Niobium-bearing HSLA steel sheet and strip products

Niobium is being used in a large range of hot and cold rolled and galvanized high strength steel products. If modifications to manufacturing processes are made, then the superior strength properties of the HSLA steels can be utilized. The major barriers to further use have been development of a better understanding of property performance relationships and control of variability. Since both of these factors are being attacked vigorously, further growth in the market for HSLA sheet and strip products is expected. Many parts, particularly in the lower body, require corrosion protection, hence, galvanized steel is frequently used. A substantial growth in the production volume for coated high strength steels is, therefore, to be expected. (AU)