EP3167091B1 - Hot-rolled steel sheet and associated manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The invention mainly relates to a hot-rolled steel sheet.

The invention further relates to a method for making such a steel sheet.

The need for lighter motor vehicles and increased safety has led to the development of high-strength steels.

It has been historically begun by developing steels comprising additive elements so as to obtain mainly precipitation hardening.

Then, "Dual Phase" steels were proposed which comprise martensite within a ferritic matrix so as to obtain a structural hardening.

In order to obtain higher levels of resistance combined with deformability, "Transformation Induced Plasticity" (TRIP) steels have been developed whose microstructure consists of a ferritic matrix comprising bainite and residual austenite. which, under the effect of a deformation, for example during a stamping operation, is transformed into martensite.

To achieve a mechanical strength greater than 800 MPa, multiphase steels with predominantly bainitic structure have been proposed. These steels are used in industry, and particularly in the automotive industry, to produce structural parts.

This type of steel is described in the publication EP 2,020,451 . In order to obtain an elongation at break greater than 10% and a mechanical strength greater than 800 MPa, the steels described in this publication include, in addition to the known presence of carbon, manganese and silicon, molybdenum and vanadium. The microstructure of these steels essentially comprises upper bainite (at least 80%) as well as lower bainite, martensite and residual austenite.

However, the manufacture of these steels is expensive because of the presence of molybdenum and vanadium.

In addition, certain automotive parts such as bumper beams and suspension arms, are manufactured by shaping operations combining different modes of deformation. Certain microstructural characteristics of steel may be well adapted to a mode of deformation, but unfavorable vis-à-vis another mode. Some parts of the parts must have a high resistance to elongation, others must have good aptitude for shaping a cut edge. This latter property is evaluated by the hole expansion method described in ISO 16630: 2009.

A type of steel that overcomes these disadvantages is free of molybdenum and vanadium, and comprises titanium and niobium in specific contents, these two elements conferring in particular on the sheet the desired strength, the necessary hardening and the expansion ratio of target hole.

The steel sheets which are the subject of the present invention are subjected to a hot winding, this operation notably making it possible to precipitate the titanium carbides and to give the sheet maximum curing.

However, it has been found that for certain steels comprising elements that are more oxidizable than iron, such as silicon, manganese, chromium and aluminum, certain resultant sheets wound at high temperature have surface defects. These defects can be amplified by subsequent deformation performed on these sheets. In order to avoid these defects, it is thus necessary either to rapidly cool the coils using an additional process leading to a higher cost, or to perform the winding operation at a lower temperature. which causes a decrease in the precipitation of titanium.

The invention therefore aims to provide a sheet for which the high temperature winding operation does not cause the formation of the aforementioned surface defects.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a steel sheet in the uncoated or galvanized state. The composition and mechanical properties of the steel must be compatible with the stresses and thermal cycles of continuous dipping zinc coating processes.

The object of the invention is also to propose a process for manufacturing a steel sheet that does not require large rolling forces, which makes it possible to manufacture them in a wide range of thickness, for example between 1.5 and 4.5 millimeters.

Finally, the invention relates to a hot-rolled steel sheet of economical manufacturing cost, having jointly a yield strength greater than 680 MPa at least in the direction of the rolling direction, and less than or equal to 840 MPa, a mechanical strength of between 780 MPa and 950 MPa, an elongation at break greater than 10% and a hole expansion ratio (Ac) greater than or equal to 45%.

• 0,04% ≤ C ≤ 0,08%
• 1,2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1,9%
• 0,1% ≤ Si ≤ 0,3%
• 0,07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0,125%
• 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,35%
• 0,15% < Cr≤ 0,6% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
• 0,10% ≤ Cr≤ 0,6% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,35%
• Nb ≤ 0,045%
• 0,005% ≤ Al ≤ 0,1%
• 0,002% ≤ N ≤ 0,01%
• S ≤ 0,004%
• P<0,020%
• et optionnellement 0,001 % ≤ V ≤ 0,2%

le reste étant constitué de fer et d'impuretés inévitables provenant de l'élaboration,
dont la microstructure est constituée de bainite granulaire dont le pourcentage surfacique est supérieur à 70%, et de ferrite dont le pourcentage surfacique est inférieur à 20%, le complément éventuel étant constitué de bainite inférieure, de martensite et d'austénite résiduelle, la somme des teneurs en martensite et en austénite résiduelle étant inférieure à 5%.For this purpose, the sheet of the invention is essentially characterized in that its chemical composition comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

• 0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%
• 1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%
• 0.1% ≤ If ≤ 0.3%
• 0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%
• 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.35%
• 0.15% <Cr≤ 0.6% where 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
• 0.10% ≤ Cr≤ 0.6% when 0.11% <Mo ≤ 0.35%
• Nb ≤ 0.045%
• 0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%
• 0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%
• S ≤ 0.004%
• P <0.020%
• and optionally 0.001% ≤ V ≤ 0.2%

the rest being iron and unavoidable impurities from the elaboration,
whose microstructure consists of granular bainite with a surface percentage greater than 70%, and of ferrite whose surface percentage is less than 20%, the optional supplement being constituted by lower bainite, martensite and residual austenite, the sum martensite and residual austenite contents being less than 5%.

• la composition chimique consiste, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,04% ≤ C ≤ 0,08%
  • 1,2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1,9%
  • 0,1% ≤ Si ≤ 0,3%
  • 0,07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0,125%
  • 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,25%
  • 0,16% ≤ Cr ≤ 0,55% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
  • 0,10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0,55% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,25%
  • Nb ≤ 0,045%
  • 0,005% ≤ Al ≤ 0,1%
  • 0,002% ≤ N ≤ 0,01%
  • S ≤ 0,004%
  • P<0,020%
  le reste étant constitué de fer et d'impuretés inévitables provenant de l'élaboration,
• la composition de l'acier comprend, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,27% ≤ Cr≤ 0,52% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
  • 0,10% ≤ Cr≤ 0,52% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,25%
• la composition de l'acier comprend, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,18%, et
  • 0,16% ≤ Cr≤ 0,55% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
  • 0,10% ≤ Cr≤ 0,55% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,18%
• la composition chimique comprend, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,05% ≤ C ≤ 0,07%
  • 1,4% ≤ Mn ≤ 1,6%
  • 0,15% ≤ Si ≤ 0,3%
  • Nb ≤ 0,04%
  • 0,01% ≤ Al ≤ 0,07%
• la composition chimique comprend, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,040% ≤ Tieff ≤ 0,095%
  • où Tieff = Ti - 3,42 x N,
  • Ti étant la teneur en titane exprimée en poids
  • N étant la teneur en azote exprimée en poids
• la tôle d'acier est bobinée et décapée, l'opération de bobinage étant menée à une température comprise entre 525 °C et 635 °C suivie d'une opération de décapage, et la profondeur des défauts superficiels dus à l'oxydation répartis sur n zones d'oxydation i de la dite tôle bobinée, i étant compris entre 1 et n, et les n zones d'oxydation s'étendant sur une longueur l_ref d'observation, satisfait :
  • un premier critère de profondeur maximale défini par $$P_i^{\max }\le 8\mathrm{}micromètres$$
    
    avec P _i ^max profondeur maximale d'un défaut dû à l'oxydation sur la zone d'oxydation i de la dite tôle bobinée, et
  • un second critère de profondeur moyenne défini par $$\frac{1}{l_{ref}}{\displaystyle \sum _i^n{P}_i^{moy}\times l_i\times \mathrm{2,5}\mathrm{}micromètres}$$
    
    avec P _i ^moy profondeur moyenne des défauts dus à l'oxydation sur une zone d'oxydation i, et
    l_i : longueur de la zone d'oxydation i
• la longueur l_ref d'observation des défauts dus à l'oxydation est supérieure ou égale à 100 micromètres.
• la longueur l_ref d'observation des défauts dus à l'oxydation est supérieure ou égale à 500 micromètres.
• la tôle est bobinée en spires jointives à une tension minimale de bobinage de 3 tonnes-force.

