Steel HC260LA +ZE
Finish state
EN HC260LA
+ZE = electrolytically zinc coated cold-rolled sheet
Pick when a thin, very uniform zinc layer with class-A paintable surface is needed (visible/skin panels, appearance parts).
Values for the +ZE condition
Other HC260LA tempers and conditions
HC260LA is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at HC260LA.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CRDefault Cold rolled | Standard uncoated cold-rolled HSLA coil/sheet for parts that will be painted, e-coated or assembled inside protected structures. | 295 | 390 | 30 | 115 HB | 10 % IACS |
+ZEThis page Electrolytically zinc coated cold-rolled sheet | Pick when a thin, very uniform zinc layer with class-A paintable surface is needed (visible/skin panels, appearance parts). | 295 | 390 | 29 | 115 HB | 10 % IACS |
Hot-dip galvanized | Continuously hot-dip galvanized version for structural body-in-white and chassis parts needing long-term corrosion protection. | 300 | 380 | 28 | 115 HB | 10 % IACS |
Galvannealed zinc-iron coating | Choose for best paint adhesion and spot-weld electrode life; the Zn-Fe layer is harder and can powder in severe draws. | 300 | 385 | 28 | 118 HB | 10 % IACS |
What is HC260LA +ZE?
HC260LA +ZE is HC260LA supplied in the +ZE condition — pick when a thin, very uniform zinc layer with class-A paintable surface is needed (visible/skin panels, appearance parts). HC260LA +ZE has a yield strength of 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) — weaker than 87% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 29% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). HC260LA +ZE has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,500°C (2,732 °F). CR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; +ZE is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 30/100, better than 95% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 29%, better than 91% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 70/100, better than 86% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 82/100, better than 81% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 295 MPa (42.8 ksi), worse than 87% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 250°C (482 °F), worse than 85% of steel grades
HC260LA +ZE properties
Typical room-temperature values for HC260LA +ZE; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are HC260LA reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
HC260LA +ZE has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,500°C (2,732 °F).
Mechanical16
HC260LA +ZE has a yield strength of 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) — weaker than 87% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 29% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
HC260LA +ZE is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 48 W/m·K (27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
HC260LA +ZE conducts electricity at 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 95% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of HC260LA +ZE takes about 30 MJ of energy and emits 2.4 kg of CO₂ — more than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
HC260LA +ZE's machinability is fair (54/100, better than 54% of steel grades); weldability very good (82/100); formability very good (70/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with HC260LA +ZE
Is HC260LA easy to machine?
Rarely machined as sheet; drilling/trimming is easy with HSS or coated carbide, but the gummy low-carbon matrix needs sharp tools and burr control.
Can HC260LA be welded?
Excellent — CEV below about 0.25, so resistance spot, MAG, laser and projection welding all use plain low-carbon schedules; coated variants need higher current/electrode maintenance.
Can HC260LA be formed, bent or molded?
Good deep-draw and stretch formability (n90 ≈ 0.16–0.19, r90 ≈ 1.0) but plan for 1.5–2× the springback of mild steel and generous bend radii (≈1.0–1.5 t).
What surface finishes work on HC260LA?
Phosphate + cathodic e-coat or powder paint on uncoated material; zinc-coated variants are directly paintable and give the durability required for automotive perforation warranties.
HC260LA chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 10268 ladle analysis | ≤ 0.1 | 0.06 |
| Si | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.6 | 0.45 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Altotal Al, deoxidation / fine grain | ≥ 0.02 | 0.04 |
| Nbmicroalloy; Nb+Ti restricted | ≤ 0.09 | 0.03 |
| Timicroalloy; Nb+Ti restricted | ≤ 0.15 | 0.02 |
| Fe | balance | — |
HC260LA +ZE — frequently asked
What is HC260LA +ZE used for?
HC260LA +ZE is typically used for automotive structural parts, chassis components and brackets. In short: weight-saving HSLA sheet; weldable structural grade; stronger than DC04.
What is the yield strength of HC260LA +ZE?
HC260LA +ZE has a typical yield strength of 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) — weaker than 87% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is HC260LA +ZE easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (54/100, better than 54% of steel grades). Rarely machined as sheet; drilling/trimming is easy with HSS or coated carbide, but the gummy low-carbon matrix needs sharp tools and burr control.
Can HC260LA +ZE be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (82/100). Excellent — CEV below about 0.25, so resistance spot, MAG, laser and projection welding all use plain low-carbon schedules; coated variants need higher current/electrode maintenance.
What surface finishes work on HC260LA +ZE?
Phosphate + cathodic e-coat or powder paint on uncoated material; zinc-coated variants are directly paintable and give the durability required for automotive perforation warranties.
Can HC260LA +ZE be formed, bent or molded?
Good deep-draw and stretch formability (n90 ≈ 0.16–0.19, r90 ≈ 1.0) but plan for 1.5–2× the springback of mild steel and generous bend radii (≈1.0–1.5 t).
What is the maximum service temperature of HC260LA +ZE?
HC260LA +ZE is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- EN 10268 — Cold rolled steel flat products with high yield strength for cold forming — CEN (2013)
- EN 10346 — Continuously hot-dip coated steel flat products for cold forming — CEN (2015)
- EN 10152 — Electrolytically zinc coated cold rolled steel flat products — CEN (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Cold-rolled HSLA (HC-LA) grades product information — ArcelorMittal / thyssenkrupp Steel (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.