Quality	Standard	Material No.	Available coatings
HX300BD	DIN EN 10346	1.0930	+Z, +ZA, +ZF, +ZM, +AZ, +AS

Testing direction	Yield strength Rp02 (MPa)	Bake-Hardening- Index BH2	Tensil Strength Rm (MPa)	Elongation A80 (in %)
Q	300 – 360	30	400 – 480	≥ 26

The hot-dip galvanized steel HX300BD in accordance with the EN 10346 standard is a highly developed bake-hardening steel (BH steel) that has been specially designed for the requirements of the automotive industry. Under the material number 1.0930 (assumed), HX300BD combines exceptional cold formability with a controllable, subsequent increase in strength. In its untreated state, the steel has a minimum yield strength Rp0.2 of around 300 N/mm². The bake-hardening effect, which is activated during the coating hardening process at approx. 170 °C for around 20 minutes, typically increases the yield strength by 30-50 N/mm². At the same time, the homogeneous hot-dip galvanizing in accordance with EN 10346 ensures lasting corrosion protection so that the components remain protected against weathering and road salts for the entire service life of the vehicle.

HX300BD offers a balanced combination of excellent formability, subsequent strength increase and reliable corrosion protection. In the initial state, the minimum yield strength is around 300 N/mm² and the tensile strength Rm is in the range of 400-480 N/mm². The elongation at break A80 is at least 26 %, which ensures high ductility and low springback in the cold state. After the bake-hardening process, the yield strength increases to around 350 N/mm² without any significant reduction in the original ductility.

The hot-dip galvanizing process takes place in a continuous dipping process in which the strip sheet is repeatedly passed through a liquid zinc bath and then cooled in a controlled manner. This creates a uniformly closed zinc layer that protects the steel from atmospheric and chemical corrosion. Depending on requirements, coatings are available in the alloys +Z, +ZF, +ZA, +ZM, +AZ and +AS, which offer additional advantages such as improved adhesion, increased passive layer formation or increased temperature resistance.

HX300BD is primarily used in the automotive industry due to its bake-hardening effect and robust zinc coating. Typical applications include deep-drawn interior body panels, reinforcement profiles in doors, B-pillars and fender structures as well as complex engine compartment covers. The components are cold-formed in their soft state and hardened in a paint oven, which gives them greater rigidity and improved crash performance in their finished painted state. The combination of a narrow deep-drawn contour, minimal springback and subsequently increased strength makes it possible to produce components using less material without compromising on safety and durability.

The hot-dip galvanized steel HX300BD in accordance with EN 10346 offers a pioneering material solution for floor-bound and structural body components in the automotive industry. The combination of excellent cold formability in the raw state, controllable bake-hardening effect in the coating furnace and permanent corrosion protection through the zinc coating leads to lighter, strength-optimized and durable components. Manufacturers benefit from reduced production costs, improved crash safety and high resistance to environmental influences – ideal conditions for modern vehicle concepts.