J2329Î APR2015

SURFACE VEHICLE
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE Issued 1997-05
Reaffirmed 2015-04

Superseding J2329 MAY1997

Categorization and Properties of Low-Carbon Automotive Sheet Steels

RATIONALE

J2329 has been reaffirmed to comply with the SAE five-year review policy.

Foreword

a. Categorization—Mechanical property, surface quality, and manufacturing requirements for automotive sheet
steels, together with improvements in steel manufacturing and processing techniques, have made earlier
methods of categorizing sheet steel obsolete. Classification of steel quality by deoxidation process is no
longer appropriate. Uniformity of material properties is of major importance. This SAE Recommended
Practice furnishes a categorization procedure to aid in selecting low-carbon sheet steel for identified parts and
fabrication processes.

It is necessary for both the steel user and producer to know the mechanical properties and the range in these
properties. There is a wide variety of parts within the automotive industry, and different levels of specific
mechanical properties, e.g., rm value, n value, yield strength, and total elongation may be required for specific
applications. With the recent advent of computer simulation of the steel deformation process during die
design, it is vitally important that certain minimum levels of formability exist within a particular category or
grade of steel. It is suggested that the steel user and steel supplier consult early in the part and die design
process to determine specific grade requirements. In the past, yield strength has been chosen as a major
discriminator of the categorization system since this property has meaning to both automotive and steel
engineers, this document builds on that rationale but also addresses certain minimum elongation, n value and
rm value discriminators. In this document, low-carbon sheet steel is classified by 5 grade levels with yield
strength, tensile strength, elongation, rm value, and n value requirements. In addition, surface quality and/or
aging characteristics are an important consideration. Thus, the categorization system is as follows:

1. The first two alphabetic characters will designate hot-rolled or cold-rolled method of manufacture.
2. The third numeric character defines grade based on yield strength range, minimum tensile strength,
minimum percent elongation, minimum rm value, and minimum n value.
3. The fourth alphabetic character classifies the steel type with regards to surface quality and/or aging
character.
4. An optional fifth alphabetic character may restrict the carbon content to a minimum of 0.015%.

b. Properties—The mechanical properties of the substrate (ductility, work hardening, and plastic anisotropy)
determine the ability of the steel to withstand strain in various modes of forming (such as stretching and deep
drawing). Mechanical properties are important to the formability of uncoated and coated steels, both cold-
rolled and hot-rolled. Compared with uncoated steel sheets, hot-dip and electroplated coated steels have
different characteristics which may affect automotive manufacturing operations such as stamping, welding, and
painting. Material related factors greatly influence the formability of coated sheets. Coating characteristics
although less important to forming than the substrate, can have a significant influence on forming because the
coating can affect metal flow over tool and die surfaces.
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SAE INTERNATIONAL J2329™ Reaffirmed APR2015 Page 2 of 11

Definition of steel sheet properties is contained in Appendix A.

1. Scope—This SAE Recommended Practice establishes mechanical property ranges for low-carbon automotive
hot-rolled sheet, cold-rolled sheet, and metallic-coated sheet steels. It also contains information that explains
the different nomenclature used with these steels.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J416—Tensile Test Specimens

SAE J863—Methods for Determining Plastic Deformation in Sheet Metal Stampings
SAE J1392—Steel, High-Strength, Hot-Rolled Sheet and Strip, Cold-Rolled Sheet, and Coated Sheet
SAE J1562—Selection of Galvanized (Hot-Dipped and Electrodeposited) Steel Sheet

2.1.2 ASTM PUBLICATIONS—Available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM A 370—Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
ASTM E 8—Standard Test Methods of Tension of Metallic Materials
ASTM E 517—Standard Test Method for Plastic Strain Ratio r for Sheet Metal
ASTM E 646—Standard Test Method for Tensile Strain-Hardening Exponents (n value) of Metallic Sheet
Materials

2.1.3 ASM PUBLICATION—Available from ASM International, Attn: MSC/Book Order, P. O. Box 473, Novelty, OH
44072-9901.

ASM Handbook

2.2 Related Publications—The following publications are provided for information purposes only and are not a
required part of this document.

