Quality	Standard	Material No.	Possible Surface Coating:
HCT600C	DIN EN 10338	1.0953	+ZE according to DIN EN 10152 (electrolytically galvanized)
HCT600C	DIN EN 10346	1.0953	+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	350 – 500	≥ 600	≥ 16		≥ 30

HCT600C is an advanced cold-rolled complex-phase steel that stands out due to its combination of high strength and good formability, particularly suitable for industrial applications like automotive manufacturing. The microstructure of HCT600C comprises ferrite, bainite, and potentially martensite, creating a multi-phase structure that provides an optimal balance between strength and ductility. The ferrite portion provides the necessary ductility and energy absorption, while the hard phases like bainite and martensite increase the strength and hardness of the steel.

HCT600C is an advanced cold-rolled complex-phase steel that stands out due to its combination of high strength and good formability, particularly suitable for industrial applications like automotive manufacturing. The microstructure of HCT600C comprises ferrite, bainite, and potentially martensite, creating a multi-phase structure that provides an optimal balance between strength and ductility. The ferrite portion provides the necessary ductility and energy absorption, while the hard phases like bainite and martensite increase the strength and hardness of the steel.

The production of HCT600C follows a carefully controlled process. Initially, the steel is hot-rolled and then cooled in a precise manner to create the desired microstructure. A subsequent cold-rolling process refines the fine-grained structure and improves the mechanical properties of the steel. Finally, a heat treatment ensures the optimal balance between strength and formability.

In addition to the cold-rolled version, HCT600C is also available as a continuously galvanized steel according to DIN EN 10346. The galvanizing process involves continuously immersing the steel in a bath of molten zinc or a zinc alloy, which forms a protective zinc coating on the surface of the steel. This coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, extending the lifespan of components and enhancing their performance in corrosive environments. The continuously galvanized version of HCT600C combines the mechanical advantages of complex-phase steel with improved corrosion resistance.

Complex-phase steel, abbreviated as C, is a category of steel characterized by a multi-phase microstructure. This structure primarily consists of ferrite and bainite, with martensite, tempered martensite, retained austenite, and pearlite potentially present as additional phases. This multi-phase composition ensures the steel offers both high strength and good formability. The ferrite content provides the necessary ductility and energy absorption, while the harder phases such as bainite and martensite increase the steel’s strength and hardness. These properties make complex-phase steel an extremely versatile material for various industrial applications.

HCT600C is mainly used in the automotive industry, where high demands are placed on material properties. Due to its high strength and good formability, this steel is particularly suitable for the production of safety-critical body parts such as reinforcements, impact carriers, and structural components. The continuously galvanized version of HCT600C is ideal for applications requiring not only mechanical performance but also high corrosion resistance, such as exterior body parts and underbody components.

Compared to dual-phase steels such as HCT780X and HCT980X, HCT600C offers lower strength but improved formability. While dual-phase steels achieve very high strength due to their two-phase structure, complex-phase steels like HCT600C provide a better balance between strength and formability due to their multi-phase structure. This makes HCT600C a suitable choice for applications where both high strength and good formability are required.

The production and application of HCT600C are carried out according 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 tests and checks throughout the production process guarantee that the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the steel are consistently maintained, ensuring the steel is suitable for its intended applications.

HCT600C offers an outstanding combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Adherence to the DIN EN 10338 and DIN EN 10346 standards ensures consistently high quality and performance, making it a preferred choice for modern manufacturing processes and applications.