Steel sheet with high mechanical strength, ductility and formability properties, production method and use of such sheets

Abstract

The present invention provides a cold rolled steel sheet. The steel sheet has a strength greater than 1000 MPa, a uniform elongation greater than 12% and a V-bendability greater than 90°. The composition of the steel sheet includes, expressed in per cent by weight, 0.15%≦C≦0.25%, 1.8%≦Mn≦3.0%, 1.2%≦Si≦2%, 0%≦Al≦0.10%, 0%≦Cr≦0.50%, 0%≦Cu≦1%, 0%≦Ni≦1%, 0%≦S≦0.005%, 0%≦P≦0.020%, Nb≦0.015%, Ti≦0.020%, V≦0.015%, Co≦1%, N≦0.008%, B≦0.001% whereby Mn+Ni+Cu≦3%. The remainder of the composition consists of iron and inevitable impurities resulting from processing. The microstructure includes, in area percentage, 5 to 20% polygonal ferrite, 10 to 15% residual austenite, 5 to 15% martensite and a balance of bainite. The bainite is in the form of laths and includes carbides between the laths. A number N of inter-lath carbides larger than 0.1 micrometers per unit of surface area is less than or equal to 50000/mm2. A fabrication method and a motor vehicle are also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.