanical properties on the parameters described. Preliminary tests
 Key Engineering Materials Vol. 639 245

uncovered the effects of different heat treatments on the several micrographs. Corresponding
hardening profile measurements concluded the preliminary examining.
Therefore preliminary tests were performed at an austenitic temperature TA of 930 °C, as it
should be a temperature between 850 °C and 950 °C [6]. The corresponding austenitic time tγ was
151 s. Following the selected cooling rates, IMT and a holding time of 40 s, the specimens were
cooled down to room temperature using an air pressure of 2 bar. The three chosen IMT varied
between 700 °C, 600 °C and 500 °C. Furthermore, three CR of 15 K/s, 10 K/s and 5 K/s were used.
The different IMT and cooling rates were selected according to the continuous TTT diagram of
22MnB5 [7]. Various micrographs are expected depending on the previous heat treatment. A
ferritic-perlitic microstructure is supposed at an IMT of 700 °C, a bainitic-perlitic microstructure at
an IMT of 600 °C and a bainitic microstructure at an IMT of 500 °C. A cooling rate of 10 K/s
corresponds to the preliminary test results for a sheet thickness of 1.5 mm. In addition, a cooling
rate of 15 K/s refers to the cool down process of exposed blanks. Moreover, the micrographs were
investigated using a cooling rate of 5 K/s which corresponds to the cooling behaviour in a divided
oven process.
In reference to the micrographs, Fig. 2 visualizes the results of hardness profile measurements
HV1 for three selected IMT of 700 °C, 600 °C and 500 °C and three cooling rates of 15 K/s, 10 K/s
and 5 K/s. The measuring intervals were 1 mm, in analogy to the process capability analysis.
500

400
Hardness HV1

300

200

700 °C 15 K/s 700 °C 10 K/s 700 °C 5 K/s

100 600 °C 15 K/s 600 °C 10 K/s 600 °C 5 K/s
500 °C 15 K/s 500 °C 10 K/s 500 °C 5 K/s
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Distance to the measurement starting point [mm]
s = 1.5 mm TA = 930 °C tγ = 151 s IMT = variable HT = 40 s CR = variable p = 2 bar
Figure 2: Hardness profile measurement of the pilot tests with a variation of the intermediate
temperature and the cooling rate
The results of first preliminary tests show that when selecting an IMT of 700 °C, it is reasonable
to expect higher strength values than can be achieved at IMT’s of 600 °C or 500 °C. Furthermore,
the temperature homogeneity for the IMT of 700 °C is by trend smaller than at lower temperatures.
The task at hand is to assess the presumption, according to which the temperature, in comparison
with the CR, is the most significant adjusting lever influencing the ductile material properties.
Experimental matrix of the process window analysis. The objective of the parameter study is to
obtain miscellaneous variety of different ductile variants 1-3 as shown in Fig. 3 by using the
appropriate parameter combinations. Based on the assumption that it is possible to achieve similar
ductile material properties with different parameter sets, a full fractional experimental matrix was
created.
Additionally, this knowledge of pre-tests was used for testing additional IMT like 650 °C or
550 °C and different holding times 20 s, 40 s and 60 s in an experimental matrix. Preliminary tests
showed a more homogenous temperature distribution by increasing the holding time.
Fig. 3 visualizes the experimental matrix by showing the differentiation of the IMT.
246 Sheet Metal 2015

15 K/s 10 K/s
700 °C 600 °C 550 °C 500 °C 700 °C 650 °C 600 °C 550 °C 500 °C
20 s 20 s

40 s 40 s

60 s 60 s

5 K/s
700 °C 650 °C 600 °C 550 °C 500 °C

20 s

40 s

60 s

Figure 3: Experimental matrix of the intermediate temperatures, holding times, and cooling
rates, complemented by the coloured differentiation of the intermediate temperature

