Abstract: A method of forming a component includes providing a work-piece blank from a formable material. The method also includes engaging the work-piece blank with a transfer device. The method additionally includes austenitizing the work-piece blank in the transfer device via heating the blank to achieve austenite microstructure therein. The method also includes transferring the austenitized blank to a forming press using the transfer device. The method additionally includes forming the component via the forming press from the austenitized blank and quenching the formed component. A work-piece blank transfer system includes a transfer device having clamping arm(s) for engaging, holding, transferring, and releasing the work-piece blank. The transfer device also includes a heating element configured to austenitize the work-piece blank via heating the blank to achieve austenite microstructure therein.

Abstract: A sheet blank includes a core substrate having a generally planar shape with opposed first and second sides. The core substrate is made of high-strength steel containing at least two of ferrite, martensite, bainite, and austenite and having an ultimate tensile strength of at least 490 MPa. A respective decarburized layer of the high-strength steel is formed on each of the first and second sides of the core substrate, wherein each respective decarburized layer contains a minimum ferrite content of at least 80 volume % ferrite and has a respective thickness of 5 to 100 microns. A respective transition layer of the high-strength steel may be formed between the core substrate and each respective decarburized layer, with each transition layer having a respective inner transition layer abutting the core substrate and a respective outer transition layer abutting the respective decarburized layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a component includes providing a work-piece blank from a formable material. The method also includes engaging the work-piece blank with a transfer device. The method additionally includes austenitizing the work-piece blank in the transfer device via heating the blank to achieve austenite microstructure therein. The method also includes transferring the austenitized blank to a forming press using the transfer device. The method additionally includes forming the component via the forming press from the austenitized blank and quenching the formed component. A work-piece blank transfer system includes a transfer device having clamping arm(s) for engaging, holding, transferring, and releasing the work-piece blank. The transfer device also includes a heating element configured to austenitize the work-piece blank via heating the blank to achieve austenite microstructure therein.