Steel HC380LA
EN HC380LA
HC380LA is a cold-rolled Nb/Ti microalloyed high-strength low-alloy sheet steel to EN 10268, in the 380 MPa yield class, strengthened by grain refinement and microalloy precipitation rather than by a high carbon equivalent.
Values for the CR condition
HC380LA tempers and conditions
HC380LA is supplied in one standard condition, CR. CR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways HC380LA is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
ZE | +ZE | Surface finish |
GI | +Z | Coating |
What is HC380LA?
HC380LA is a cold-rolled Nb/Ti microalloyed high-strength low-alloy sheet steel to EN 10268, in the 380 MPa yield class, strengthened by grain refinement and microalloy precipitation rather than by a high carbon equivalent. It gives 420 MPa yield, 490 MPa tensile and over 18 % elongation (23 % typical) at 150 HB with good spot weldability, and is stocked as CR, ZE (electro-zinc) and GI (hot-dip) coil and blanks for stamped body structures. Corrosion resistance is the same as plain carbon steel, so zinc coating or paint is mandatory, and no heat treatment will raise strength further. Formability and springback control are poorer than mild DC04. HC380LA 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). HC380LA has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 53% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 23% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
What is HC380LA used for?
- Automotive body-in-white structural panels
- Stamped reinforcement plates
- Seat frames and seat structural brackets
- Chassis and suspension stampings
- Cross members and sill reinforcements
- Lightweight bracketry for commercial vehicles
Advantages
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 83% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 62/100, better than 78% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 78% of steel grades
HC380LA properties
Typical room-temperature values for HC380LA-CR; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
HC380LA 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).
Mechanical13
HC380LA has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 53% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 23% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
HC380LA is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 46 W/m·K (26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 71% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
HC380LA conducts electricity at 8.6 % IACS, better than 66% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (11/100), worse than 73% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of HC380LA takes about 26 MJ of energy and emits 2.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
HC380LA's machinability is good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability good (62/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. HC380LA is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with HC380LA
Is HC380LA easy to machine?
Machines like a low-carbon HSLA steel — sticky, gummy chips; use sharp coated carbide, positive rake and generous feed to avoid built-up edge; deburr punched edges.
Can HC380LA be welded?
Low carbon equivalent gives good resistance spot, MAG and laser weldability; keep heat input moderate to avoid HAZ softening, and use higher electrode force / current than for mild steel.
Can HC380LA be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-form with generous radii (≥2t bends) and 15–25 % more press force than DC04; compensate for higher springback and plan for edge-crack sensitivity in stretch flanges.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to HC380LA. Every HC380LA part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
Sheet metal
| Formability | Better62 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent85 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
HC380LA 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cmax per EN 10268 | ≤ 0.11 | 0.07 |
| Si | ≤ 0.5 | 0.15 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.6 | 1 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Altotal Al, min | ≥ 0.02 | 0.04 |
| Nbmicro-alloying | ≤ 0.09 | 0.03 |
| Timicro-alloying | ≤ 0.15 | 0.02 |
| Vmicro-alloying | ≤ 0.2 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on HC380LA?
Bare sheet must be protected — zinc-phosphate + cathodic e-coat, powder paint, or use the +ZE / +Z coated variants; not anodizable.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
How much does HC380LA cost?
HC380LA is a standard-cost steel ($$), cheaper than about 61% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
HC380LA — frequently asked
What is HC380LA used for?
HC380LA is typically used for automotive body-in-white structural panels, stamped reinforcement plates, seat frames and seat structural brackets, chassis and suspension stampings, cross members and sill reinforcements and lightweight bracketry for commercial vehicles. In short: workhorse HSLA sheet.
What is the yield strength of HC380LA?
HC380LA has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 53% of steel grades.
Is HC380LA easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades). Machines like a low-carbon HSLA steel — sticky, gummy chips; use sharp coated carbide, positive rake and generous feed to avoid built-up edge; deburr punched edges.
Can HC380LA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Low carbon equivalent gives good resistance spot, MAG and laser weldability; keep heat input moderate to avoid HAZ softening, and use higher electrode force / current than for mild steel.
What surface finishes work on HC380LA?
Bare sheet must be protected — zinc-phosphate + cathodic e-coat, powder paint, or use the +ZE / +Z coated variants; not anodizable.
Can HC380LA be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-form with generous radii (≥2t bends) and 15–25 % more press force than DC04; compensate for higher springback and plan for edge-crack sensitivity in stretch flanges.
What is the maximum service temperature of HC380LA?
HC380LA is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does HC380LA cost?
HC380LA is a standard-cost steel ($$), cheaper than about 61% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in HC380LA?
Yes — HC380LA is available for sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 10268 — Cold-rolled steel flat products with high yield strength for cold forming — CEN (2006)
- 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 micro-alloyed HSLA sheet product data (HC/HX 380LA class) — European flat-steel producers (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.