Steeltec AG (Emmenbrücke, Switzerland):

G. Olschewski, Head of Quality Management and Development Dept., e-mail: guido.olschewski@steeltec.ch

High values of transversal load and internal pressure in the automotive components require usage of high-strength and ductile steel. Additionally, automotive materials have to be well subjected to machine processing, while fabricated component with certain function should be characterized by durable absence of deformation even at maximal load: these are conditions of providing optimal safety in a transport vehicle. The ideal technical solution for applied steel includes the following features: susceptibility to dynamic loads, high value of tensile strength and efficient ability of cutting, welding and superficial quenching. The new high-strength steel HSX Z10 with increased surface finishing, developed by Steeltec AG company, is able to occupy this “region” on the “material map”. In addition, this steel is rather cheap, due to its micro-alloying. The process of aimed development of this material is described in the paper and obtained positive results of scientific and research works as well as testing by customers are analyzed.