2.2.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J810—Classifications of Common Imperfections in Sheet Steel

SAE J940—Glossary of Carbon Steel Thickness and Tolerances
SAE J1058—Standard Sheet Steel Thickness and Tolerances

2.2.2 ASTM PUBLICATIONS—Available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM A 366/A 366M—Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Cold-Rolled, Commercial Quality
ASTM A 568/A 568M—Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, and High Strength, Low Alloy, Hot-Rolled
and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
ASTM A 569/A 569M—Specification for Steel, Carbon (0.15 Maximum, Percent), Hot-Rolled Steel and
Strip, Commercial Quality
ASTM A 619A/619M—Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon Cold-Rolled Drawing Quality
ASTM A 620/A 620M—Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Drawing Quality, Special Killed, Cold-Rolled
ASTM A 621/A 621M—Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Carbon, Hot-Rolled, Drawing Quality
ASTM A 622/A 622M—Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Carbon, Drawing Quality, Special Killed,
Hot-Rolled
SAE INTERNATIONAL J2329™ Reaffirmed APR2015 Page 3 of 11

ASTM A 642/A 642M—Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized by the Hot-Dip Process,
Drawing Quality, Special Killed)
ASTM A 653/A 653M—Steel Sheet, Zinc Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy Coated (Galvannealed)
by the Hot-Dip Process
ASTM A 924/A 924M—General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic Coated by the Hot-Dip Process

2.2.3 OTHER PUBLICATION

Steel Products Manual, Sheet Steel; Iron and Steel Society Publication, January 1988

3. Grades—The specific grades are identified by a maximum of 5 characters. The first two characters will be
letters defining method of manufacture of steel; HR for hot rolled and CR for cold rolled. The third character will
consist of a single digit number defining the chemical and forming characteristics as specified in Tables 1
through 3. The fourth character, an alphabetic character, will define the type of steel as outlined in Section 4.
An additional 5th suffix character, C, may be added if restriction to low-carbon steelmaking is desired by the
purchaser. The single-digit number specifies the mechanical requirements for: yield and tensile strength in
MPa, elongation %, rm value, and n value.

TABLE 1—COLD-ROLLED STEEL SHEET, COATED AND UNCOATED, MECHANICAL PROPERTIES(1)(2)

Yield Strength Total % Elongation
SAE J2329 (MPa) at 0.2% Tensile Strength in 50 mm rm value(3) n Value(4)
Designation Offset (MPa) Minimum Minimum Min. Min.
Grade 1 N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R
Grade 2 140 to 260 270 34 N/R 0.16
Grade 3 140 to 205 270 38 1.5 0.18
Grade 4 140 to 185 270 40 1.6 0.20
Grade 5 110 to 170 270 42 1.7 0.22
1. N/R = Not required.
2. ASTM A 370, Test parameters in all directions.
3. ASTM E 517, Parameter for r calculated at 17% strain, rm calculation by (r0 + r90 +2r45)/4. The rm value
can be up to 0.2 lower for thickness greater than 1.4 mm and/or Galvanneal products.
4. ASTM E 646, n Value calculated from 10 to 20% strain or 10% to end of uniform elongation when uniform
elongation is less than 20%.

TABLE 2—HOT-ROLLED STEEL SHEET, COATED AND UNCOATED, MECHANICAL PROPERTIES(1)(2)

Yield Strength Total % Elongation
SAE J2329 (MPa) at 0.2% Tensile Strength in 50 mm n Value(3)
Designation Offset (MPa) Minimum Minimum Min.
Grade 1 N/R N/R N/R N/R
Grade 2 180 to 290 270 34 0.16
Grade 3 180 to 240 270 38 0.18
1. N/R = Not required.
2. ASTM A 370, Test parameters in all directions.
3. ASTM E 646, n Value calculated from 10 to 20% strain or 10% to end of uniform elongation
when uniform elongation is less than 20%.
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TABLE 3—HOT-ROLLED AND COLD-ROLLed STEEL SHEET, LOW CARBON, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION(1)
SAE J2329 Carbon % Manganese Phosphorus Sulfur Aluminum
Designation max(2) Max. % Max. % Max. %. Min. %

Grade 1 0.13 0.60 0.035 0.035 —

Grade 2 0.10 0.50 0.035 0.030 0.020
Grade 3 0.10 0.50 0.030 0.030 0.020
Grade 4 0.08 0.40 0.025 0.025 0.020
Grade 5 0.02 0.30 0.025 0.025 0.020
1. Ladle or Heat Analysis
2. 0.015% Carbon minimum requirement if suffix C is used. C cannot be specified for Grade 5.

