FS Steel Grades
High-Formability Carbon Steel for Automotive, Appliance, and Structural Applications
- Technical Support
FS Steel Technical Specifications & Applications
FS (Forming Steel) is a hot-rolled carbon steel grade under ASTM A1011, designed for applications requiring excellent formability and moderate strength. It is defined primarily by chemical composition, offering a reliable balance of formability, weldability, and moderate tensile strength for general manufacturing and structural use.
FS steel grades are characterized by high formability, allowing deep drawing and complex shaping without cracking. They also provide good weldability, facilitating efficient assembly in various manufacturing processes.
FS steel is commonly used in automotive panels, appliance parts, light structural elements, and frames or supports, making it ideal for industries where complex shapes are needed.
Table of Contents
1. Typical Uses & Selection Guidance
- FS (Forming Steel) Overview
FS (Forming Steel) is a hot-rolled carbon steel grade under ASTM A1011, designed for applications requiring excellent formability and moderate strength. It is defined primarily by chemical composition, offering a reliable balance of formability, weldability, and moderate tensile strength for general manufacturing and structural use.
- Corrosion Protection
FS steel can be coated with an aluminum-zinc (AZ) alloy, typically comprising approximately 55% aluminum, 43.5% zinc, and 1.5% silicon. This coating provides long-term protection against rust and oxidation, even in harsh industrial or outdoor environments, while maintaining a smooth surface finish suitable for painting or further processing. The aluminum-zinc alloy also enhances heat resistance, making FS suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Forming Advantages
FS offers excellent formability with elongation ≥30% and minimal springback, ideal for producing complex shapes with high dimensional accuracy. Rigorous production standards ensure uniform mechanical properties, compliance with international specifications, and reliable performance in structural and engineering applications.
2. Technical Specifications Table
1. Chemical Composition Requirements (Maximum %)
| Steel Grade | Carbon (C) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Titanium (Ti) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS | ≤ 0.12% | ≤ 0.50% | ≤ 0.60% | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.30% |
2. Mechanical Property Requirements (Maximum Values)
| Steel Grade | Min. Yield Strength (MPa) | Min. Tensile Strength (MPa) | Min. Elongation (%) Lo=80 mm | Bend Angle (°) | Mandrel Diameter (× Thickness t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS | ≥205 | 340–520 | ≥20 | 180° | 1t |
3. Mechanical Property Requirements (Maximum Values)
| Coating Class | Mandrel Diameter (× Thickness t) |
|---|---|
| Z100, Z200 | 1t |
| Z275, Z350, Z450, AZ150, AZ200, AM100, AM125, AM150, AM175, AM200, AM225 | 2t |
| Z600 | 3t |
4. Applicable Hot-Dip Metallic Coating Types
| Coating Class | Composition (%) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Z (Zinc) | ≥99% Zinc | Basic corrosion protection; suitable for general use. |
| ZA (Zinc-Aluminium) | 95% Zn, 5% Al | Improved corrosion resistance over pure zinc. |
| ZF (Zinc-Iron) | Zinc with iron alloy | Enhanced hardness and wear resistance. |
| ZM (Zinc-Magnesium) | Zn with 2–4% Mg, 5–13% Al | Superior corrosion resistance in harsh environments. |
| AZ (Aluminium-Zinc) | 55% Al, 43.5% Zn, 1.5% Si | Excellent corrosion resistance and heat reflectivity. |
| AM (Aluminium-Magnesium) | Al with Mg alloy | High corrosion resistance; suitable for high-temperature applications. |
3. FS vs DDS / EDDS — What’s the Difference？
| Property | FS Steel Grade (ASTM A1011) | DDS / EDDS Steel Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | ≥205 MPa | 140–170 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 340–520 MPa | 240–310 MPa |
| Elongation (80 mm) | ≥20% | ≥32% |
| Bendability | 180° with 1t mandrel | 180° with 2t mandrel |
FS Steel FAQ：
FS is a low-carbon steel grade specified by ASTM A1011, designed for applications requiring excellent formability and moderate strength. It is commonly used in industries such as automotive, appliances, and general manufacturing.
FS offers superior formability compared to CS (Commercial Steel) grades, making it more suitable for applications involving deep drawing and complex shaping. However, it typically has lower strength than higher-grade steels like DS (Drawing Steel), which are used for applications requiring higher strength and durability.
FS steel grades generally exhibit a yield strength of ≥205 MPa, tensile strength ranging from 340–520 MPa, and elongation ≥20% over 80 mm. These properties make FS suitable for moderate-strength applications requiring good formability.
FS steel can be coated with various metallic coatings, including:
Zinc (Z): Provides basic corrosion protection; suitable for general use.
Zinc-Aluminium (ZA): Offers improved corrosion resistance over pure zinc.
Zinc-Iron (ZF): Enhances hardness and wear resistance.
Zinc-Magnesium (ZM): Superior corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
Aluminium-Zinc (AZ): Excellent corrosion resistance and heat reflectivity.
Aluminium-Magnesium (AM): High corrosion resistance; suitable for high-temperature applications.
These coatings provide varying levels of corrosion protection and are selected based on specific environmental and application requirements.
FS steel is widely used in:
Automotive Manufacturing: For components requiring deep drawing and complex shaping.
Appliance Industry: In the production of parts that require good formability and moderate strength.
General Manufacturing: For applications where moderate strength and excellent formability are essential.
Its versatility makes FS steel a preferred choice in various industries requiring materials with good formability and moderate strength.
