Quality	Standard	Material No.	Possible Surface Coating:
HCT490X	DIN EN 10338	1.0995	+ZE according to DIN EN 10152 (electrolytically galvanized)
HCT490X	DIN EN 10346	1.0995	+Z, +ZF, +ZA, +ZM (Hot-dip coating)

Testing direction	Yield point Rp0,2 (MPa)	Tensil Strength Rm (MPa)	Elongation A80 (in %)	Strain Hardening Exponent n 10-UE	Bake-Hardening-Index BH2
longitudinal test specimen	290 – 380	≥ 490	≥ 24	≥ 0,15	≥ 30

HCT490X is a cold-rolled dual-phase steel that meets the requirements of the DIN EN 10338 standard. This steel type combines high strength with excellent formability, making it ideal for demanding industrial applications, particularly in the automotive sector. The unique microstructure of HCT490X, consisting of ferrite and martensite, gives it outstanding mechanical properties.

HCT490X features a microstructure primarily composed of a ferrite matrix interspersed with martensitic phases. This dual-phase structure provides an excellent balance between strength and ductility. The ferrite content ensures high deformability and energy absorption during plastic deformation, while the martensite content enhances the steel’s strength. As a result, HCT490X achieves a tensile strength of approximately 490 MPa, making it a preferred material for applications requiring both strength and formability.

The production process of HCT490X involves several steps. Initially, the steel is hot-rolled and then carefully cooled to achieve the desired microstructure. This is followed by a cold-rolling process, which further refines the fine-grained structure and improves the mechanical properties. A final heat treatment ensures that the steel attains an optimal balance between strength and ductility.

In addition to the cold-rolled variant, HCT490X is also available in a continuously hot-dip coated version, specified as HCT490X according to DIN EN 10346. This variant offers additional benefits, particularly in terms of corrosion resistance. The hot-dip process, in which the steel is continuously immersed in a bath of molten zinc or a zinc alloy, forms a protective zinc coating on the steel’s surface. This coating provides excellent corrosion protection, extending the lifespan of components and improving their performance in corrosive environments.

HCT490X is widely used in the automotive industry, where high material property requirements are essential. Due to its high strength and good formability, this steel is particularly suitable for manufacturing body components that require high energy absorption in the event of an impact. Examples include door reinforcements, bumpers, and safety cells. The continuously hot-dip coated variant of HCT490X is ideal for applications that demand both mechanical performance and high corrosion resistance, such as exterior body panels and underbody components.

The production and application of HCT490X adhere to the strict guidelines of the DIN EN 10338 and DIN EN 10346 standards. These standards ensure that the steel meets high-quality and performance requirements. Regular inspections and controls throughout the entire production process guarantee that the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the steel remain consistent, ensuring its suitability for the intended applications.

With the increasing demand for lighter, stronger, and more formable materials, particularly in the automotive industry, HCT490X is becoming increasingly important. Its ability to maximize vehicle structural integrity while reducing weight contributes to the development of more energy-efficient and safer vehicles. The continuous advancement of manufacturing processes and coating technologies will further optimize the properties of dual-phase steels like HCT490X and unlock new application possibilities.

HCT490X offers an outstanding combination of strength and ductility, while the hot-dip coated variant provides additional corrosion resistance. Both steel grades meet the requirements of DIN EN 10338 and DIN EN 10346 standards, ensuring consistently high quality and performance. This makes them preferred materials for modern manufacturing processes.