Ford Motor Company
Hybrid quench process for hot stamping of steel parts

Abstract:

A method of quenching a press hardenable steel is provided. The method includes an initial step of die quenching a part stamped within a stamping die followed by a partial quenching after the initial step of die quenching. In various methods, the press hardenable steel is a 36MnB5 grade steel and/or the initial step of die quenching is performed at a temperature of approximately 200.degree. C..+-.10.degree. C. in a die configured for 36MnB5 grade steel. At least one method further includes opening the die followed by the partial quenching, the partial quenching comprising spraying a cooling liquid onto the part to reduce a temperature of the part below approximately 130.degree. C..+-.10.degree. C., with the option of spraying to reduce the temperature of the part below approximately 100.degree. C..+-.10.degree. C.