Process Window Analysis

Based on the defined experimental matrix, hardness profile measurements were performed in
addition to microstructural analyses in order to obtain explanations for the resulting mechanical
material properties. The process window study was concluded with an evaluation of laboratory test
results.
Hardness profile measurement. In addition to previous homogeneity analysis purposes, hardness
profile measurements HV1 were used to obtain the arithmetic mean value of each parameter
combination.
The examination of the Vickers hardness values of the conductively heat treated specimens
involved hot processing, followed by the preparatory steps of grinding and polishing of the
embedded cross sections of the specimens’ centre. Seven hardness indentations were subsequently
set at intervals of 2 mm across the section of 12.5 mm.
The left side of Fig. 4 illustrates test results with a homogenous trend of the inner measuring
points at an IMT of 600 °C, a CR of 5 K/s and a holding time of 20 s. Due to the parabolic shape of
the temperature profile of the heat treated parts [5], the outer two points are excluded from all test
series. The right side of Fig. 4 represents the results of the experimental methodology combined
with the comparison of the different variants. Furthermore, Fig. 4 shows three desired regions of
tensile strengths in different colours which, according to DIN EN 18265, correlate with hardness
values HV10. The single various colours correspond to the different ductile variants.
The intermediate temperature of 600 °C shows evidence of an influence of the holding time on
the mechanical material properties. Regardless the CR, the tests conducted at holding times of 40 s
and 60 s respectively indicate lower mechanical strength values in comparison to the tests
conducted at a holding time of 20 s. The tensile strengths received at a holding time of 40 s and 60 s
are subtly different. Therefore a HT of 40 s is to be given preference for achieving the lowest
possible process time. The softest material properties can be achieved with an IMT of 600 °C.
Judging from the pre-tests, it is possible to strongly influence the mechanical material properties
with the choice of IMT. Fig. 5 visualizes the results of the IMT of 700 °C and 500 °C.
At an IMT of 700 °C the hardness values show a tendency to decrease, except using a CR of
5 K/s. A more detailed analysis of the influence of the cooling rate proved that for a CR of 10 K/s
the hardness declines between a HT of 40 s and 60 s. All hardness measurements performed at an
IMT of 700 °C show higher tensile strength values than the three desired ductile variants 1-3.
 Key Engineering Materials Vol. 639 247

260 600 °C, 5 K/s, 20 s -V1 260 600 °C, 15 K/s

n=3 600 °C, 5 K/s, 20 s -V2 n=3 600 °C, 10 K/s
600 °C, 5 K/s, 20 s -V3 600 °C, 5 K/s
Hardness in HV1

Hardness in HV1
240 240
Var 1 700 - 850 MPa
Var 1
220 220
MV 1
Var 2 MV 2
Var 2 550 - 750 MPa
200 200
MV 3
Var 3 Var 3 500 - 650 MPa
180 180
0 3 6 9 12 0 20 40 60
Distance to left edge [mm] Holding time [s]
420
s = 1.5 mm TA = 930 °C tγ = 271 s IMT = 600 °C s = 1.5 mm TA = 930 °C tγ = 271 s IMT = 600 °C
HT = 20 s CR = 5 K/s p = 8 bar tT = 8 s HT = variable CR = variable p = 8 bar tT = 8 s
Figure 4: Evaluation methodology for identifying and evaluating the influence of several
parameter sets at the chosen intermediate temperature of 600 °C
Using an IMT of 500 °C makes it possible to achieve material properties characterized by a
higher degree of ductility. According to Fig. 5, the ductile material properties increase as a result of
the decrease in hardness at a cooling rate of 15 and at 10 K/s by extending the holding time. These
parameter sets of the IMT and the cooling rate result in almost equal hardness values at holding
times of 40 s and 60 s. In contrast to the rapid cooling rate at 15 K/s or 10 K/s, combined with the
material properties of variant 1 and 2, it is possible to achieve the higher level of ductility of variant
3 by selecting a cooling rate of 5 K/s.
500 280 500 °C, 15 K/s
n=3 n=3 500 °C, 10 K/s
500 °C, 5 K/s
Hardness HV1