The sheet of the invention may also include the following optional features considered in isolation or in any possible technical combination:

• the chemical composition consists, the contents being expressed in weight:
  • 0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%
  • 1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%
  • 0.1% ≤ If ≤ 0.3%
  • 0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%
  • 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.25%
  • 0.16% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
  • 0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.11% <Mo≤ 0.25%
  • Nb ≤ 0.045%
  • 0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%
  • 0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%
  • S ≤ 0.004%
  • P <0.020%
  the rest being iron and unavoidable impurities from the elaboration,
• the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:
  • 0.27% ≤ Cr≤ 0.52% when 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
  • 0.10% ≤ Cr≤ 0.52% when 0.11% <Mo≤ 0.25%
• the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:
  • 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.18%, and
  • 0.16% ≤ Cr≤ 0.55% when 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
  • 0.10% ≤ Cr≤ 0.55% when 0.11% <Mo ≤ 0.18%
• the chemical composition comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:
  • 0.05% ≤ C ≤ 0.07%
  • 1.4% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.6%
  • 0.15% ≤ If ≤ 0.3%
  • Nb ≤ 0.04%
  • 0.01% ≤ Al ≤ 0.07%
• the chemical composition comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:
  • 0.040% ≤ Tieff ≤ 0.095%
  • where Tieff = Ti - 3.42 x N,
  • Ti being the titanium content expressed by weight
  • N being the nitrogen content expressed by weight
• the steel sheet is wound and stripped, the winding operation being conducted at a temperature between 525 ° C and 635 ° C followed by a stripping operation, and the depth of the superficial defects due to oxidation distributed over n oxidation zones i of said coiled sheet, i being between 1 and n, and n oxidation zones extending over a length l _ref observation, satisfies:
  • a first criterion of maximum depth defined by $$P_i^{\max }\le 8\mathrm{}mi\mathrm{vs}rom\mathrm{th}tres$$
    
    with P _i ^max maximum depth of a fault due to oxidation on the oxidation zone i of said coiled sheet, and
  • a second criterion of average depth defined by $$\frac{1}{l_{ref}}{\displaystyle \underset{i}{\overset{\mathrm{not}}{\Sigma }}{P}_i^{mo\mathrm{there}}\times l_i\times 2.5\mathrm{}mi\mathrm{vs}rom\mathrm{th}tres}$$
    
    with P _i mean ^average depth of oxidation defects on an oxidation zone i, and
    l _i : length of the oxidation zone i
• the length l _ref observation of defects due to oxidation is greater than or equal to 100 micrometers.
• the length l _ref observation of defects due to oxidation is greater than or equal to 500 micrometers.
• the sheet is wound in turns contiguous to a minimum winding voltage of 3 tons-force.

• 0,04% ≤ C ≤ 0,08%
• 1,2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1,9%
• 0,1% ≤ Si ≤ 0,3%
• 0,07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0,125%
• 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,35%
• 0,15% < Cr≤ 0,6% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
• 0,10% ≤ Cr≤ 0,6% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,35%
• Nb ≤ 0,045%
• 0,005% ≤ Al ≤ 0,1%
• 0,002% ≤ N ≤ 0,01%
• S ≤ 0,004%
• P<0,020%
• et optionnellement 0,001 % ≤ V ≤ 0,2%

le reste étant constitué de fer et d'impuretés inévitables,
en ce qu'on effectue un traitement sous vide ou au SiCa, dans ce dernier cas, la composition comprend en outre, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids $$\mathrm{0,0005}\%\le \mathrm{Ca}\le \mathrm{0,005}\%,$$

en ce que les quantités de titane [Ti] et d'azote [N] dissoutes dans le métal liquide satisfont à (%[Ti]) x (%[N]) < 6.10^-4 %², en ce qu'on coule l'acier pour obtenir un demi-produit coulé,
en ce qu'on réchauffe éventuellement le dit demi-produit à une température comprise entre 1160°C et 1300°C, puis
en ce qu'on lamine à chaud ledit demi-produit coulé avec une température de fin de laminage comprise entre 880°C et 930 °C, le taux de réduction de l'avant-dernière passe étant inférieur à 0,25, le taux de la dernière passe étant inférieur à 0,15, la somme de ces deux taux de réduction étant inférieure à 0,37, la température de début de laminage de l'avant dernière passe étant inférieure à 960 °C, de façon à obtenir un produit laminé à chaud, puis
en ce qu'on refroidit le dit produit laminé à chaud à une vitesse comprise entre 20 et 150 °C/s de façon à obtenir une tôle d'acier laminé à chaud.The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a hot-rolled steel sheet of yield strength greater than 680 MPa in at least one direction transverse to the rolling direction, and less than or equal to 840 MPa, resistance of between 780 MPa and 950 MPa and elongation at break greater than 10%, characterized in that supply in the form of liquid metal a steel whose composition consists, the contents being expressed by weight:

• 0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%
• 1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%
• 0.1% ≤ If ≤ 0.3%
• 0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%
• 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.35%
• 0.15% <Cr≤ 0.6% where 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
• 0.10% ≤ Cr≤ 0.6% when 0.11% <Mo ≤ 0.35%
• Nb ≤ 0.045%
• 0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%
• 0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%
• S ≤ 0.004%
• P <0.020%
• and optionally 0.001% ≤ V ≤ 0.2%

the rest being iron and unavoidable impurities,
in that treatment is carried out under vacuum or with SiCa, in the latter case, the composition further comprises, the contents being expressed by weight $$0.0005\%\le \mathrm{It}\le 0.005\%,$$

in that the quantities of titanium [Ti] and nitrogen [N] dissolved in the liquid metal satisfy (% [Ti]) x (% [N]) <6.10 ^-4 % ² , in that steel to obtain a cast half-product,
in that the said semi-finished product is optionally heated to a temperature of between 1160 ° C. and 1300 ° C., and
in that said cast half-product is hot-rolled with an end-of-rolling temperature of between 880 ° C and 930 ° C, the reduction rate of the penultimate pass being less than 0.25, the of the last pass being less than 0.15, the sum of these two reduction ratios being less than 0.37, the precursor past rolling start temperature being less than 960 ° C, so as to obtain a hot-rolled product, then
in that the said hot-rolled product is cooled at a speed of between 20 and 150 ° C / s so as to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet.

• on bobine la tôle d'acier laminé à chaud à une température comprise entre 525 et 635 °C.
• la composition consiste, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,04% ≤ C ≤ 0,08%
  • 1,2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1,9%
  • 0,1% ≤ Si ≤ 0,3%
  • 0,07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0,125%
  • 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,25%
  • 0,16% ≤ Cr≤ 0,55% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
  • 0,10% ≤ Cr≤ 0,55% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,25%
  • Nb ≤ 0,045%
  • 0,005% ≤ Al ≤ 0,1%
  • 0,002% ≤ N ≤ 0,01%
  • S ≤ 0,004%
  • P<0,020%
  le reste étant constitué de fer et d'impuretés inévitables
• la vitesse de refroidissement du produit laminé à chaud est comprise entre 50 et 150°C/s.
• la composition de l'acier comprend, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,27% ≤ Cr≤ 0,52% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
  • 0,10% ≤ Cr≤ 0,52% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,25%
• la composition de l'acier comprend, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,18%, et
  • 0,16% ≤ Cr≤ 0,55% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
  • 0,10% ≤ Cr≤ 0,55% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,18%
• la composition de l'acier comprend, les teneurs étant exprimées en poids :
  • 0,05% ≤ C ≤ 0,08%
  • 1,4% ≤ Mn ≤ 1,6%
  • 0,15% ≤ Si ≤ 0,3%
  • Nb ≤ 0,04%
  • 0,01% ≤ Al ≤ 0,07%
• on bobine la tôle à une température comprise entre 580 et strictement 630 °C.
• on bobine la tôle à une température comprise entre 530 et 600 °C,
  on décape la dite tôle, puis
  on réchauffe la tôle décapée à une température comprise entre 600 et 750 °C, puis on refroidit la tôle décapée réchauffée à une vitesse comprise entre 5 et 20°C/s,
  et on revêt de zinc la tôle obtenue dans un bain de zinc adapté.
• on bobine la tôle en spires jointives à une tension minimale de bobinage de 3 tonnes-force.

