Quality	Standard	Material No.	Possible Surface Coating:
HCT980C	DIN EN 10338	1.0955	+ZE according to DIN EN 10152 (electrolytically galvanized)
HCT980C	DIN EN 10346	1.0955	+Z, +ZF, +ZA, +ZM (Hot-dip coating)

Testing direction	Yield point Rp0,2 (MPa)	Tensil Strength Rm (MPa)	Elongation A80 (in %)	Bake-Hardening-Index BH2
longitudinal test specimen	780 – 950	≥ 980	≥ 6	≥ 30

HCT980C is a highly advanced cold-rolled complex-phase steel, specified according to DIN EN 10338 and DIN EN 10346. This steel type is characterized by an excellent combination of high strength and good formability, making it particularly suitable for demanding industrial applications, especially in the automotive industry. The complex microstructure of HCT980C, which includes phases such as ferrite, bainite, and martensite, provides it with exceptional mechanical properties.

The microstructure of HCT980C is diverse, mainly consisting of ferrite and bainite, with additional phases such as martensite, tempered martensite, retained austenite, and pearlite. This multi-phase structure gives the steel exceptionally high strength while maintaining good formability. The ferrite content provides the necessary ductility and formability, while the harder phases like bainite and martensite enhance the steel’s strength and hardness. These properties make HCT980C an ideal material for applications requiring both high strength and good formability.

The production of HCT980C follows a precisely controlled process. The steel is first hot-rolled and then cooled to achieve the desired microstructure. A cold-rolling process then refines the fine-grain structure and enhances the steel’s mechanical properties. A final heat treatment ensures the optimal balance between strength and formability.

In addition to the cold-rolled variant, HCT980C is also available as a continuously galvanized steel according to DIN EN 10346. In this process, the steel is continuously dipped into a bath of molten zinc or a zinc alloy, forming a protective zinc layer on the steel’s surface. This coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, extending the lifespan of components and improving their performance in corrosive environments. Thus, the galvanized variant of HCT980C combines the mechanical advantages of complex-phase steel with enhanced corrosion resistance.

Complex-phase steel, abbreviated as C, is a steel category characterized by a multi-phase microstructure. This microstructure mainly consists of ferrite and bainite, with martensite, tempered martensite, retained austenite, and pearlite as possible additional phases. This phase variety ensures that the steel provides both high strength and good formability. The ferrite content ensures ductility and energy absorption, while harder phases like bainite and martensite increase strength and hardness. These properties make complex-phase steel an extremely versatile material for various industrial applications.

HCT980C is mainly used in the automotive industry, where high material properties are required. Due to its high strength and good formability, this steel is particularly suitable for manufacturing safety-critical body parts such as reinforcements, impact beams, and structural components. The continuously galvanized variant of HCT980C is ideal for applications requiring both mechanical performance and high corrosion protection, such as exterior body parts and underbody components.

Compared to HCT780C and HCT600C, HCT980C offers significantly higher tensile strength, making it particularly suited for applications that require maximum strength. While HCT600C, with its lower strength, offers better formability, and HCT780C offers a balance between strength and formability, HCT980C represents the upper end of the strength spectrum. These differences make HCT980C an appropriate choice for applications that demand the highest load-bearing capacity and strength, without entirely compromising formability.

HCT600C is optimal for applications requiring excellent formability and medium strength. In contrast, HCT780C offers a middle-ground solution that ensures both high strength and acceptable formability. HCT980C, however, outperforms both steels in terms of strength, making it ideal for particularly demanding applications where material requirements are extremely high.

The production and application of HCT980C follow the strict guidelines of the DIN EN 10338 and DIN EN 10346 standards. These standards ensure that the steel meets high-quality and performance demands. Regular inspections and controls during the production process guarantee that the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the steel are consistently maintained, ensuring the steel is suitable for the intended applications.

In summary, HCT980C offers an exceptional 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.