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The European ‘ELV’ directive, 2000/53/EC, should not have a detrimental effect on stainless steels intended for applications in automobiles. Analysis work done so far shows that the levels of lead, mercury and cadmium are well below the levels currently understood to be the limits. Stainless steels do not contain hexavalent chromium, and so this requirement is not relevant.
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Salt spray testing is an accepted method for assessing the suitability of stainless steel parts and fabrications that are likely to encounter chloride environments in service. The test outcome is sensitive to the shape of the parts, (designed-in crevices), surface finish and the test conditions and so specific results for ‘hours to failure’ for steel grades alone is not appropriate. Specified test methods are shown.
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Paper originally delivered at the BSSA Conference ‘Stainless Solutions for a Sustainable Future’ held in Rotherham on 3rd April 2003. This paper describes a study where 2 high strength austenitic stainless steels and 3 carbon steels used at Volvo Cars Body Components, were compared. The differences in formability and crash absorbing capability of specific components made from these steels, during plastic deformation, are shown. Tensile, (stress-strain curves), and forming limit curves are compared. Forming limit dome tests are better for assessing steels subject to microstructural changes during deformation. Component stamping trials are described and analysed.