The method of the invention may also include the following optional characteristics considered in isolation or in any possible technical combination:

• the hot-rolled steel sheet is reeled at a temperature between 525 and 635 ° C.
• the composition consists, the contents being expressed by weight:
  • 0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%
  • 1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%
  • 0.1% ≤ If ≤ 0.3%
  • 0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%
  • 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.25%
  • 0.16% ≤ Cr≤ 0.55% when 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
  • 0.10% ≤ Cr≤ 0.55% when 0.11% <Mo≤ 0.25%
  • Nb ≤ 0.045%
  • 0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%
  • 0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%
  • S ≤ 0.004%
  • P <0.020%
  the rest being iron and inevitable impurities
• the cooling rate of the hot rolled product is between 50 and 150 ° C / s.
• the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:
  • 0.27% ≤ Cr≤ 0.52% when 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
  • 0.10% ≤ Cr≤ 0.52% when 0.11% <Mo≤ 0.25%
• the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:
  • 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.18%, and
  • 0.16% ≤ Cr≤ 0.55% when 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
  • 0.10% ≤ Cr≤ 0.55% when 0.11% <Mo ≤ 0.18%
• the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:
  • 0.05% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%
  • 1.4% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.6%
  • 0.15% ≤ If ≤ 0.3%
  • Nb ≤ 0.04%
  • 0.01% ≤ Al ≤ 0.07%
• the sheet is reeled at a temperature between 580 and strictly 630 ° C.
• the sheet is reeled at a temperature of between 530 and 600 ° C,
  we strip the said sheet, then
  the etched sheet is heated to a temperature of between 600 and 750 ° C., and then the heated etched sheet is cooled to a speed of between 5 and 20 ° C./sec,
  and zinc coating the sheet obtained in a suitable zinc bath.
• the sheet is wound in turns contiguous to a minimum winding voltage of 3 tons-force.

• la figure 1 est un graphique illustrant les résultats en termes d'oxydation en coeur de bobine des tôles de l'invention et des tôles de l'art antérieur, bobinées à une température de 590°C, comprenant différentes teneurs en chrome et en molybdène,
• la figure 2 est une représentation schématique de la surface d'une tôle vue en coupe illustrant la répartition des défauts superficiels dus à l'oxydation sur une tôle bobinée et décapée, en vue de la définition d'un critère d'oxydation admissible,
• la figure 3 est un graphique représentant l'évolution de la limite d'élasticité mesurée dans le sens de laminage en fonction de la teneur en titane efficace des tôles de l'invention pour lesquelles les teneurs en titane et en azote varient,
• la figure 4 est un graphique représentant l'évolution de la limite d'élasticité dans le sens travers à la direction de laminage en fonction de la teneur en titane efficace des tôles de l'invention pour lesquelles les teneurs en titane et en azote varient,
• la figure 5 est un graphique représentant l'évolution de la résistance maximale en traction dans le sens de laminage en fonction de la teneur en titane efficace des tôles de l'invention pour lesquelles les teneurs en titane et en azote varient,
• la figure 6 est un graphique représentant l'évolution de la résistance maximale en traction dans le sens travers du laminage en fonction de la teneur en titane efficace des tôles de l'invention pour lesquelles les teneurs en titane et en azote varient,
• la figure 7 est une photographie prise au Microscope Electronique à Balayage représentant l'état de surface en coupe d'une tôle après décapage dont la composition se situe en dehors de la portée de l'invention et qui ne satisfait pas aux critères d'oxydation,
• la figure 8 est une photographie prise au Microscope Electronique à Balayage représentant l'état de surface en coupe d'une tôle de l'invention après décapage qui satisfait aux critères d'oxydation,
• la figure 9 est une photographie prise au Microscope Electronique à Balayage représentant l'état de surface en coupe d'une tôle de l'invention après décapage dont la composition diffère de celle de la tôle représentée sur la figure 8 et qui satisfait également aux critères d'oxydation, et
• la figure 10 est une photographie prise au Microscope Electronique à Balayage représentant la microstructure d'une tôle de l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given below, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended figures among which:

• the figure 1 is a graph illustrating the results in terms of coil core oxidation of the sheets of the invention and sheets of the prior art, wound at a temperature of 590 ° C., comprising different chromium and molybdenum contents,
• the figure 2 is a schematic representation of the surface of a sheet metal sectional view illustrating the distribution of surface defects due to oxidation on a coiled and pickled sheet, for the purpose of defining a permissible oxidation criterion,
• the figure 3 is a graph representing the evolution of the yield strength measured in the rolling direction as a function of the effective titanium content of the sheets of the invention for which the titanium and nitrogen contents vary,
• the figure 4 is a graph showing the evolution of the yield strength in the cross direction to the rolling direction as a function of the effective titanium content of the sheets of the invention for which the titanium and nitrogen contents vary,
• the figure 5 is a graph showing the evolution of the maximum tensile strength in the rolling direction as a function of the effective titanium content of the sheets of the invention for which the titanium and nitrogen contents vary,
• the figure 6 is a graph showing the evolution of the maximum tensile strength in the transverse direction of the rolling as a function of the effective titanium content of the sheets of the invention for which the titanium and nitrogen contents vary,
• the figure 7 is a photograph taken with a Scanning Electron Microscope showing the surface state in section of a sheet after pickling the composition is outside the scope of the invention and does not meet the oxidation criteria,
• the figure 8 is a photograph taken with a Scanning Electron Microscope showing the surface state in section of a sheet of the invention after pickling which satisfies the oxidation criteria,
• the figure 9 is a photograph taken with a Scanning Electron Microscope showing the surface state in section of a sheet of the invention after stripping, the composition of which differs from that of the sheet shown on FIG. figure 8 and which also meets the oxidation criteria, and
• the figure 10 is a photograph taken with a Scanning Electron Microscope representing the microstructure of a sheet of the invention.

The inventors have discovered that the surface defects present on certain sheets wound at high temperatures, especially above a temperature of 570 ° C., are mainly located at the core of the coil. In this region, the turns are contiguous, and the partial pressure of oxygen is such that only elements that are more oxidizable than iron, for example silicon, manganese or chromium, can still oxidize in contact with atoms of oxygen.

The 1-atmosphere iron-oxygen phase diagram shows that iron oxide, wustite, formed at high temperatures is no longer stable below 570 ° C and decomposes at thermodynamic equilibrium in two other phases: hematite and magnetite, one of the products of this reaction being oxygen.

The inventors have thus identified that the conditions are met so that in the coil core, the oxygen thus released combines with the more oxidizable elements than iron, namely notably manganese, silicon, chromium and aluminum present at the surface of the sheet. The grain boundaries of the final microstructure naturally constitute diffusion short circuits for these elements with respect to homogeneous diffusion in the matrix. This results in more pronounced and deeper oxidation at the grain boundaries.

During the stripping operation to remove the scale layer, the oxides thus formed are also removed, leaving room for defects (lack of continuity) substantially perpendicular to the skin of the sheet of about 3 to 5 microns.

If these defects do not cause any particular deterioration of the fatigue performance for a plate that is not subject to deformation, this is not the case when the sheet is deformed and more particularly in the zone located on the lower surface of a deformation fold where the defect depth can reach 25 micrometers.

For a winding temperature of about 590 ° C., these surface defects are naturally present in the core of the coil where the surface of the sheet remains the longest subjected to high temperatures, especially greater than 570 ° C.