450
Hardness HV1

260

Var 1
400 240
700 - 850 MPa
700 °C, 15 K/s
350 220
700 °C, 10 K/s
700 °C, 5 K/s Var 2 550 - 750 MPa
300 200
0 20 40 60 0 Var 3 20 40 60
Holding time [s] Holding time [s]
s = 1.5 mm TA = 930 °C tγ = 271 s IMT = 700 °C s = 1.5 mm TA = 930 °C tγ = 271 s IMT = 500 °C
HT = variable CR = variable p = 8 bar tT = 8 s HT = variable CR= variable p = 8 bar tT = 8 s

Figure 5: Results obtained at the intermediate temperatures of 700 °C (left) and 500 °C (right)
Microstructural analysis. In order to achieve a better understanding of the various different
mechanical material properties obtained, the material structures in question were examined by
means of paint etchings. As part of this examination, the various different phase components of the
micrographs were correlated with the various material structures of the IMT with a CR of 10 K/s
and a holding time of 40 s.
In this case, the material strength properties at an IMT of 700 °C correlate with the martensitic
needle-like structure. An IMT of 600 °C results in a ferritic-bainitic structure. This very high level
of material ductility obtained during the study at hand can be explained by the IMT’s higher ferritic
248 Sheet Metal 2015

ratio compared to that of the other IMT. At an IMT of 500 °C, the ferritic ratio mentioned above is
comparatively low. The resulting structure shows lower bainitic structures.

Evaluation of the process window study. An evaluation based on the different test variants has
been performed for all specified parameter studies of Fig. 3. The study with an intermediate
temperature of 700 °C delivers the desired ductile material properties caused by the martensitic
structure. However, the intermediate temperatures of 600 °C or 625 °C yield the enhanced ductility
levels of variants 2 and 3, regardless of the holding time and cooling rate.
A further reduction of the intermediate temperature to 500 °C leads to an increase in the hardness
values and therefore reduces the deformation capacity of the parts. The process window of variants
1 and 2 is determined at a cooling rate of 10 K/s independently of its holding time. It can be noted
that some parameter studies provide ductile mechanical material properties of two or more variants.
Furthermore, the created micrographs of the different intermediate temperatures correspond rather
well to the expected material structures.

Summary and Outlook

In summary, the assertion can be confirmed that the chosen intermediate temperature offers the
best option for improving the ductility of press-hardened parts through adapted heat treatment.
Moreover, it is possible to reach different ductile process windows of single desired variants by
adjusting the cooling process individually. Regarding the most ductile mechanical material
properties, the intermediate temperature of 600 °C is particularly suitable for a transformation to a
prototype environment.
Subsequent to this process window study, two parameter sets with an intermediate temperature
of 600 °C were used for the transformation to a prototype environment. The tests in the prototype
environment showed the desired mechanical material properties.

References
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R. Neugebauer (Eds.): 3rd International Conference on Accuracy in Forming Technology,
Chemnitz, Germany, 2009, 191-200.
[2] P.Feuser, T. Schweiker, Tailored Tempered Parts – Einsatzpotentiale und funktionale
Untersuchung, in: M. Merklein (Eds.): Tagungsband zum 5. Erlanger Workshop
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 Sheet Metal 2015
10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.639

Improvement of the Ductility of Press-Hardened Plane Sheets through a Modified Heat Treatment
10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.639.243

DOI References
[3] H. Karbasian, A.E. Tekkaya, A review on hot stamping, Journal of Materials Processing Technology 210
(2010) 2103-2118.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2010.07.019
[7] A. Turetta, S. Bruschi, A. Ghiotti, Investigation of 22MnB5 formability in hot stamping operations,
Journal of Material Processing Technology 177 (2006) 396-400.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2006.04.041

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