Steel QP980
QP980 is a third-generation AHSS cold-rolled sheet produced by a quenching-and-partitioning heat treatment that stabilises retained austenite in a martensitic matrix, giving DP-like formability at TRIP-like strength.
Reference datasheet — QP980 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the CR condition
QP980 tempers and conditions
QP980 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 QP980 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
EG | Electrogalvanized | Coating |
GA | Galvannealed | Coating |
GI | Hot-dip galvanized | Coating |
What is QP980?
QP980 is a third-generation AHSS cold-rolled sheet produced by a quenching-and-partitioning heat treatment that stabilises retained austenite in a martensitic matrix, giving DP-like formability at TRIP-like strength. Typical values are 700 MPa yield, 1030 MPa tensile and 21 % elongation at about 32 HRC (305 HB), supplied bare (CR) or zinc-coated (GI, GA, EG). It draws deeper than DP980, but springback is high and hole expansion is only about 20–30 %, so sheared-edge quality governs part success. Corrosion resistance is that of plain steel and service temperature is limited to 180 °C to keep the partitioned structure stable. QP980 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,450°C (2,642 °F). QP980 has a yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 81% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 21% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
What is QP980 used for?
- door rings
- structural rails
- cross members
Advantages
- High strength — 700 MPa (102 ksi), better than 81% of steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 180°C (356 °F), worse than 98% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
- Poor heat conductor — 30 W/m·K (17.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 83% of steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 6.5 % IACS, worse than 77% of steel grades
QP980 properties
Typical room-temperature values for QP980-CR; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
QP980 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,450°C (2,642 °F).
Mechanical13
QP980 has a yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 81% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 21% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
QP980 is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 30 W/m·K (17.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 83% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.5 µm/m·K (6.94 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
QP980 conducts electricity at 6.5 % IACS, worse than 77% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of QP980 takes about 26 MJ of energy and emits 2.4 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability7
QP980's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades); weldability good (60/100); formability good (57/100).
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. QP980 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with QP980
Is QP980 easy to machine?
Work is mainly blanking and laser cutting; die edges should be powder high-speed steel or carbide with small clearance to suppress burrs. If cut with tools, use parameters for a 32 HRC quenched-and-tempered steel: low speed, large rake angle and generous coolant.
Can QP980 be welded?
Resistance spot welding needs higher electrode force and lower current combined with a tempering pulse to avoid interfacial fracture. Zinc-coated sheet carries a liquid-metal-embrittlement cracking risk; keep heat input low in laser and MAG welding, and expect a clear strength drop in the softened zone.
Can QP980 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold stamp at room temperature; the TRIP effect allows relatively deep draws, but springback is significant and requires CAE compensation and draw-bead design. Hole expansion is only about 20–30 %, so flanging and sheared-edge quality must be tightly controlled.
QP980 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cpartitions to retained austenite; sets its stability | 0.17 – 0.23 | 0.2 |
| Sisuppresses cementite during partitioning; Al substitutes in GI grades | 1.2 – 1.8 | 1.5 |
| Mnincreases hardenability and stabilizes austenite | 1.8 – 2.5 | 2.1 |
| Aldeoxidizer; higher content in galvanized grades | 0.02 – 0.6 | 0.05 |
| Croptional, increases hardenability | 0 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Mooptional | 0 – 0.25 | 0 |
| Nbgrain refinement | 0 – 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Tioptional microalloying | 0 – 0.05 | 0 |
| Pimpurity limit | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Simpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on QP980?
Not anodizable. Use zinc-phosphate plus cathodic e-coat, or rely on GI/GA/EG coatings; after any electroplating or acid pickling, bake promptly to remove hydrogen and prevent delayed cracking.
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).
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
How much does QP980 cost?
QP980 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% 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.
QP980 — frequently asked
What is QP980 used for?
QP980 is typically used for door rings, structural rails and cross members. In short: third-generation AHSS; deeper draws than DP980; 1000 MPa class with 21 % elongation.
What is the yield strength of QP980?
QP980 has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 81% of steel grades.
Is QP980 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades). Work is mainly blanking and laser cutting; die edges should be powder high-speed steel or carbide with small clearance to suppress burrs. If cut with tools, use parameters for a 32 HRC quenched-and-tempered steel: low speed, large rake angle and generous coolant.
Can QP980 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Resistance spot welding needs higher electrode force and lower current combined with a tempering pulse to avoid interfacial fracture. Zinc-coated sheet carries a liquid-metal-embrittlement cracking risk; keep heat input low in laser and MAG welding, and expect a clear strength drop in the softened zone.
What surface finishes work on QP980?
Not anodizable. Use zinc-phosphate plus cathodic e-coat, or rely on GI/GA/EG coatings; after any electroplating or acid pickling, bake promptly to remove hydrogen and prevent delayed cracking.
Can QP980 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold stamp at room temperature; the TRIP effect allows relatively deep draws, but springback is significant and requires CAE compensation and draw-bead design. Hole expansion is only about 20–30 %, so flanging and sheared-edge quality must be tightly controlled.
What is the maximum service temperature of QP980?
QP980 is rated for continuous use to about 180°C (356 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does QP980 cost?
QP980 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% 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.
Sources
- VDA 239-100 Sheet Steel for Cold Forming (CR700Y980T-QP) — VDA (2016)
- Advanced High-Strength Steels Application Guidelines v7.0 — WorldAutoSteel (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
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.