Under certain circumstances particular parts may require steel properties that do not conform exactly to the
specific grades defined herein. These deviations should be resolved through agreement between the steel
user and the steel producer.

Cold-rolled and metallic-coated cold-rolled coated steels specified to a 180 MPa or greater minimum yield
strength are considered high-strength steels.

Hot-rolled and metallic-coated hot-rolled steels specified to a 260 MPa or greater minimum yield strength are
considered high-strength steels.

Titanium, Niobium, and other alloy elements can be used in combination, if fully stabilized product is required.
Stabilization elements must be reported on chemical certification.

4. Types—There are several types of cold-rolled/coated steels and hot-rolled steels that result from differences in
steel manufacturing processes and automotive stamping operations. The types of steels are referred to by
letter code that follows the class designation.

4.1 Cold-Rolled and Metallic-Coated Cold-Rolled Sheet Steel—Two types of these steels are produced. These
types are based on surface quality.

4.1.1 Type E is intended for the most critical exposed applications where surface appearance is of primary
importance. This type of steel will meet requirements for controlled surface texture, surface quality, and
flatness.

4.1.2 Type U is intended for unexposed applications and may also have special use where improved ductility over
a temper-rolled product is desired. Type U can be produced without temper rolling; this type of steel may be
expected to exhibit coil breaks, fluting, and stretcher straining. Standard tolerances for flatness and surface
texture are not applicable. In addition, surface imperfections are more prevalent and severe than with Type
E.

4.2 Hot-Rolled and Metallic-Coated Hot-Rolled Sheet Steel—Four types of hot-rolled steel are available.

4.2.1 Type R is an as-hot-rolled coiled product. Typically known as Hot Roll Black Band. Therefore, it has not
been processed in any way; i.e., pickled, oiled, temper-rolled, side trimmed, rewound, or cut back to
established thickness and width tolerances. Yield strength range classes apply only to material that has
been cut back to established thickness and width tolerances. Processed coils may have had any or all of the
processing steps listed in the previous paragraph performed subsequent to hot rolling. Ends of coils are cut
back to established width and thickness tolerances.
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4.2.2 Type F has been processed and is available in coils or cut lengths. This material is susceptible to coil breaks
and aging.

4.2.3 Type N has been processed and is available in coils or cut lengths. This material is nonaging at room
temperature but is susceptible to coil breaks.

4.2.4 Type M has been processed and is available in coils or cut lengths. This material is free from coil breaks and
does not strain age at room temperature.

Some of the product characteristics available for each type of hot-rolled steel are listed in Table 4.

TABLE 4—PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS OF HOT-ROLLED STEEL(1)

Freedom
from Coil Non Pickle Cut Special
Type Breaks Aging and Oil Edge Surface
R No No n n n
F No No a a n
N No Yes a a n
M Yes Yes a a a
1. a = available but not required; n = not available

5. Examples—As previously discussed, categorization is made by commodity, grade, and type.

CR2E: Cold-rolled sheet steel with chemical requirements of Table 3 – Grade 2, minimum mechanical
properties as specified in Table 1 — Grade 2 and of critical exposed surface quality.
HR3MU: Hot-rolled sheet steel with chemical requirements of Table 3 — Grade 3, minimum mechanical
properties as specified in Table 2 — Grade 3, unexposed, M product characteristics as specified in
Table 4.

For metallic-coated sheet products, SAE J1562 is used to designate coatings of hot-dipped and
electrodeposited zinc. SAE J1562 should be referenced for full explanation of the nomenclature and product
characteristics.