The inventors then found a sheet composition which makes it possible to prevent the formation of intergranular oxidation at the coil core at the level of the grains of the final microstructure after pickling, the intergranular oxidation occurring on the grain boundaries of the final microstructure.

For this purpose, it has been identified that the composition of the sheet must comprise chromium and molybdenum defined in particular contents. Surprisingly, the inventors have demonstrated that such sheets do not have the aforementioned surface defects.

According to the invention, the carbon weight content of the sheet is between 0.040% and 0.08%. This range of carbon content makes it possible simultaneously to obtain a high breaking elongation and a mechanical strength Rm greater than 780 MPa.

Moreover, the maximum content by weight of carbon is set at 0.08%, which makes it possible to obtain a hole expansion ratio Ac% greater than or equal to 45%.

Preferably, the content by weight of carbon is between 0.05% and 0.07%.

According to the invention, the weight content of manganese is between 1.2% and 1.9%. Present in such quantity, manganese participates in the strength of the sheet and limits the formation of a central segregation band. It helps to obtain an Ac% hole expansion ratio greater than or equal to 45%. Preferably, the content by weight of manganese is between 1.4% and 1.6%.

An aluminum content by weight of between 0.005% and 0.1% ensures the deoxidation of the steel during its manufacture. Preferably, the content by weight of aluminum is between 0.01% and 0.07%.

Titanium is present in the steel of the sheet of the invention in an amount of between 0.07% and 0.125% by weight.

Optionally, the addition of vanadium in an amount of between 0.001% and 0.2% by weight may be provided. An increase in mechanical strength up to 250 MPa can be achieved by refinement of the microstructure and hardening precipitation of carbonitrides.

In addition, it is expected that the weight content of nitrogen is between 0.002% and 0.01%. Although the nitrogen content can be extremely low, its limit value is set at 0.002% so that the production can be carried out under economically satisfactory conditions.

As regards niobium, its weight content in the composition of the steel is less than 0.045%. Beyond a content by weight of 0.045%, the recrystallization of the austenite is delayed. The structure then contains a significant fraction of elongated grains, which no longer makes it possible to achieve the target hole expansion ratio Ac%. Preferably, the content by weight of niobium is less than 0.04%.

The composition of the invention also comprises chromium in an amount of between 0.10% and 0.55%. Such a chromium content makes it possible to improve the surface quality. As will be seen below, the chromium content is defined together with the molybdenum content.

According to the invention, the silicon is present in the chemical composition of the sheet, with a content by weight of between 0.1% and 0.3%. Silicon retards the precipitation of cementite. In the amounts defined according to the invention, it precipitates in a very small amount, that is to say in surface content less than 1.5% and in a very fine form. This finer morphology of the cementite makes it possible to obtain a high hole expansion capacity of greater than or equal to 45%. Preferably, the content by weight of silicon is between 0.15% and 0.3%.

The sulfur content of the steel according to the invention must not be greater than 0.004% in order to limit the formation of sulphides, especially of manganese sulphides. The low levels of sulfur and nitrogen present in the composition of the sheet promote the ability to expand the hole.

The phosphorus content of the steel according to the invention is less than 0.020% in order to promote hole expansion ability and weldability.

According to the invention, the composition of the sheet comprises chromium and molybdenum in specific contents.

Referring to Tables 1 to 4 and figure 1 to explain the limits of chromium and molybdenum contents in the composition of the sheet of the invention.

Tables 1 to 4 show the influence of the composition of a sheet and the manufacturing conditions of this sheet on the elastic limit, the maximum tensile strength, the total elongation at break, the hole expansion and an oxidation criterion taken in the middle or core coil and strip axis, these notions of coil core and strip axis being explained later.

The hole expansion method is described in ISO 16630: 2009 as follows: after making a hole by cutting in a sheet, a frustoconical tool is used so as to expand at the edges of this hole. hole. It is during this operation that one can observe an early damage in the vicinity of the edges of the hole during the expansion, this damage starting on particles of second phase or the interfaces between the different microstructural constituents in the 'steel.

Ac permet donc de quantifier l'aptitude d'une tôle à résister à un emboutissage au niveau d'un orifice découpé. Selon cette méthode, le diamètre initial est de 10 millimètres.The hole expansion method thus consists in measuring the initial diameter Di of the hole before stamping, then the final diameter Df of the hole after stamping, determined at the moment when there are observed through-cracks in the thickness of the sheet on the edges of the hole. The hole expansion ability Ac% is then determined according to the following formula: $\mathrm{AT}\mathrm{vs}\%=100\times \frac{\left(Df-Di\right)}{Di}.$

Ac thus makes it possible to quantify the ability of a sheet to withstand stamping at a cut orifice. According to this method, the initial diameter is 10 millimeters.

As explained above, it is sought to avoid the formation of intergranular oxidation characterized by lack of continuity in the surface of the coiled and stripped sheet.

It is therefore necessary to obtain a surface for which the depth of these defects is sufficiently reduced so that after forming the sheet, the increase of the local stress intensity factor associated with these defects generated by this setting in shape does not affect the fatigue life of the sheet.

The inventors have demonstrated that two criteria relating to the presence of defects of the wound sheet should be satisfied to obtain excellent fatigue performance. More precisely, these criteria must be respected in a zone of the coil which is subjected to specific conditions: this zone is situated in the core of the coil and in the axis of the strip where the partial pressure of oxygen is lower but sufficient for elements more oxidizable than iron can be oxidized. This phenomenon is observed when the winding is made in contiguous turns at a minimum winding voltage of 3 tons-force.

The coil core is defined as being the length zone of the coil to which, on either side, an end zone is subtracted, the length of each of the end zones being equal to 30% of the total length of the coil. The strip axis is similarly defined as being an area centered on the middle of the strip in the direction transverse to the rolling direction, and of width equal to 60% of the width of the strip.

With reference to the figure 2 these two oxidation criteria are evaluated on a sheet 1 in the middle of the coil and in the axis of the strip over an observation length l _ref . This observation length is chosen to characterize the surface state in a representative manner. The observation length l _ref is set at 100 micrometers, but can be up to 500 micrometers or more if one wishes to reinforce the requirements in terms of oxidation criterion.

The defects due to the oxidation 2 are distributed over n oxidation zones Oi of said coiled sheet 1, i being between 1 and n. Each oxidation zone Oi extends along a length l _i , and is considered to be distinct from the neighboring zone Oi + 1 if these two zones Oi, Oi + 1 are separated by a zone free from any oxidation defect. at least 3 microns in length. The first criterion [1] to which the defects 2 of the sheet 1 must satisfy is a maximum depth criterion corresponding to P _i ^max ≤ 8 micrometers, P _i ^max being the maximum depth of a fault due to the oxidation 2 on each oxidation zone Oi.

micromètres, P_i ^moy étant la profondeur moyenne des défauts dus à l'oxydation sur une zone d'oxydation Oi.The second criterion [2] to which the defects 2 of the sheet 1 must satisfy is a mean depth criterion reflecting the greater or lesser presence of the oxidation zones on the observation zone of length l _ref . This second criterion is defined by $\frac{1}{l_{ref}}{\displaystyle \underset{i}{\overset{\mathrm{not}}{\Sigma }}{P}_i^{mo\mathrm{there}}}\times l_i\le 2.5$

micrometers, P _i ^moy being the average depth of defects due to oxidation on an oxidation zone Oi.

