Quenching and tempering (Q&T) allows a wide range of strength and toughness combinations to be produced in martensitic steels. Tempering is generally done to increase toughness, although embrittling mechanisms result in temperature ranges where strength and toughness may decrease simultaneously. Tempered martensite embrittlement (TME) represents one such mechanism, associated with the decomposition of retained austenite and precipitation of cementite during tempering, usually between 250 and 450 °C. The use of induction heating allows for time-temperature combinations, previously unobtainable by conventional methods, that have been shown to improve properties. The present work shows a beneficial effect of rapid tempering in alloy 1045, with an increase in energy absorption of about 50% when measured at room temperature via a three-point bending fracture test in the TME regime. Phase fraction measurements by Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that increased energy absorption was obtained despite essentially complete decomposition of retained austenite during tempering. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of the carbide distribution showed refinement of the average carbide size of approximately 15% in the rapid tempered conditions. SEM characterization of the fracture surfaces of the rapid tempered three-point bend samples showed that, despite an increase in energy absorption in the TME regime, increased microscopic ductile fracture appearance was observed only at the highest test temperature.

Press hardening steel (PHS) applications predominately use 22MnB5 AlSi coated in the automotive industry. This material has a limited supply chain. Increasing the tensile strength and bendability of the PHS material will enable light-weighting while maintaining crash protection. In this paper, a novel PHS is introduced, and properties are compared to 22MnB5. The new Coating Free PHS (CFPHS) steel, 25MnCr, has increased carbon, with chromium and silicon additions for oxidation resistance. Its ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 1.7 GPa with bending angle above 55° at 1.4 mm thickness improves upon the 22MnB5 grade. This steel is not pre-coated, is oxidation resistant at high temperature, thus eliminating the need for AlSi or shot blasting post processing to maintain surface quality. Microstructural mechanisms used to enhance bendability and energy absorption are discussed for the novel steel. Performance evaluations such as: weldability, component level crush and intrusion testing and e-coat adhesion, are conducted on samples from industrial coils.