CR240LA - Cold-Rolled Micro-Alloyed Steel according to VDA 239-100

Quality	Standard	Possible coatings
CR240LA	VDA 239-100	UC, EG, GI, GA, AS, ZM

Quality

Testing direction	Yield Point R_e (MPa)	Tensil Strength R_m (MPa)	Elongation type 1 _A50 (in %)	Type 2 A₈₀ (in %)	Type 3 A₅₀ (in %)	_n10-20/Ag
L	240 – 320	320 – 430	≥ 28	≥ 27	≥ 29	≥ 0,14

Mechanical Properties

C %	Si %	Mn %	P %	S %	Al %	Ti %	Nb %	Cu %
≤ 0,10	≤ 0,50	≤ 1,00	≤ 0,030	≤ 0,025	≥ 0,015	≤ 0,15	≤ 0,09	≤ 0,20

Chemical properties

The CR240LA is a cold-rolled, high-strength, low-alloy steel with a minimum yield strength of 240 MPa. This grade is manufactured in accordance with the VDA 239-100 standard and offers high strength with good formability. By using niobium, titanium, and vanadium as alloying elements, the strength of this steel is increased without compromising its workability. Therefore, CR240LA is particularly suitable for applications requiring high mechanical loads and precise forming processes.

Properties

This steel stands out with a minimum yield strength of 240 MPa in the longitudinal direction, making it particularly robust. It offers an excellent combination of high strength and good formability, which makes it ideal for various manufacturing processes. The superior mechanical properties are achieved through targeted micro-alloying with niobium, titanium, and vanadium.

Furthermore, this material is versatile in terms of surface treatment: it’s available both uncoated and with various galvanizing options. These include electrolytic galvanizing (EG), hot-dip galvanizing (GI), or Galvannealed (GA), all of which provide additional corrosion protection. The surface quality can be chosen depending on the application area: Quality U (unexposed) for interior components or Quality E (exposed) for exterior components that are visible and must meet high aesthetic demands.

Applications

Chassis and Frame Components: Due to its high strength and good formability, CR240LA is excellently suited for load-bearing structures such as longitudinal members, cross members, and certain frame components, all of which contribute to the vehicle’s stability and crash safety.

Safety-relevant Body Parts: Components such as door reinforcements, B-pillar reinforcements, or certain crash boxes that need to absorb energy during an impact benefit from the material’s high yield strength and controlled formability.

Seat Structures and Components: For lighter yet stable seat frames and adjustment mechanisms, where strength and good workability are required.

Engine Bay Reinforcements and Axle Mounts: Areas exposed to high loads and requiring high rigidity, such as certain brackets or reinforcements in the suspension.

Interior Structural Parts (with Surface Quality U if required): For less visible but structurally important parts in the vehicle interior that benefit from the material’s mechanical properties but don’t require a special aesthetic surface.

Conclusion

With its minimum yield strength of 240 MPa, the CR240LA is a true asset for the automotive industry. It offers an outstanding balance of strength and formability, which is essential for modern vehicle designs. This makes it the ideal material for safety-relevant components, chassis parts, and body structures. Its versatility, also thanks to various surface options, enables automotive manufacturers to optimally combine design and functionality. In short, CR240LA plays a significant role in making vehicles safer, more efficient, and more durable.