CR4C EG60G60GE: Cold-rolled sheet steel with the chemical requirements of Table 3 — Grade 4,
minimum mechanical properties as specified in Table 1 — Grade 4, critical exposed surface quality,
0.015% minimum carbon, and two side electrogalvanized coated to 60 g/m2 each side.
HR2M 45A45AU: Hot-rolled sheet steel with the chemical requirements of Table 3 — Grade 2, minimum
mechanical properties as specified in Table 2 — Grade 2, unexposed, M product characteristic as
specified in Table 4, two side galvannealed coated to 45 g/m2 each side.

6. Sampling Procedure—When questions arise as to steel meeting the minimum or maximum criteria, the
following procedure applies. When tested as outlined in the following section, tests must fall within the ranges
for the grade specified: otherwise the lift of blanks, cut lengths, or coil can be considered unacceptable.

7. Yield Strength Determination—The procedures given in SAE J416, ASTM E 8, and ASTM A 370 shall be
followed in determining tensile properties. However, within these specifications latitude exists in determining
yield strength/yield point. For this document, the following procedures apply.

7.1 Specimen Geometry—The 12.5 mm (0.5 in) wide sheet type specimen will be used. The width of the grip
section will be 20 mm (3/4 in).
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7.2 Speed of Testing—ASTM A 370—87c Section 11.4.1 applies with the addition that the speed change from a
maximum of 1.6 mm (1/16 in) per minute per millimeter (inch) of gage length shall not be made until a minimum
of 2% elongation is achieved.

7.3 Discontinuous Yielding—For material showing discontinuous yielding, the lower yield point shall be
considered to be the yield strength. The lower yield point is defined as the lowest stress at which an increase
in strain occurs without an increase in stress. For steels with continuous yielding, the 0.2% offset method shall
be used to determine the yield strength.

PREPARED BY THE SAE IRON AND STEEL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE DIVISION 32—
SHEET AND STRIP STEEL
SAE INTERNATIONAL J2329™ Reaffirmed APR2015 Page 7 of 11

APPENDIX A

A.1 Introduction—Problems associated with the evaluation of formability or deep drawability of sheet metals are
complex and may be difficult to solve due to the number of variable involved. As long ago as 1940, the AISI
Technical Committee on Sheet Steel reviewed this problem. Volume 1 of the Ninth Edition of the ASM Metals
Handbook contains sections on “Low Carbon Steel Sheet and Strip” and “Formability of Steel Sheet” that
provide suggestions to help evaluate parts and select materials. The purpose of this document is to
summarize the sheet metal characteristics that are commonly used when attempting to predict the formability
of sheet metal.

A.2 Tension Test—Data from tension tests can give a more complete measurement of formability, ASTM A 370
and ASTM E 8 describe testing procedures.

NOTE—Any taper in the width of the bar between the gage marks could affect the total elongation adversely.

A.2.1 Yield Strength—The measured strength depends on both the steel and the conditions under which the
prepared specimen is loaded. This term is applicable to those materials having an engineering stress-strain
diagram in the transition from elastic to plastic strain which is a smooth curve as well as to those which exhibit
an upper yield point or sharp knee. In reporting yield strength, the method by which it was determined should
be stated (0.2% offset method, 0.5% extension under load method, halt of the pointer or from a stress-strain
diagram). See ASTM E 8 for a description of these methods.

In forming sheet metal, the upper yield point has to be overcome before any deformation occurs in the flat
blank. Experience has indicated that when the upper yield point is high in relation to the lower yield and
approaches the ultimate strength, the material will have a greater tendency to split than material which has an
upper yield point only slightly higher than the lower yield point. A low yield strength is preferred when
formability is the major consideration.

A.2.2 Tensile Strength—The strength at the highest load reached during the tension test is the tensile strength. It is
calculated in psi or MPa units using the specimen cross-sectional area measured before testing.

A.2.3 Yield to Tensile Ratio—The yield strength divided by the tensile strength expressed as a decimal value is the
elastic ratio. Steels with low yield to tensile ratios have a greater capacity for being formed due to the greater
separation between the yield load and the ultimate load during which forming can take place.

