Quality	Standard	Material No.	Possible Surface Coating:
HCT980X	DIN EN 10338	1.0944	+ZE according to DIN EN 10152 (electrolytically galvanized)
HCT980X	DIN EN 10346	1.0944	+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	590 – 740	≥ 980	≥ 10	30

HCT980X is a high-strength cold-rolled dual-phase steel specified according to DIN EN 10338 and DIN EN 10346. This steel offers an outstanding combination of strength and formability, making it ideal for demanding industrial applications, particularly in the automotive industry. The unique microstructure of HCT980X, consisting of a ferritic matrix with embedded martensitic islands, gives it exceptional mechanical properties.

The microstructure of HCT980X consists of a ferritic base structure with embedded martensitic islands. This dual-phase structure ensures an optimal balance between strength and ductility. The ferrite content provides good formability, while the martensite content ensures the high strength of the steel. HCT980X achieves a tensile strength of approximately 980 MPa, making it well-suited for applications that require very high strength without completely sacrificing formability.

The production of HCT980X follows a precisely controlled process. After hot rolling and controlled cooling to achieve the desired microstructure, the steel undergoes a cold rolling process that further refines its fine-grained structure. A final heat treatment optimizes the balance between strength and ductility, ensuring the steel’s excellent mechanical properties.

In addition to the cold-rolled variant, HCT980X 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 surface. This coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, extending the service life of components and improving their performance in corrosive environments. Thus, the galvanized variant of HCT980X combines the mechanical advantages of dual-phase steel with enhanced corrosion resistance.

Compared to HCT780X, HCT980X offers significantly higher tensile strength of approximately 980 MPa, compared to the 780 MPa of HCT780X. Both steels utilize the dual-phase structure to achieve a balance between strength and formability; however, HCT980X is better suited for applications that require even higher strength. HCT780X, on the other hand, offers slightly better formability due to its lower martensite content. The choice between these two steel grades depends on the specific application requirements, with HCT980X preferred for maximum strength and HCT780X for a better balance between strength and formability.

HCT980X is primarily used in the automotive industry, where the highest material property standards are required. Due to its high strength and good formability, this steel is particularly suitable for manufacturing safety-relevant body components such as door reinforcements, bumpers, and safety cells. The continuously galvanized variant of HCT980X is ideal for applications that require both mechanical performance and high corrosion protection, such as exterior body parts and underbody components.

The production and application of HCT980X 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 requirements. Regular inspections and controls throughout the production process guarantee that the steel’s mechanical properties and corrosion resistance are consistently maintained, ensuring its suitability for intended applications.

In summary, HCT980X offers an outstanding combination of extremely high strength, good formability, and excellent corrosion resistance. Compliance with DIN EN 10338 and DIN EN 10346 standards ensures consistently high quality and performance, making it a preferred choice for modern manufacturing processes.