• _○ oxydation nulle ou très faible : critères [1] et [2] satisfaits
• 
  oxydation faible : critères satisfaits
• ● oxydation forte : critères non satisfaits

In Tables 1 to 4 and on the figure 1 the surface oxidation results are represented as follows:

• _○ Nil or very low oxidation: criteria [1] and [2] satisfied
• 
  low oxidation: satisfied criteria
• ● strong oxidation: unmet criteria

Zero or very low oxidation makes it possible to obtain excellent resistance to fatigue, even on parts which are deformed in a significant manner, that is to say having an equivalent plastic deformation ratio of up to 39%, the of equivalent plastic deformation being defined in all of the deformed part from the main deformations ε1 and ε2, by the formula: $$\widetilde{{\epsilon }_{\mathrm{vs}}}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\sqrt{\left({\epsilon }_1^2+{\epsilon }_1{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="\epsilon "\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\epsilon </figure-callout>}}_2+{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="\epsilon "\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\epsilon </figure-callout>}}_2^2\right)}.$$

Table 1 shows the results obtained for compositions not falling within the scope of the sheet of the invention.

Table 2a shows sheet compositions according to the invention and Table 2b shows the results obtained for the sheet compositions of Table 2a, which sheets are intended to be uncoated and wound at a constant temperature of 590.degree. except for example 5.

Table 3 shows the results obtained for compositions of the sheet of the invention, which is also intended to be uncoated and for winding temperatures ranging from 526 ° C to 625 ° C.

Table 4 shows the results obtained for compositions of the sheet of the invention, which is intended to be galvanized and for a winding temperature ranging from 535 ° C. to 585 ° C.

Counterexamples 1 and 11 of Table 1 show that when the chromium and molybdenum contents do not meet the conditions of the invention, the oxidation criteria are not satisfied.

The counterexamples 5, 6, 7 and 9 show that in the presence of chromium but without molybdenum, oxidation is also not permissible. The counterexample 9 It also illustrates that the addition of nickel does not make it possible to obtain satisfactory results on the oxidation criteria.

Conversely, the counterexample 4 shows that in the presence of molybdenum but with a low chromium content, the surface oxidation does not meet the predefined criteria.

Finally, counterexamples 2, 3, 8 and 11 show that the respective contents of chromium and molybdenum must be sufficient.

Table 2b illustrates the results obtained for a composition of the sheet comprising chromium and molybdenum in respective contents of between 0.15% and 0.55% for chromium and between 0.05% and 0.32% for chromium and molybdenum. molybdenum.

Table 3 illustrates the results obtained for a composition of the sheet comprising chromium and molybdenum in respective contents of between 0.30% and 0.32% for chromium and between 0.15% and 0.17% for chromium and molybdenum. molybdenum.

And Table 4 illustrates the results obtained for a composition of the sheet comprising chromium and molybdenum in respective contents of between 0.31% and 0.32% for chromium and between 0.15% and 0.16% for molybdenum. Each of the examples in Tables 2, 3 and 4 meet the oxidation criteria defined above.

The figure 7 illustrates the presence of surface defects for a sheet 9 which does not meet the previously defined oxidation criteria and whose composition comprises 0.3% chromium and 0.02% molybdenum.

The Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the surface state of two sheets 10, 11 which satisfy the oxidation criteria and whose respective composition includes for the figure 8 0.3% chromium, and 0.093% molybdenum, and for the figure 9 0.3% chromium and 0.15% molybdenum.

It is recalled that the winding of the sheets subject of the results presented in Tables 2 to 4 is made in turns contiguous to a minimum winding voltage of 3 tons-force.

On the figure 1 the experimental points obtained for counterexamples and examples are shown at a winding temperature of 590 ° C. More precisely, the experimental points 3 correspond to the counterexamples of the table 1, the experimental points 4a correspond to the examples of the tables 2a and 2b for which the surface oxidation is low and the experimental points 4b correspond to the examples of Tables 2a and 2b for which the surface oxidation is zero or very low.

It is worth noting the almost superposition of two experimental points at 0.10% molybdenum. A first experimental point 3 corresponds to counterexample 11 for which the precise content of chromium is 0.150, and a second experimental point 4a corresponds to Example 11 for which the precise chromium content is 0.152.

In the light of the foregoing, it is thus defined that the composition of the sheet of the invention comprises chromium and molybdenum with a content by weight of chromium which is strictly greater than 0.15% and less than or equal to 0.6 % when the molybdenum content is between 0.05% and 0.11% and a chromium content of between 0.10% and 0.6% where the molybdenum content is strictly greater than 0.11% and less than or equal to 0.35%. The molybdenum content is thus between 0.05% and 0.35% while respecting the chromium contents previously expressed.

Preferably, the content by weight of chromium is between 0.16% and 0.55% when the content by weight of molybdenum is between 0.05% and 0.11%, and the content by weight of chromium is included between 0.10% and 0.55% when the content by weight of molybdenum is between 0.11% and 0.25%.

Even more preferably, the content by weight of chromium is between 0.27% and 0.52% and the content by weight of molybdenum is between 0.05% and 0.18%.

The microstructure of the sheet of the invention comprises granular bainite.

Granular bainite is distinguished from upper and lower bainite. We refer here to Article Characterization and Quantification of Complex Bainitic Microstructures in High and High-Strength Steels - Materials Science Forum Vol 500-501, pp 387-394; Nov2005 for the definition of granular bainite.

In accordance with this article, the granular bainite composing the microstructure of the sheet of the invention is defined as having a large proportion of adjacent grains strongly disoriented and an irregular morphology of the grains. The surface percentage of granular bainite is greater than 70%.

Furthermore, the ferrite is present in a surface fraction not exceeding 20%. The optional supplement consists of lower bainite, martensite and residual austenite, the sum of the martensite and residual austenite contents being less than 5%.

The figure 10 represents the microstructure of a sheet of the invention thus comprising granite bainite 12, islands of martensite and austenite 13 and ferrite 14.

It has been determined according to the invention that a criterion to be taken into consideration for the elastic limit and the maximum tensile strength is titanium said to be effective.

Assuming that the precipitation of titanium takes place in the form of nitride and given the stoichiometric ratio of these two elements in titanium nitride, the effective titanium Tieff represents the amount of excess titanium capable of precipitating in the form of carbides. Thus the effective titanium is defined according to the formula Tieff = Ti - 3.42 x N, Ti being the titanium content expressed by weight, and N being the nitrogen content expressed by weight.

Tables 2 to 4 show the effective titanium values for each composition tested.

The Figures 3 to 6 illustrate the results obtained respectively in yield strength and maximum tensile strength, as a function of the effective titanium content for different compositions for which the titanium and nitrogen contents vary. The figures 3 and 5 illustrate these properties in the rolling direction of the sheet, and the figures 4 and 6 illustrate these properties in the transverse direction of rolling of sheet metal

On these Figures 3 to 6 the experimental points 5.5a represented by solid circles correspond to a composition for which the titanium content varies between 0.071% and 0.076% and the nitrogen content varies between 0.0070% and 0.0090%, the experimental points 6 , 6a represented by solid diamonds correspond to a composition for which the titanium content varies between 0.087% and 0.091% and the nitrogen content varies between 0.0060% and 0.0084%, the experimental points 7.7a materialized by solid triangles correspond to a composition for which the titanium content varies between 0.088% and 0.092%, and the nitrogen content varies between 0.0073% and 0.0081%, and the experimental points 8.8a represented by solid squares correspond to to a composition for wherein the titanium content varies between 0.098% and 0.104% and the nitrogen content varies between 0.0048% and 0.0070%.

It can be seen from these figures that it is indeed the effective titanium that must be considered.

More precisely, in the rolling direction ( figures 3 and 5 ), the criteria in elastic limit and in maximum tensile strength are respected for an effective titanium content varying between 0.055% and 0.095%. In the transverse direction of rolling ( figures 4 and 6 ), the criteria in yield strength and maximum tensile strength are met for an effective titanium content ranging between 0.040% and 0.070%.

It is thus defined that the composition may comprise an effective titanium content varying between 0.040% and 0.095%, preferably between 0.055% and 0.070% where the criteria are met both in the rolling direction and in the cross direction.

The advantage presented by the consideration of the effective titanium resides in particular in the possibility of using a high nitrogen content to avoid limiting the nitrogen content which is binding for the process of making the sheet.