A.2.4 Total Elongation—The total elongation is the percent increase of a gage length on the tension test specimen.
For low-carbon sheet steel, a 50 mm (2 in) gage length and a 12.5 mm (0.5 in) gage width is normally used.
Steels with a higher percent elongation will stretch further before failure. This elongation is a direct measure of
ductility and represents an important consideration in evaluating formability. Caution must be used, however, in
comparing elongation values since they depend on specimen preparation and testing procedure. Total
elongation also may vary with sample orientation in relation to the sheet rolling direction.

A.2.5 Uniform Elongation—The amount of deformation that can occur before any measurable localized necking of
the tension specimen starts, is known as uniform elongation. This is designated as eu and will usually vary
between 20 and 28% for low-carbon steel.

A.2.6 Yield Point Elongation—The yield point elongation indicates the intensity of stretcher strains that can develop
in certain low-carbon steels in lightly formed areas. It is caused by interstitial elements such as carbon and
nitrogen, or in the case of certain high-strength steels, a very fine grain size. The tendency to strain can be
minimized by temper rolling at the producing mill. However, in grades subject to aging, the effect of temper
rolling is only temporary and it is necessary for the user to properly roller level the sheet immediately before
forming a shape. Sheet steels are available that will not exhibit yield point elongation.
SAE INTERNATIONAL J2329™ Reaffirmed APR2015 Page 8 of 11

A.2.7 Mechanical Properties—Mechanical properties have not been typically used in specifications unless special
structural properties are required in the part, this has changed due to the process control methods now used
by automotive manufacturing facilities. Due to the range of properties possible, the expected distribution can
overlap among the various grades. The ranges are broader for hot-rolled sheets than for cold-rolled.

A.3 Special Tests of Formability—During the late 1960s, the new test methods more directly related to the actual
mechanism of deformation began to be developed and accepted. These tests are used to obtain a more
complete characterization of sheet steel formability.

A.3.1 Plastic Strain Ratio (rm value)—This is a measure of a sheet metal’s resistance to thinning as controlled by
the crystallographic orientation of its structure, which is dependent on the chemistry and processing of the
material. When a tensile test specimen from a sheet of ductile metal having isotropic mechanical properties is
stretched 20%, the width and thickness will each contract 10%. This is essentially true for steel in the as-hot-
rolled condition, or for a normalized low-carbon sheet steel. If the sheet has been cold reduced and annealed
subcritically by conventional methods, it will have a degree of anisotropic mechanical properties. In that case,
a tensile test specimen stretched 20% will exhibit a different amount of contraction in the thickness than in the
width. The degree of anisotropy is measured by the plastic stain ratio, r. The procedure for determining r can
be found in ASTM E 517. For anisotropic materials, the r value changes with test direction, and for
convenience, it is measured in directions longitudinal (0 degrees), diagonal (45 degrees), and transverse (90
degrees) to the rolling direction. An average value, rm, is usually reported.

Higher r values indicate greater resistance to thinning, and are directly related to an increased ability of the
sheet to be formed by deep drawing.

The plastic strain ratio can also be measured by the MODUL-r method. This device measures Young’s
modulus from a vibrating beam. Small strips are blanked at 0, 45, and 90 degrees to the rolling direction to use
as test samples. The MODUL-r employs a simple feed-back system called a Magnetostrictive oscillator,
consisting of a measuring head, an amplifier, and an electronic counter. The measuring head consists of three
coils that form the sample chamber. When a sample is inserted and the test button depressed, an alternating
field is created by the current passing through the coil network, producing cyclical longitudinal expansion and
contraction in the sample through a process called magnetostriction.

These vibrations match a characteristic velocity of sound for that particular sample, or resonant frequency.
This frequency is displayed on the front of the unit and an empirical graph converts the readings to rm and ∆r
values.

