US Patent:
20090155615, Jun 18, 2009
Inventors:
Chih-Chang Chen - Rochester Hills MI, US
Sherald D. Ericson - Dryden MI, US
Richard J. Ponke - Sterling Heights MI, US
James W. Pavlovich - St. Clair Shores MI, US
Assignee:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - Detroit MI
International Classification:
B32B 3/12
Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved method of blanking and hot forming an elongated part from a coil of press hardened steel sheet stock, including the step of: cutting a blank from the coil of press hardened steel sheet stock such that the blank has a length that is greater than a width, and such that the length is substantially parallel to the rolling direction. Ideally, the blank is cut such that the length is parallel to the rolling direction within plus or minus ten degrees. The present invention also provides ultra high-strength metallic components, preferably automotive body shell parts, hot formed from coils of press hardened steel sheet stock. Each part has a body with a body length that is greater than a body width, and one or more weld joints. The body also has a material texture orientation that is substantially parallel to the body length.