Abstract: A method and a device for adjusting the temperature of steel blanks, such that a plurality of temperature-adjusting stations are used in order to heat the steel blanks in stages with low temperature gradients.

Abstract: A hot-formed metal sheet has a tensile strength Rm>1300 megapascal (MPa) and includes an opening which is produced by high-speed punching at a speed of a punch of more than 6 m/s in the absence of a counter holder of a contour matching a contour of the punch, with a smooth cut proportion of the cutting surface of the opening amounting to more than 50%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet-metal formed component and a method or producing the sheet-metal formed component, produced by hot-working and press-quenching from a quenchable, unitary and materially uniform steel alloy, wherein the sheet-metal formed component has multiple superposed martensite layers, wherein a respectively outer martensite layer of the sheet-metal formed component has higher ductility than an underlying martensite layer.

Abstract: A hot-forming line and a method for operating the hot-forming line is disclosed having a temperature-control station and a hot-forming and press-hardening tool. A linear conveyor system for conveying the metal blank or the formed steel-sheet products, respectively, through the hot-forming line is provided.

Abstract: A heat treatment furnace and a method for heat treatment of a steel sheet blank is disclosed having at least one furnace chamber and a transport system for conveying the steel sheet blanks through the furnace chamber. A preheating chamber, a metallurgical bonding path and a cooling chamber, wherein the steel sheet blank can be heated in the preheating chamber to a temperature of above 200° C. A method for the production of a hot-formed and press-quenched motor-vehicle part is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a motor vehicle component and to a motor vehicle component. Said motor vehicle component is produced by means of hot forming and press hardening. A blank is heated in a continuous furnace with supply of nitrogen. This produces a skin-decarburized layer on the blank that achieves ductility in a motor vehicle component produced with ultrahigh strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature adjustment station for the contact heating of a blank and to a method for operating the temperature adjustment station. According to the invention, the contact pressure exerted on the blank is regulated or controlled in the temperature adjustment station such that linear expansion of the blank does not have a negative effect on the contact plate itself.

Abstract: A hot-formed metal sheet has a tensile strength Rm>1300 megapascal (MPa) and includes an opening which is produced by high-speed punching at a speed of a punch of more than 6 m/s in the absence of a counter holder of a contour matching a contour of the punch, with a smooth cut proportion of the cutting surface of the opening amounting to more than 50%.

Abstract: An automotive component is disclosed having at least two layers, a middle layer of a hardened steel material and an outer layer of a stainless steel alloy, at least two regions having mutually different wall thicknesses. The atomic hydrogen content in the middle layer one hour after completion of press-hardening is less than 0.5 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot-forming and press hardening tool for producing formed sheet metal parts with at least partially high-strength properties, having a top tool with at least one die segment and a bottom tool with at least one die segment, wherein the top tool and the bottom tool are movable toward each other in a press stroke direction while forming a die cavity, wherein tempering channels are arranged in at least one die segment to feed a cooling medium, wherein the die segment of the top tool and/or the die segment of the bottom tool is split into at least two parts with a spreader device coupled to the top tool and/or the bottom tool and is movable in at least one direction of motion transverse to the press stroke direction.

Abstract: A heat treatment furnace and a method for heat treatment of a steel sheet blank is disclosed having at least one furnace chamber and a transport system for conveying the steel sheet blanks through the furnace chamber. A preheating chamber, a metallurgical bonding path and a cooling chamber, wherein the steel sheet blank can be heated in the preheating chamber to a temperature of above 200° C. A method for the production of a hot-formed and press-quenched motor-vehicle part is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hot-forming line and a method for operating the hot-forming line is disclosed having a temperature-control station and a hot-forming and press-hardening tool. A linear conveyor system for conveying the metal blank or the formed steel-sheet products, respectively, through the hot-forming line is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature adjustment station for the contact heating of a blank and to a method for operating the temperature adjustment station. According to the invention, the contact pressure exerted on the blank is regulated or controlled in the temperature adjustment station such that linear expansion of the blank does not have a negative effect on the contact plate itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot-forming and press hardening tool for producing formed sheetmetal parts with at least partially high-strength properties, having a top tool with at least one die segment and a bottom tool with at least one die segment, wherein the top tool and the bottom tool are movable toward each other in a press stroke direction while forming a die cavity, wherein tempering channels are arranged in at least one die segment to feed a cooling medium, wherein the die segment of the top tool and/or the die segment of the bottom tool is split into at least two parts with a spreader device coupled to the top tool and/or the bottom tool and is movable in at least one direction of motion transverse to the press stroke direction.

Abstract: A hot formed part of high-strength steel includes a body having an opening and formed in one piece with at least one tab in the form of a tongue projecting into the opening for holding a connection piece captive on the body. The tab thus is formed in one piece with the hot formed part and is produced jointly with the openings during manufacture of the hot formed part in the hot forming process.

Abstract: A crash box for installation between a bumper crossbeam and a side rail of a motor vehicle is made from a longitudinal beam made of a steel alloy having the following composition in weight-%, 0.15 to 0.30% of carbon (C), 0.10 to 0.70% of silicon (Si), 1.00 to 2.50% of manganese (Mn), 0.10 to 0.50% of chromium (Cr), 0.02 to 0.05% of titanium (Ti), 0.001 to 0.005% of boron (B), 0.01 to 0.06% of aluminum (Al), up to 0.50% of molybdenum (Mo), max. 0.025% of phosphorus (P), max. 0.015% of sulfur (S), remainder iron (Fe) including impurities resulting from smelting. The longitudinal beam is hot-formed and press-hardened and then heat-treated at a temperature of 200° C. to 800° C., with a material of the longitudinal beam having a bend angle of greater than or equal to 60° after heat treatment and measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7438.

Abstract: In a method of making a body for a motor vehicle, shaped components are produced from blanks using at least one forming process. The shaped components are provided with rivet holes, and a coating is applied onto the shaped components for corrosion protection. After applying the corrosion protection, the shaped components are joined with the body via rivets.

Abstract: A method for producing a motor vehicle component and a motor vehicle component produced by this method are disclosed. A tubular body made of metal, in particular high-strength steel, is filled with a granular material and subsequently heated. During the heat treatment, the granular material melts and then hardens during cool-down to form an interior reinforcement.

Abstract: A hot formed part of high-strength steel includes a body having an opening and formed in one piece with at least one tab in the form of a tongue projecting into the opening for holding a connection piece captive on the body. The tab thus is formed in one piece with the hot formed part and is produced jointly with the openings during manufacture of the hot formed part in the hot forming process.

Abstract: In a method of making a steel crossbeam for use as component of a bumper for motor vehicles, a composite element is formed by attaching sheet metal strips in parallel disposition onto a broadside of a steel sheet strand across an entire length thereof, whereby the sheet metal strips have a width which is narrower than a width of the steel sheet strand. The composite element is then shaped through roll-forming in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the composite element into a crossbeam.