A.3.2 Strain Hardening Exponent (n value)—The strain hardening exponent, known as the n value, is defined as
the exponent of the power law relationship of true stress (σ) to true strain (ε), σ = Kεn, where K is a strength
coefficient. True stress and true strain are based on the instantaneous cross section area, rather than the
initial area used for engineering stress and strain. Determination of n from load elongation curves is described
in ASTM E 646. A higher n value indicates a capability for the metal to strain harden in areas that have been
cold worked by deformation processes, and in turn cause further straining to occur in less cold worked areas.
This capacity to transfer strain contributes to a better response to biaxial stretch deformation modes.

A.3.3 Strain Rate Hardening (m value)—The m value is a measure of the change of the flow stress as the rate of
strain is changed. It becomes important beyond uniform elongation, when a tension tests specimen necks-
down by a diffuse, and finally localized reduction of cross section prior to fracture. It is the strain rate sensitivity
of the flow stress ( ) in the modified power law equation, σ = Kεn · m. Since the m value is strain rate
dependent, its determination requires loading control based on changes in the strain. In general, higher
positive m values are desired. For low-carbon steels, the m value is positive and generally in the range of
0.006 to 0.012. Its significance is apparent in that is accounts for the total elongation being on the order of two
times the uniform elongation for most low-carbon high-ductility sheet steels.
SAE INTERNATIONAL J2329™ Reaffirmed APR2015 Page 9 of 11

A.3.4 Cup Drawing Tests—Deep draw biaxial deformation cupping tests, in which metal is allowed to be drawn-in
from the flange area of the test blank, are considered distinct from clamped flange stretch tests such as the
previously described Ball Punch Deformation Test. Referring to the severity curve of SAE J863, these tests
generally develop negative e2 strains in the cup side wall near the flange.

A.3.4.1 SWIFT CUP—Either a flat bottomed or a round bottomed punch is used to draw a suitably lubricated circular
blank into a straight walled cup shape of 50 mm (2 in) outside diameter over an approach radiused hold-
down die. The punch diameter, die radius, and pressure are optimized for the gage and strength level of the
sheet metal under test. Blanks of increasing diameter are tested until a diameter is reached with which the
cup bottom is punched out rather than forming a straight-walled cylindrical cup shape. The reported value is
the limiting draw ratio (LDR) determined by dividing the largest blank diameter that will make a straight-
walled shape by the punch diameter. A value of 2 to 2.5 is generally expected for low-carbon sheet steel.
The LDR has been found to correlate with the r value in that material with a higher rm will form a cup from a
larger blank. The round bottom swift cup is considered a combination stretch and deep-draw test.

A.3.4.2 FUKUI CONICAL CUP—The Fukui test does not employ a hold-down force on the flange. This eliminates a
difficult to control variable. A 60-degree approach angle conical die is used to form a cup shape by a ball
punch forcing a suitably lubricated circular blank into the die until the ball ruptures the conical form. The ball
diameter and blank diameter depend on the thickness of the sheet metal being tested. For low-carbon steel,
a 60-mm diameter blank is frequently used. A larger diameter tends to collapse in the circumference rather
than form a cup. The base diameter of the formed cup is measured in as many directions as necessary to
determine the average, usually longitudinal, diagonal, and transverse to the rolling direction. This value may
be reported, or a reduction of blank diameter can be calculated for a percent diameter reduction value. Other
modifications are possible, but the test has limited usefulness due to the small amount of material being
tested. It has been found to relate to both r and n of low-carbon steel. Some of the more recently developed
steels, such as the interstitial-free with extremely high rm values, do not rupture in the Fukui cup test.

A.3.4.3 HOLE EXPANSION TEST—There are several versions of this test. In one, a cup is made using a blank with a
punched or machined hole in the center which is stretched to failure as the flange is securely clamped. The
test is useful in evaluating edge tearing tendencies, as well as the sheet metal ductility. For heavier gage
sheets, such as hot-rolled, a drilled and reamed hole of 13 mm (0.5 in) diameter is prepared and a 30-degree
conical punch is forced into it until it ruptures. The ratio of the final diameter to the 13 mm (0.5 in) initial
diameter is reported.

