CR500LA - Cold-Rolled Micro-Alloyed Steel according to VDA 239-100

Quality	Standard	Possible coatings
CR500LA	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 %)
L	500 – 620	560 – 740	≥ 13	≥ 13	≥ 14

Mechanical Properties

C %	Si %	Mn %	P %	S %	Al %	Ti %	Nb %	Cu %
≤ 0,14	≤ 0,60	≤ 1,80	≤ 0,030	≤ 0,025	≥ 0,015	≤ 0,15	≤ 0,10	≤ 0,20

Chemical properties

Die Güte CR500LA nach VDA 239-100 markiert den Eintritt in das Premiumsegment der ultrahochfesten, kaltgewalzten Stähle. With a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa, this material is among the strongest cold-formable steels available in the automotive industry. Its development is a direct response to the increasing demands for crash performance and lightweight construction. CR500LA enables the production of components with minimal wall thickness that can still withstand extreme loads. This material is a specialist for highly stressed structural parts and is exclusively used in vehicle manufacturing, where its impressive mechanical properties are fully exploited.

Properties

The mechanical properties of CR500LA are impressive. The minimum yield strength (Rp0.2) is 500 MPa, while the minimum tensile strength (Rm) is 560 MPa. These extremely high strength values inevitably come with a lower elongation at break, which, however, is still at least 13%. This remaining ductility is crucial, as it allows for the cold forming of components with less complex geometries. For forming CR500LA, high-precision tools and well-controlled processes are required to minimize the risk of cracks and fractures. The chemical composition is based on the proven LA concept with a low carbon content. The high strength is achieved through an optimized alloy with micro-alloying elements such as niobium and titanium, as well as a fine microstructure. Despite its high strength, the material retains excellent weldability, which doesn’t compromise its integration into automated manufacturing. The surface of the cold-rolled strip is ideally suited for surface treatment and coating with zinc or zinc alloys to ensure robust corrosion protection.

Applications

CR500LA is used for the most critical and highly stressed components in the car body. Its application enables significant weight reduction while simultaneously increasing passive safety. Typical application areas include:

High-strength bumper profiles: These profiles must ensure maximum energy absorption in the smallest possible space during a collision.

Reinforcement profiles in B-pillars: In this central safety element, CR500LA ensures high rigidity, preventing intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Structural parts of the seat and seatbelt anchorage: Here, maximum strength is essential for occupant safety in the event of an impact.

Side impact beams and door reinforcements: These components must exhibit high resistance to deformation during a side collision.

The targeted use of this material enables a highly functional and weight-optimized body design.

Conclusion

CR500LA according to VDA 239-100 is a pioneering material that explores the limits of what’s technically feasible in the cold-rolling process. It offers engineers and technicians the opportunity to develop car bodies that meet the highest demands for safety and lightweight construction. Despite the increased forming challenges, its high strength allows for significant material savings, directly contributing to reduced fuel consumption and emissions. As a specialized material for ultra-high-strength components, CR500LA is an indispensable material for developing vehicles that are ahead of future safety and efficiency standards.