• 0,04% ≤ C ≤ 0,08%
• 1,2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1,9%
• 0,1% ≤ Si ≤ 0,3%
• 0,07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0,125%
• 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,35%
• 0,15% < Cr≤ 0,6% lorsque 0,05% ≤ Mo≤ 0,11%, ou
• 0,10% ≤ Cr≤ 0,6% lorsque 0,11% < Mo≤ 0,35%
• Nb ≤ 0,045%
• 0,005% ≤ Al ≤ 0,1%
• 0,002% ≤ N ≤ 0,01%
• S ≤ 0,004%
• P<0,020 et optionnellement 0,001% ≤ V ≤ 0,2%

le reste étant constitué de fer et d'impuretés inévitables,The method of manufacturing a previously defined steel sheet comprises the following steps:
Liquid steel is supplied in the form of a liquid whose composition consists, the contents being expressed by weight:

• 0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%
• 1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%
• 0.1% ≤ If ≤ 0.3%
• 0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%
• 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.35%
• 0.15% <Cr≤ 0.6% where 0.05% ≤ Mo≤ 0.11%, or
• 0.10% ≤ Cr≤ 0.6% when 0.11% <Mo ≤ 0.35%
• Nb ≤ 0.045%
• 0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%
• 0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%
• S ≤ 0.004%
• P <0.020 and optionally 0.001% ≤ V ≤ 0.2%

the rest being iron and unavoidable impurities,

In the liquid metal containing a dissolved [N] nitrogen content, titanium [Ti] is added so that the quantities of titanium [Ti] and nitrogen [N] dissolved in the liquid metal satisfy% [Ti]% [N] <6.10 ^-4 % ² .

The liquid metal is then carried out either in a vacuum treatment or in a silica-calcium (SiCa) treatment, in which case it will be provided that the composition further comprises a content by weight of 0.0005 ≤ Ca ≤ 0.005%.

Under these conditions, the titanium nitrides do not precipitate early in the coarse form in the liquid metal, which would have the effect of reducing the ability to expand the hole. The precipitation of titanium occurs at lower temperatures in the form of fine carbonitrides distributed uniformly. This fine precipitation contributes to the hardening and refinement of the microstructure.

Then the steel is cast to obtain a cast half-product. This can be done preferably by continuous casting. Very preferably, the casting may be carried out between counter-rotating rolls to obtain a semi-finished product in the form of thin slabs or thin strips. Indeed, these modes of casting lead to a decrease in the size of the precipitates, favorable to the expansion of hole on the product obtained in the final state.

The half-product obtained is then heated to a temperature of between 1160 and 1300 ° C. Below 1160 ° C, the target tensile strength of 780 MPa is not achieved. Naturally, in the case of a direct casting of thin slabs, the hot rolling stage of the half-products starting at more than 1160 ° C. can be done directly after casting, ie without cooling the half product until at room temperature, and therefore without it being necessary to perform a heating step. Then, said cast half-product is hot rolled with an end-of-rolling temperature of between 880 and 930 ° C., the reduction rate of the penultimate pass being less than 0.25, the rate of the last pass being less than 0.15, the sum of the two reduction rates being less than 0.37, the next-to-last pass rolling start temperature being less than 960 ° C, so as to obtain a hot-rolled product.

Thus, during the last two passes, the material is rolled at a temperature below the non-recrystallization temperature, which prevents the recrystallization of austenite. It is thus intended not to cause excessive deformation of the austenite during these last two passes.

These conditions make it possible to create as equiva- lent grain as possible in order to satisfy the requirements of the hole expansion ratio Ac%.

After rolling, the hot-rolled product is cooled at a rate of between 20 and 150 ° C./s, preferably between 50 and 150 ° C./s, so as to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet.

Finally, the sheet obtained is reeled at a temperature of between 525 and 635 ° C.

In the case of the manufacture of an uncoated sheet and with reference to Tables 2 and 3, the winding temperature will be between 525 and 635 ° C so that the precipitation is the densest and most hardening possible allowing to satisfy a mechanical tensile strength greater than 780 MPa in both the long and the transverse directions. According to the results presented in these tables, these winding temperatures make it possible to obtain a sheet for which the oxidation criterion is satisfied.

With reference to Table 3, it will be noted that the increase in the winding temperature (Examples 26 and 28) gives rise to oxidation defects that are absent at lower winding temperatures. Nevertheless, the composition of the sheet of the invention makes it possible to wind at high temperatures while respecting the oxidation criterion.

In the case of the manufacture of a sheet intended to be subjected to a galvanizing operation and with reference to Table 4, the winding temperature will be between 530 and 600 ° C., regardless of the desired direction of the properties in the direction of rolling or in the cross direction and to compensate for the additional precipitation occurring during the heat treatment associated with the galvanizing operation. According to the results presented in this table, these winding temperatures make it possible to obtain a sheet for which the oxidation criterion is satisfied.

In the latter case, the wound sheet is then etched according to a conventional technique well known in itself, and then heated to a temperature between 550 and 750 ° C. The sheet will then be cooled at a speed of between 5 and 20 ° C./s, and then coated with zinc in a suitable zinc bath.

All the steel sheets according to the invention were rolled with a lower reduction ratio of 0.15 in the penultimate rolling pass, and a reduction rate of less than 0.07 in the last rolling pass, the cumulative deformation during these two passes being less than 0.37. At the end of the hot rolling, we obtain a little deformed austenite.

Tableau 2a : Compositions de tôles selon l'invention Composition chimique (en %) C Mn Si Al Cr Mo Nb Ti P S N Tieff Exemple 1 0,06 1,6 0,2 0,06 0,29 0,09 0,031 0,110 0,015 0,002 0,007 0,086 Exemple 2 0,06 1,6 0,2 0,04 0,29 0,05 0,034 0,115 0,015 0,001 0,006 0,094 Exemple 3 0,06 1,6 0,2 0,04 0,29 0,11 0,034 0,111 0,015 0,001 0,006 0,090 Exemple 4 0,06 1,5 0,2 0,06 0,38 0,15 0,026 0,100 0,017 0,001 0,006 0,078 Exemple 5 0,07 1,5 0,2 0,04 0,30 0,16 0,030 0,100 0,016 0,001 0,005 0,083 Exemple 6 0,06 1,5 0,3 0,03 0,41 0,11 0,033 0,093 0,017 0,002 0,009 0,063 Exemple 7 0,06 1,5 0,3 0,03 0,51 0,11 0,033 0,094 0,017 0,002 0,01 0,059 Exemple 8 0,06 1,5 0,2 0,05 0,28 0,15 0 0,098 0,017 0,001 0,003 0,087 Exemple 9 0,080 1,61 0,23 0,04 0,15 0,15 0,028 0,113 0,012 0,001 0,006 0,092 Exemple 10 0,06 1,5 0,21 0,05 0,47 0,15 0,030 0,074 0,015 0,002 0,008 0,047 Exemple 11 0,05 1,5 0,24 0,04 0,15¹ 0,10 0,030 0,089 0,012 0,002 0,007 0,065 Exemple 12 0,05 1,5 0,24 0,04 0,15 0,25 0,030 0,094 0,013 0,002 0,008 0,066 Exemple 13 0,05 1,5 0,24 0,04 0,30 0,25 0,030 0,092 0,012 0,002 0,008 0,064 Exemple 14 0,05 1,5 0,25 0,04 0,21 0,06 0,033 0,087 0,012 0,001 - 0,063 Exemple 15² 0,05 1,5 0,25 0,04 0,21 0,09 0,033 0,087 0,012 0,001 - 0,063 Exemple 16 0,05. 1,5 0,25 0,04 0,21 0,15 0,032 0,088 0,012 0,001 - 0,064 Exemple 17 0,05 1,5 0,25 0,04 0,21 0,32 0,033 0,089 0,013 0,001 - 0,065 Exemple 18² 0,05 1,5 0,25 0,04 0,25 0,15 0,032 0,088 0,012 0,002 0,008 0,060 Exemple 19 0,05 1,4 0,25 0,03 0,30 0,20 0,032 0,089 0,013 0,002 0,008 0,061 Exemple 20 0,05 1,5 0,25 0,04 0,55 0,05 0,030 0,089 0,012 0,002 0,009 0,058 Exemple 21 0,05 1,5 0,25 0,04 0,54 0,11 0,030 0,087 0,012 0,002 0,008 0,059 Exemple 22 0,05 1,4 0,24 0,03 0,16 0,20 0,030 0,088 0,013 0,002 0,008 0,060 Exemple 23 0,05 1,4 0,24 0,03 0,19 0,20 0,030 0,088 0,013 0,002 0,008 0,060 Exemple 24 0,05 1,4 0,24 0,04 0,39 0,24 0,030 0,087 0,012 0,002 0,008 0,059 Exemple 25 0,05 1,5 0,24 0,04 0,53 0,26 0,030 0,088 0,012 0,002 0,008 0,060 Valeur précise : 0,152 - Contient également du vanadium V=0,005% Tableau 2b : conditions d'essais et résultats obtenus pour les compositions de tôles selon l'invention du Tableau 2a bobinées à 590°C et non revêtues Température de bobinage (°C) Limite d'élasticité Re (Mpa) Résistance maximale en traction Rm (Mpa) Allongement total à rupture (%) Expansion de trou Ac (Méthode ISO) (%) Critère d'oxydation en coeur de bobine Légende du critère d'oxydation Exemple 1 590 808 841 15,8 NA