A.3.4.4 LIMITING DOME HEIGHT—The most severe forming condition, as shown in the severity curve of SAE J863
DEC81, is when the e2 strain is near 0% while the e1 strain is high. The observed minimum e1 strain
develops between 0% and +5% e2. This test is designed to duplicate this strain condition in a repeatable
manner for comparison of sheet materials. A 102 mm (4 in) diameter punch acts against a 127 mm (5 in)
wide strip of sheet metal that is securely clamped by a hold-down ring. The test value is the height of punch
travel at the instant of local neck-down prior to fracture as determined by observation or by drop in punch
load.

A.4 High-Strength Steels—It is possible to successfully form many complex parts using high-strength steels such
as those described in SAE J1392. Their formability, however, tends to decrease with increasing yield strengths
and/or hardness. Therefore consultation of producer and user regarding specific grade selection is
recommended to insure compatibility of the strength and forming requirements.
SAE INTERNATIONAL J2329™ Reaffirmed APR2015 Page 10 of 11

A.5 Annealing Practices—Annealing of cold-rolled sheet steels is performed by either batch or continuous
annealing practice. In batch annealing, multiple coils of sheet are placed under a cover with a reducing
atmosphere and heated for a time period that may involve days. In contrast, in continuous annealing, sheet
steel moves through the heating and cooling sections of a continuous processing line in a matter of minutes.
The different heating and cooling profiles that characterize the two annealing practices result in different steel
properties. In the case of conventional low-carbon steels (0.015% to 0.15 Carbon) batch annealed sheet steel
can exhibit excellent formability and low yield strengths, this is generally not the case with continuous
annealing. Alternatively, with ultra-low carbon interstitial free sheet steel (Carbon < 0.015%), excellent
formability and very low yield strengths can be achieved with continuous anneal.

A.6 Aging—A term applied to changes in properties of conventional carbon steels that can occur with the passage
of time. These changes include an increase in yield strength and a decrease in total elongation. Furthermore,
yield point elongation can increase in temper-rolled steel, a manifestation of which is the presence of surface
irregularities (also known as stretcher strains, Luders lines, or fluting) during forming; these may render the
sheet unsuitable for use on exposed parts.

Aging results from the presence of interstitial nitrogen and carbon. In aluminum-killed steels, control of
chemistry (Al, N) and processing generally precludes the phenomena called nitrogen aging. Aging can result
from an excessive amount of interstitial carbon, as is the case for hot-dipped coated conventional low-carbon
sheet steels that are in-line annealed. In bake hardenable steels, interstitial carbon is controlled under 20 ppm
(parts per million) to prevent aging at ambient temperatures, yet still exhibit bake hardening characteristics.

Aging does not occur in fully stabilized or interstitial-free steels.

A.7 Coatings—Some metals and alloys are applied as a coating to steel substrates for corrosion protection.
These coatings are most commonly produced by hot-dipping and electroplating.

A.7.1 Hot-Dip Coatings—In the most common method for pure zinc hot-dipped galvanizing, the sheet reaches one
of two different temperature regions depending on the nature of the process and metallurgical properties
required.

a. Low Temperatures of about 460 °C (860 °F) are attained when a flux-cleaned strip enters the molten
zinc pot or when preheating is done to ensure that the sheet is at the same temperature as the molten
zinc pot. These temperatures are usually used when the cold-rolled steel has been pre-batch
annealed to obtain a soft, ductile structure that exhibits good formability. Hot-rolled steels can also be
galvanized with this method.
b. High Temperatures of about 675 to 900 °C (1250 to 1650 °F) are employed to achieve in-line annealing
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and replace pre-batch annealing. Because of short duration annealing, higher temperatures, and
rapid cooling rates, formability is lower and strength is higher compared with conventional batch
annealed material, than conventional low-carbon steels (0.015% to 0.15% carbon). The heating
during the hot-dipped galvanizing, and the associated rapid cooling, causes excess carbon to remain
in solution in the steel. This carbon tends to reduce the formability of the steel compared with batch
annealing. For this reason, post-heat treating at about 260 °C (500 °F) is often practiced to precipitate
interstitial carbon and hence restore some of the formability. Alternatively, when ultra low carbon
(<0.015% carbon) interstitial-free steels are used, post-heat treating is not necessary because the
carbon is stabilized by alloying elements, and excellent formability is obtained.
Besides pure zinc (Zn), other coatings are used to provide specific advantages such as: improved paintability,
spot weldability, resistance to high temperature, etc. These coatings include:

A.7.1.1 FREE ZINC COATING (ZN)—Commonly known as Hot-Dipped Galvanized with a minimum spangle or extra
smooth finish.
SAE INTERNATIONAL J2329™ Reaffirmed APR2015 Page 11 of 11

A.7.1.2 ZINC-IRON ALLOY COATING (ZN-FE)—Commonly known as Galvanneal, the iron content is usually in the range
of 9 to 12%. In galvannealing, the hot-dip galvanized sheet is heated in-line after emergence from the
molten zinc pot by use of flame or induction heating. This heating allows inter-diffusion of iron from the
substrate with zinc from the coating to form the zinc-iron alloy coating.

A.7.1.3 ZINC-55AL COATING—Commonly known as Galvalume.

A.7.1.4 ZINC-5AL COATING—Commonly known as Galfan.

A.7.1.5 LEAD TIN ALLOY (PB-SN) COATING—Commonly known as Terne.

A.7.1.6 ALUMINUM (AL) COATING—Type 1 is Aluminum-Silicon (5 to 11% Silicon) alloy coating. Type II is pure
Aluminum.

A.7.2 Electroplated Coatings—The electroplating process is conducted slightly above normal room temperature.
Commonly used electroplated coatings include Free Zinc (EG), Zinc-Nickel (Zn-Ni) and Zinc-Iron (Zn-Fe)
single layer coatings, and two layer coatings such as Zn/Zn-Ni, Zn-Fe/Zn-Ni, and Zn-Cr/Zn-Ni. Consequently,
the mechanical properties of electrogalvanized sheet are almost identical to incoming substrate, although
some minor effects may occur because of in-line tension or bending.

A.7.3 Post-Coating Treatments—Can include mill applied rust preventative oils, dry film lubes, and phosphates.

A.8 Effects of Coatings on Formability—The formability of the coated steels depends both upon the properties
of the substrate and the characteristics of the coating. In the case of EG coatings, the coated steel properties
are similar to the substrate properties. For the Hot-Dip, Zn-Fe (Galvanneal) and Zn-Ni coatings, formability of
the coated steel is lower than that of the substrate.

It must be recognized that sheet metal forming is a complex process involving interactions among the material
being formed, the tooling, and the lubricants. While all are important, under certain circumstances one may
overshadow the others. What may be found to work well for one material under one set of conditions may not
work well for that same material on another part. For example, because of the material-tool-lubricant
interactions, comparison between galvannealed and bare steel on soft prototype tooling using the same
lubricant may result in the galvannealed steel exhibiting poorer forming performance than would be expected
for hard production tooling. For such cases, the soft prototype tool trials may be misleading. It is suggested
that different lubricants may be required for soft prototype tool and hard production tool conditions.
Furthermore, because of these interactions, it may be more fruitful to use a different type of steel and/or
coating for the prototype tool trials than will be used under production conditions.

A.9 Effects of Surface Characteristics on Formability—In general, experience has shown that the substrate
properties are more important than those of the galvanized coatings. There are, of course, exceptions to this
and there are applications where the surface characteristics of the galvanized coatings become very important.
These surface characteristics can change the frictional behavior during the forming process. This is especially
true for prototype or soft tool programs where results have shown that galvanized sheets behave differently
from cold-rolled sheets, even when the substrate properties are similar. For example, it has been established
that one of the primary reasons for the poorer performance of the galvannealed steels during tooling
development is because there is an interaction between the galvannealed surface and the soft prototype
tooling. This produces high-frictional forces that adversely affect formability. Also, the coating surface
topography can determine to a great extent the ability of that coating to carry lubricant into the die forming
operation. Accordingly, the surface characteristics can affect the material-tool-lubricant interactions.

Post-coating treatments may affect the surface characteristics of the coating and hence the formability of the
electroplated or hot-dip sheet steel.