Method for shaping from a blank of a hardening material with differential cooling

A shaping and cooling method using a drawing tool having a hot area and a cold area, the hot area comprising a heater, the method comprising the steps consisting of:

• heating the blank to an austenitic temperature;
• placing the blank in the drawing tool;
• closing the drawing tool on the blank;
• and
• removing the shaped piece from the drawing tool;
• wherein the hot area of the drawing tool is brought to a temperature above 400° C. using the heating means heater.

A center pillar for a vehicle, comprising a globally vertical portion and two T-shaped ends;

• wherein a first upper portion of the center pillars has a mechanical resistance between 1200 MPa and 1700 MPa and an elongation between 3% and 7%;
• wherein a second lower portion of the center pillar has a mechanical resistance between 450 MPa and 800 MPa and an elongation greater than 15%;
• and
• wherein the center pillar has a transition area with a length of 20 mm between the first upper portion and the second lower portion, the hardness of the material in said area varying from 250 Hv near the second lower portion and 450 Hv near the first upper portion.