Standardization News

In a quest for lighter, more crash-resistant and fuel-efficient vehicles, the automobile and steel industries are developing steel sheets that have higher alloy content, and thus more complex hardening mechanisms, than sheets currently being used. The sheets, known generally as advanced high strength steels, are covered by a new ASTM International standard, A1079, Specification for Steel Sheet, Complex Phase (CP), Dual Phase (DP), and Transformation-Induced Plasticity (TRIP), Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process .

A1079 is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee A05.11 on Sheet Specifications, part of ASTM International Committee A05 on Metallic-Coated Iron and Steel Products.

"This specification is meant to bring the new class of coated sheet steels into the ASTM system, and at the same time, simplify the numerous company specifications so that users have a better understanding of the chemistry and mechanical properties of the classes and grades available," says Gary Dallin, director, GalvInfo Center, International Zinc Association, and a member of A05.

Dallin notes that the standard is being written so that automobile manufacturers will be able to adopt it when advanced high strength steels have been fully developed.

"While this is not expected to happen in the near future, A1079 will be available so that users and other interested parties can more easily become more educated about these new steels," says Dallin.

According to Dallin, A1079 could eventually help the automotive industry simplify production by minimizing the number of steel recipes. The steel grades covered by the standard could eventually be applied to other industry segments, such as construction and machinery.

While A1079 is now published, A05.11 welcomes all interested parties, particularly those involved in the automotive industry, to join in the ongoing maintenance of the standard and to participate in other standards developing activities.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: Gary Dallin, GalvInfo Center, International Zinc Association • Burlington, Ontario, Canada • Phone: 905-315-7443 | ASTM Staff: Kristy Straiton • Phone: 610-832-9640 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 11-13 • November Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.