○ oxydation nulle ou très faible : critère satisfait Exemple 2 590 820 848 15,9 NA

oxydation faible : critère satisfait Exemple 3 590 823 854 15 NA ○ ● oxydation forte : critère non satisfait Exemple 4 590 792 832 16,5 58

Exemple 5 595 810 893 13,3 59 ○ * : valeur estimée Exemple 6 590 766 801 15,6 NA

NA : non déterminé Exemple 7 590 761 798 17,8 NA

Exemple 8 590 787 818 15,2 71 ○ Exemple 9 590 823* 854 15,9 NA

Exemple 10 590 796 834 15,2 56

Exemple 11 590 711 801* 17,1 NA

Exemple 12 590 768 809 16,9 NA ○ Exemple 13 590 781 825 16,2 NA ○ Exemple 14 590 721 807* 17,8 NA

Exemple 15 590 746 781 17,0 NA

Exemple 16 590 754 787 16,0 NA ○ Exemple 17 590 751 788 16,9 NA

Exemple 18 590 759 793 19,0 NA ○ Exemple 19 590 770 805 17,7 NA ○ Exemple 20 590 721 814* 16,9 NA ○ Exemple 21 590 744 789 17,6 NA ○ Exemple 22 590 757 799 16,5 NA ○ Exemple 23 590 764 802 17,5 NA ○ Exemple 24 590 796 837 16,5 NA ○ Exemple 25 590 760 822 15,8 NA ○

Thus, the invention makes it possible to provide steel sheets having high tensile mechanical characteristics and good formability by stamping. The stampings made from these sheets have a high fatigue resistance due to the minimization or absence of surface defects after stamping.

Table 2a: Sheet metal compositions according to the invention Chemical composition (in%) VS mn Yes al Cr MB Nb Ti P S NOT Tieff Example 1 0.06 1.6 0.2 0.06 0.29 0.09 0.031 0.110 0,015 0,002 0,007 0.086 Example 2 0.06 1.6 0.2 0.04 0.29 0.05 0,034 0.115 0,015 0,001 0.006 0.094 Example 3 0.06 1.6 0.2 0.04 0.29 0.11 0,034 0.111 0,015 0,001 0.006 0.090 Example 4 0.06 1.5 0.2 0.06 0.38 0.15 0,026 0,100 0,017 0,001 0.006 0.078 Example 5 0.07 1.5 0.2 0.04 0.30 0.16 0,030 0,100 0.016 0,001 0.005 0.083 Example 6 0.06 1.5 0.3 0.03 0.41 0.11 0.033 0.093 0,017 0,002 0,009 0,063 Example 7 0.06 1.5 0.3 0.03 0.51 0.11 0.033 0.094 0,017 0,002 0.01 0.059 Example 8 0.06 1.5 0.2 0.05 0.28 0.15 0 0.098 0,017 0,001 0,003 0.087 Example 9 0,080 1.61 0.23 0.04 0.15 0.15 0,028 0.113 0.012 0,001 0.006 0.092 Example 10 0.06 1.5 0.21 0.05 0.47 0.15 0,030 0.074 0,015 0,002 0,008 0,047 Example 11 0.05 1.5 0.24 0.04 0.15 ¹ 0.10 0,030 0.089 0.012 0,002 0,007 0,065 Example 12 0.05 1.5 0.24 0.04 0.15 0.25 0,030 0.094 0,013 0,002 0,008 0.066 Example 13 0.05 1.5 0.24 0.04 0.30 0.25 0,030 0.092 0.012 0,002 0,008 0.064 Example 14 0.05 1.5 0.25 0.04 0.21 0.06 0.033 0.087 0.012 0,001 - 0,063 Example 15 ² 0.05 1.5 0.25 0.04 0.21 0.09 0.033 0.087 0.012 0,001 - 0,063 Example 16 0.05. 1.5 0.25 0.04 0.21 0.15 0,032 0.088 0.012 0,001 - 0.064 Example 17 0.05 1.5 0.25 0.04 0.21 0.32 0.033 0.089 0,013 0,001 - 0,065 Example 18 ² 0.05 1.5 0.25 0.04 0.25 0.15 0,032 0.088 0.012 0,002 0,008 0,060 Example 19 0.05 1.4 0.25 0.03 0.30 0.20 0,032 0.089 0,013 0,002 0,008 0,061 Example 20 0.05 1.5 0.25 0.04 0.55 0.05 0,030 0.089 0.012 0,002 0,009 0.058 Example 21 0.05 1.5 0.25 0.04 0.54 0.11 0,030 0.087 0.012 0,002 0,008 0.059 Example 22 0.05 1.4 0.24 0.03 0.16 0.20 0,030 0.088 0,013 0,002 0,008 0,060 Example 23 0.05 1.4 0.24 0.03 0.19 0.20 0,030 0.088 0,013 0,002 0,008 0,060 Example 24 0.05 1.4 0.24 0.04 0.39 0.24 0,030 0.087 0.012 0,002 0,008 0.059 Example 25 0.05 1.5 0.24 0.04 0.53 0.26 0,030 0.088 0.012 0,002 0,008 0,060 Accurate value: 0.152 - Also contains vanadium V = 0.005% Winding temperature (° C) Resistance limit Re (Mpa) Maximum tensile strength Rm (Mpa) Total elongation at break (%) Ac hole expansion (ISO method) (%) Oxidation criterion in coil core Legend of the oxidation criterion Example 1 590 808 841 15.8 N / A

○ zero or very low oxidation: satisfied criterion Example 2 590 820 848 15.9 N / A

low oxidation: satisfied criterion Example 3 590 823 854 15 N / A ○ ● strong oxidation: criterion not satisfied Example 4 590 792 832 16.5 58

Example 5 595 810 893 13.3 59 ○ *: estimated value Example 6 590 766 801 15.6 N / A

NA: not determined Example 7 590 761 798 17.8 N / A

Example 8 590 787 818 15.2 71 ○ Example 9 590 823 * 854 15.9 N / A

Example 10 590 796 834 15.2 56

Example 11 590 711 801 * 17.1 N / A

Example 12 590 768 809 16.9 N / A ○ Example 13 590 781 825 16.2 N / A ○ Example 14 590 721 807 * 17.8 N / A

