Press hardening

[2] This process is commonly used for the production of automotive body in white components because its advantages align with the design criteria of modern passenger vehicles.

[3] The unformed blank is heated in a furnace, formed in hot condition (state 2 in below figure), and quenched in the die to achieve the required properties.

In either method, the blank is formed in a much softer and formable state and is later hardened in the dies, which have drilled cooling channels.

[4][5] The process is undergoing constant refinement with new grades of steel emerging for hot and cold forming.

In addition, springback and die wear also cause problems as the forming stresses and contact pressures are higher.