Common Domestic and International Standards for Steel Automotive Parts
The automobile industry has very specific quality and safety standards when it comes to the choice of material and fabrication of automotive parts. Steel is still one of the most widely used materials in the production and fabrication of auto parts due to its outstanding mechanical properties, strength, durability and long-term reliability. This article will provide a detailed overview of the commonly used domestic and international standards for steel automotive parts.
In China, the GB/T19518-2004 standard is the most widely used and accepted code of practice for steel auto parts. It is applicable to steel materials suitable for production of fuel tanks, bumpers, doors, and body parts. The standard defines the levels for the different properties of steel including tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, hardness, and heat-treatment resistivity. Other important aspects of the standard include acceptable limits to chemical composition and requirements for product form as well as relevant welding and machining parameters.
The ISO/TS16949:2009 standard is another widely applicable standard used for steel automotive parts in both domestic and international markets. Unlike the APQP, PPAP, and other standards which were largely formulated targeting the automotive industry, the ISO/TS16949 is a more global standard applicable to various industries. This standard puts emphasis on the qualifications of personnel, systems, processes and tools used in the production of auto parts. Other important aspects such as materials, product requirements, design, assembly and testing are all part of the ISO/TS16949 standard as well. It is seen as an important benchmark for product quality in the automotive industry. It also serves as a requirement for certifying automotive parts with the TS mark which holds a high level of credibility.
The VDA 6 means the sixth edition of the automotive standard for steel automotive parts formulated by the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA). This standard addresses nearly all areas of automotive part production and testing such as materials, design, product requirements, assembly and surface finish. An important aspect of this standard is the ‘measurement specification’; a complicated formula used to calculate the measurement results from the measurement of work pieces. The VDA 6 has become a widely accepted standard in Europe and other parts of the globe and is even used in conjunction with other standards such as the ISO/TS16949.
The ASTM A194/A194M standard is another commonly used automotive standard. This standard includes definitions and requirements for the properties of steel parts used in the production of the internal combustion engine components, suspension arms, valve springs, and nuts. The steel must meet the set requirements such as tensile strength, yield strength and elongation as well as combined reduction of area and hardness requirements. It also includes definitions specific to surface treatments and NPA (Nominal Part Size).
In conclusion, steel is still one of the most commonly used materials in the automotive industry, with a wide range of international and domestic standards that apply. The most widely used standards for steel automotive parts include the GB/T19518-2004, ISO/TS16949:2009, VDA 6, and ASTM A194/A194M standards. Each standard has their own set of rules and requirements which play an important role in the production of steel automotive parts that meet the highest level of safety and quality.