Example 15 590 746 781 17.0 N / A

Example 16 590 754 787 16.0 N / A ○ Example 17 590 751 788 16.9 N / A

Example 18 590 759 793 19.0 N / A ○ Example 19 590 770 805 17.7 N / A ○ Example 20 590 721 814 * 16.9 N / A ○ Example 21 590 744 789 17.6 N / A ○ Example 22 590 757 799 16.5 N / A ○ Example 23 590 764 802 17.5 N / A ○ Example 24 590 796 837 16.5 N / A ○ Example 25 590 760 822 15.8 N / A ○

Claims (20)

1. Hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of between 1.5 and 4.5 millimetres, having an elastic limit greater than 680 MPa, at least in the direction transverse to the rolling direction, and less than or equal to 840 MPa, a strength of between 780 MPa and 950 MPa, an elongation at failure greater than 10% and a hole expansion ratio (Ac) greater than or equal to 45%, the chemical composition of which comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

   0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%

   1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%

   0.1% ≤ Si ≤ 0.3%

   0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%

   0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.35%

   0.15% < Cr ≤ 0.6% when 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.11%, or

   0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.6% when 0.11% < Mo ≤ 0.35%

   Nb ≤ 0.045%

   0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%

   0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%

   S ≤ 0.004%

   P < 0.020%

   and optionally 0.001% ≤ V ≤ 0.2%,

   the remainder being composed of iron and unavoidable impurities from the production,
   the microstructure of which is composed of granular bainite, the area percentage of which is greater than 70%, and ferrite, the area percentage of which is less than 20%, any remainder being composed of lower bainite, martensite and residual austenite, the sum of the contents of martensite and residual austenite being less than 5%.
2. Rolled steel sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the chemical composition comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

   0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%

   1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%

   0.1% ≤ Si ≤ 0.3%

   0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%

   0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.25%

   0.16% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.11%, or

   0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.11% < Mo ≤ 0.25%

   Nb ≤ 0.045%

   0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%

   0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%

   S ≤ 0.004%

   P < 0.020%,

   the remainder being composed of iron and unavoidable impurities from the production.
3. Steel sheet according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

   0.27% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.52% when 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.11%, or

   0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.52% when 0.11% < Mo ≤ 0.25%.
4. Steel sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

   0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.18%, and in that

   0.16% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.11%, or

   0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.11% < Mo ≤ 0.18%.
5. Steel sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the chemical composition comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

   0.05% ≤ C ≤ 0.07%

   1.4% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.6%

   0.15% ≤ Si ≤ 0.3%

   Nb ≤ 0.04%

   0.01% ≤ Al ≤ 0.07%.
6. Steel sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the chemical composition comprises, the contents being expressed by weight: $$0.040\%\le \mathrm{Tieff}\le 0.095\%$$

   

   where Tieff = Ti - 3.42 x N,

   Ti being the titanium content expressed by weight,

   N being the nitrogen content expressed by weight.
7. Steel sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, after coiling at a temperature between 525°C and 635°C followed by a pickling operation, the depth of the superficial defects due to oxidation distributed over n oxidation zones i of said coiled sheet, i being between 1 and n, and the n oxidation zones extending over an observation length l_ref , satisfies:

   - a first maximum depth criterion defined by $P_i^{\max }\le 8\mathrm{}micrometres$

   

   where $P_i^{\max }:$

   

   maximum depth of a defect due to oxidation over the oxidation zone i of said coiled sheet, and

   - a second average depth criterion defined by $$\frac{1}{l_{ref}}{\displaystyle \sum _i^n{P}_i^{moy}\times l_i\le 2.5\mathrm{}micrometres}$$

   

   where $P_i^{moy}:$

   

   average depth of the defects due to oxidation over an oxidation zone i, and
   l_i : length of the oxidation zone i.
8. Steel sheet according to claim 7, characterised in that the observation length l_ref of the defects due to oxidation is greater than or equal to 100 micrometres.
9. Steel sheet according to claim 8, characterised in that the observation length l_ref of the defects due to oxidation is greater than or equal to 500 micrometres.
10. Steel sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is coiled in contiguous turns at a minimum coiling tension of 3 tonnes-force.
11. Method of manufacturing a hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of between 1.5 and 4.5 millimetres, having an elastic limit greater than 680 MPa, at least in the direction transverse to the rolling direction, and less than or equal to 840 MPa, a strength of between 780 MPa and 950 MPa, and an elongation at failure greater than 10%, characterised in that there is provided, in the form of liquid metal, a steel the composition of which comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

    0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%

    1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%

    0.1% ≤ Si ≤ 0.3%

    0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%

    0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.35%

    0.15% < Cr ≤ 0.6% when 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.11%, or

    0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.6% when 0.11% < Mo ≤ 0.35%

    Nb ≤ 0.045%

    0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%

    0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%

    S ≤ 0.004%

    P < 0.020%

    and optionally 0.001% ≤ V ≤ 0.2%,

    the remainder being composed of iron and unavoidable impurities,
    in that there is carried out a treatment in vacuo or with SiCa, in the latter case the composition further comprises, the contents being expressed by weight, $$0.0005\%\le \mathrm{Ca}\le 0.005\%,$$

    

    in that the quantities of titanium [Ti] and nitrogen [N] dissolved in the liquid metal satisfy (%[Ti]) x (%[N]) < 6.10^-4 %², in that the steel is cast in order to obtain a cast semi-finished product,
    in that said semi-finished product is optionally heated to a temperature between 1160°C and 1300°C, and then
    in that said cast semi-finished product is hot-rolled with an end-of-rolling temperature of between 880°C and 930°C, the reduction rate of the penultimate pass being less than 0.25, the rate of the final pass being less than 0.15, the sum of the two reduction rates being less than 0.37, the start-of-rolling temperature of the penultimate pass being less than 960°C, so as to obtain a hot-rolled product, and then
    in that said hot-rolled product is cooled at a rate of between 20 and 150°C/s, and then
    in that said hot-rolled product is hot-coiled so as to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the hot-rolled steel sheet is coiled at a temperature of between 525 and 635°C.
13. Method according to either claim 11 or claim 12, characterised in that the composition comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

    0.04% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%

    1.2% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.9%

    0.1% ≤ Si ≤ 0.3%

    0.07% ≤ Ti ≤ 0.125%

    0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.25%

    0.16% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.11%, or

    0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.11% < Mo ≤ 0.25%

    Nb ≤ 0.045%

    0.005% ≤ Al ≤ 0.1%

    0.002% ≤ N ≤ 0.01%

    S ≤ 0.004%

    P < 0.020%,

    the remainder being composed of iron and unavoidable impurities.
14. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the rate of cooling of the hot-rolled product is between 50 and 150°C/s.
15. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

    0.27% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.52% when 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.11%, or

    0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.52% when 0.11% < Mo ≤ 0.25%.
16. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

    0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.18%, and in that

    0.16% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.05% ≤ Mo ≤ 0.11%, or

    0.10% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.55% when 0.11% < Mo ≤ 0.18%.
17. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterised in that the composition of the steel comprises, the contents being expressed by weight:

    0.05% ≤ C ≤ 0.08%

    1.4% ≤ Mn ≤ 1.6%

    0.15% ≤ Si 0.3%

    Nb ≤ 0.04%

    0.01% ≤ Al ≤ 0.07%.
18. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterised in that the sheet is coiled at a temperature of between 580 and strictly 630°C.
19. Method of manufacturing a hot-rolled sheet according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterised in that the sheet is coiled at a temperature of between 530 and 600°C,
    in that said sheet is pickled, and then
    in that the pickled sheet is heated to a temperature of between 600 and 750°C, and then in that the heated pickled sheet is cooled at a rate of between 5 and 20°C/s, and in that the sheet obtained is coated with zinc in a suitable zinc bath.
20. Method of manufacturing a hot-rolled sheet according to any one of claims 10 to 19, characterised in that the sheet is coiled in contiguous turns at a minimum coiling tension of 3 tonnes-force.

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