SHIFT

Innovation in stamping processes for high-strength steels.

The SHIFT project develops an innovative semi-hot stamping process for Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) steels. The solution combines advanced experimental techniques, microstructural analysis, and tool development to understand and control the key material transformation mechanisms during the forming process.

This advancement revolutionizes the manufacturing of lightweight automotive parts for safety applications. By maintaining the high mechanical performance of Q&P steels while improving their formability, it effectively minimizes the springback effect under real industrial conditions.

The initiative ranges from improving the warm forming of Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) to analysing microstructural evolution due to the thermal cycle. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on how thermal cycles affect retained austenite, as well as ensuring zinc coating integrity via galvannealing. These factors guarantee the feasibility of the process.

To overcome the major challenges of SHIFT, the design of forming dies with adjusted quenching and the elimination of the risk of Liquid Metal Embrittlement (LME), both during forming and subsequent spot welding, are addressed in an integrated manner. Likewise, rapid heating strategies and the modelling of plasticity, damage, and fracture are investigated. This multidisciplinary approach allows for the validation of the technology at every stage, from fundamental research to practical application in a semi-industrial environment.

This solution opens the door to new, more flexible production processes for the manufacturing of high-value-added components with excellent mechanical performance and dimensional stability.

Eurecat participates through the Metallic and Ceramic Materials unit, contributing its expertise in advanced mechanical characterization and the analysis of the thermomechanical and metallurgical behaviour of high-performance steels.

The University of Siegen leads the consortium, which also includes the collaboration of ArcelorMittal and WEBA. This alliance comprehensively covers a large part of the automotive sector’s value chain, from raw materials to the stamping plant.