Abstract: A method to produce a molded part having at least two regions of different strength using a press-hardening tool. A heated blank is formed in the tool during a forming step and held therein for heat-treating during a cooling step. At least one region of lower strength is cooled more slowly than at least one region of higher strength. During the forming step, the entire blank is in contact with a molding surface of the tool. Then, the tool surface is changed such that one or more regions of lower strength have no tool contact during the cooling step. The tool surface associated with the one or more regions of lower strength is provided by tool segments that are adjustable relative to the remaining tool surface. The molding surface of the one or more tool segments is larger than the region of lower strength associated with such tool segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shaped and at least regionally hardened sheet metal component, particularly a sheet steel component (15), with at least one perforation (16) produced in it, in which method a preform (13) is heated to forming temperature, subsequently shaped and then at least regionally hardened by corresponding cooling, wherein the at least one perforation (16) in the preform (13) is produced during the course of a punching process before the preform (13) is hardened. According to the invention, the metal piece (14) separated from the preform (13) by punching is fed back to its original position or a corresponding position in the perforation (16), remains there for the duration of the quenching process and is only pressed out during or after removal of the sheet steel component (13) from the die (1), in which it is held during quenching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller hearth furnace for the heat treatment of coated metal sheets as well as to a corresponding method. The objective of the invention is to put forward a roller hearth furnace that allows the alternating processing of AlSi-coated metal sheets and metal sheets with zinc alloy coatings for hot-working, whereby considerably less effort is involved for the alternating procedure than is the case in the state of the art. The roller hearth furnace according to the invention for the heat treatment of coated metal parts is characterized in that it has at least a first zone and a second zone, whereby in the first zone, a temperature below the melting temperature of the AlSi deposits or a temperature of more than approximately 900° C. [1652° F.] can be maintained, whereas in the second zone, a temperature of more than approximately 870° C. [1598° F.] can be reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shaped and at least regionally hardened sheet metal component, particularly a sheet steel component (15), with at least one perforation (16) produced in it, in which method a preform (13) is heated to forming temperature, subsequently shaped and then at least regionally hardened by corresponding cooling, wherein the at least one perforation (16) in the preform (13) is produced during the course of a punching process before the preform (13) is hardened. According to the invention, the metal piece (14) separated from the preform (13) by punching is fed back to its original position or a corresponding position in the perforation (16), remains there for the duration of the quenching process and is only pressed out during or after removal of the sheet steel component (13) from the die (1), in which it is held during quenching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle bumper assembly (1) having a bumper cross-member (2) and at least two energy-absorption components (3), which are arranged at a distance from one another and which are connected to the rear side of the bumper cross-member (2) and supported thereon by means of a first end. The energy-absorption components have an x-direction absorption effective direction oriented perpendicular to the y-axes longitudinal extension of the bumper. The energy-absorption components (3) are designed to be supported on a chassis part (4) of a vehicle by means of the end of the energy-absorption components pointing away from the bumper cross-member, wherein the energy-absorption component (3) has a slanted end face (5) in the direction toward the bumper cross-member (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method that is used to produce a press-hardened molded part (3) having at least two regions that differ regarding the strength of the regions by means of a press-hardening tool. A blank heated to a forming temperature is formed in the press-hardening tool and held in the press-hardening tool during the cooling for the purpose of heat-treating. In order to set the regions of lower strength, said regions are cooled more slowly than the other regions. During the forming step, the entire blank and thus also the regions of the blank intended to be set to a lower strength are in contact with a molding surface of the tool (1). After the conclusion of the forming step, the tool surface (2) in contact with the molded part is changed in such a way that the one or more regions to be set with lower strength have no tool contact during the cooling step that follows the forming step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press hardening tool having a shaping surface (2) that is used to shape a blank. The shaping surface (2) of the tool (1) is micro-structured at least in some areas by micro-recesses (3) introduced into the shaping surface (2). In said areas, the contact surface between the shaping surface (2) of the tool (1) and the surface of a blank is limited to the surface portions (4) located between the recesses (3) of the forming surface (2) and raised with respect to the recesses (3).

Abstract: A shaped part with different microstructures is made by continuously conveying a succession of hardenable steel blanks having first and second regions through a furnace such that the blanks reach an outlet of the furnace each with both of the respective first and second regions heated to an austenitization temperature. Then the blanks are positioned with the second regions thereof in a chamber of a holding unit and the first regions outside the chamber, and, while holding the second regions in the chamber and the first regions outside the chamber the second regions are heated and maintained at the austenitization temperature and the first regions are cooled with air to a temperature at which their microstructures become ferritic-pearlitic. Thereafter the blanks are transferred from the holding unit to a press where they are hardened and finish shaped.

Abstract: A shaped part with different microstructures is made by continuously conveying a succession of hardenable steel blanks having first and second regions through a furnace such that the blanks reach an outlet of the furnace each with both of the respective first and second regions heated to an austenitization temperature. Then the blanks are positioned with the second regions thereof in a chamber of a holding unit and the first regions outside the chamber, and, while holding the second regions in the chamber and the first regions outside the chamber the second regions are heated and maintained at the austenitization temperature and the first regions are cooled with air to a temperature at which their microstructures become ferritic-pearlitic. Thereafter the blanks are transferred from the holding unit to a press where they are hardened and finish shaped.