Quality	Standard	Material No.	Available coatings
HX340BD	DIN EN 10346	1.0945	+Z, +ZA, +ZF, +ZM, +AZ, +AS

Testing direction	Yield strength Rp02 (MPa)	Bake-Hardening- Index BH2	Tensil Strength Rm (MPa)	Elongation A80 (in %)
Q	340 – 400	30	440 – 520	≥ 24

The hot-dip galvanized steel HX340BD in accordance with the EN 10346 standard (material number 1.0945) is a specialized bake-hardening steel that combines excellent cold forming properties with a targeted subsequent increase in strength. It was developed specifically for demanding car body and structural components in the automotive industry, where even higher performance is required after forming. The bake-hardening effect, which is achieved during the paint hardening process at around 170 °C and a holding time of around 20 minutes, can significantly increase the yield strength of the material. At the same time, homogeneous hot-dip galvanizing in a continuous dipping process in accordance with EN 10346 provides reliable and long-lasting corrosion protection, so that components are optimally protected throughout the entire service life of the vehicle.

In its initial state, HX340BD has a minimum yield strength Rp0.2 of around 340 N/mm², while the tensile strength Rm is typically in the range of 440 to 520 N/mm². The elongation at break A80 is at least 24 %, which ensures high ductility and sufficient low springback for complex deep-drawing and multi-stage forming processes. After bake-hardening in the furnace, the yield strength increases by around 30 to 50 N/mm², so that components have increased rigidity and better resistance to permanent deformation in their final state. The hot-dip galvanized surface is created in a continuous immersion bath, through which the steel strip is passed several times and then cooled in a controlled manner, resulting in a closed, homogeneous zinc layer. Depending on requirements, this layer is available in the alloy variants pure zinc (+Z), zinc-iron (+ZF), zinc-aluminum (+ZA), zinc-magnesium (+ZM), aluminum-zinc (+AZ) and aluminum-silicon (+AS) and can be adapted to specific corrosion and temperature requirements.

HX340BD is primarily used in the automotive industry where workpieces are first cold-formed in a soft state and then hardened in a paint oven in order to achieve greater strength in the finished vehicle. Typical applications include deep-drawn fender and door reinforcements, B-pillar and roof pillar reinforcements as well as complex body structure elements such as crash box components. Thanks to the combination of excellent formability, low springback and subsequent increase in strength, these components enable weight savings without sacrificing crash performance. At the same time, the hot-dip galvanized zinc coating provides lasting protection against moisture, road salt and aggressive environmental influences.

HX340BD (1.0945) in accordance with EN 10346 is a state-of-the-art bake-hardening steel that meets the highest requirements in the automotive industry thanks to its sophisticated material composition and the subsequent increase in strength in the coating furnace. The combination of an initial yield strength of around 340 N/mm², an increase of up to 50 N/mm² in the furnace and reliable hot-dip galvanizing forms the ideal basis for lightweight, rigid and durable body and structural components. Manufacturers benefit from reduced material thicknesses, improved crash safety and high corrosion resistance – decisive advantages for modern vehicle concepts.