Abstract: A zinc-coated steel may be produced by performing a pre-alloying heat treatment after galvannealing the steel and prior to the hot stamping the steel. The pre-alloying heat treatment is conducted at a temperature between about 850° F. and about 950° F. in an open coil annealing process. The pre-alloying heat treatment allows for shorter time at the austenitization temperature to form a desired ?-Fe phase in the coating by increasing the concentration of iron. This also decreases the loss of zinc, and a more adherent oxide exists after hot stamping.

Abstract: A zinc-coated steel may be produced by performing a pre-alloying heat treatment after galvannealing the steel and prior to the hot stamping the steel. The pre-alloying heat treatment is conducted at a temperature between about 850° F. and about 950° F. in an open coil annealing process. The pre-alloying heat treatment allows for shorter time at the austenitization temperature to form a desired ?-Fe phase in the coating by increasing the concentration of iron. This also decreases the loss of zinc, and a more adherent oxide exists after hot stamping.

Abstract: Steel with high strength and good formability is produced with compositions and methods for forming austenitic and martensitic microstructure in the steel. Carbon, manganese, molybdenum, nickel copper and chromium may promote the formation of room temperature stable (or meta-stable) austenite by mechanisms such as lowering transformation temperatures for non-martensitic constituents, and/or increasing the hardenability of steel. Thermal cycles utilizing a rapid cooling below a martensite start temperature followed by reheating may promote formation of room temperature stable austenite by permitting diffusion of carbon into austenite from martensite.