ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
Material Name Specification Number
STEEL, SHEET, COLD ROLLED HSLA WSS-M1A347-A1/A2/A3/A4/A5/A6
1. SCOPE
The materials defined by these specifications are cold rolled, fully killed, fine grained, high
strength low alloy (HSLA) steel sheet possessing good forming and welding properties (see para
5.1). The choice of strengthening mechanism is at the discretion of the supplier and shall be
described in the Control Plan. Specification WSS-M1P94-A shall be used where pre-coating by
the steel supplier is required.
Clarification: The variants and minimum yield strength level (MPa) are listed below:
• A1: 220
• A2: 250
• A3: 300
• A4: 350
• A5: 400
• A6: 450
2. APPLICATION
These specifications were released originally for 2003 model year high strength automotive body
parts. To assist in sourcing, additional information is included in para 5.
The abbreviations heading the tables (see para 5.4) indicate the country or company of origin of
the specification as follows:
ISO International Standards Organization
BS UK of GB & NI (British Standards Institute)
SEW Stahl-Eisen-Werkstoffblaetter
EN European Union
ASTM USA (American Society for Testing & Materials)
JIS Japan Industrial Standards
JFS Japan Iron and Steel Federation Standards
MES Mazda Engineering Standards
Note: Because of regional supply base variations and to make the most effective use of these
specifications, users should consult with Materials Engineering.
Date Action Revisions
Uploaded in error, reverted back to version dated 2000-09-21
2002 11 12 Revised
R. Lord
2002 11 11 Revised Rev 3.5, 3.7, 4.5, 4.12, 4.13, added 4.12, renumbered 5.12 & 5.13
and updated K. J. Thurgood
2000 09 21 Activated K J Thurgood (FAO), M Fukahori (Mazda)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
Note: Microalloyed steel supplied to these specifications may contain titanium as an alloying
addition. Such titanium alloyed steels, if subsequently surface treated by a nitrocarburising
/oxidising process, risk becoming embrittled because of the formation of an ultrafine TiN
precipitate. Microalloyed steels containing vanadium and niobium are also thought to be prone to
this effect. Accordingly, special consideration should be given for Microalloyed steel parts
intended to be subjected to the above noted surface treatment processes.
Note: Please be aware that these specifications do not yet deal with hot dipped galvanised (ie.
hot dipped zinc) coatings.
Additional note: Please also see WSS-M1A346- (Hot Rolled)
3. REQUIREMENTS
3.1 QUALITY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Material suppliers and part producers must conform to the Company's Quality System
Requirements.
3.2 DIMENSIONS AND DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES
3.2.1 Thickness and thickness tolerances (see para 5.5)
The thickness specified on the Engineering Drawing shall be a minimum.
3.3 OTHER DIMENSIONS, TOLERANCES AND ASSOCIATED ITEMS
. These shall be defined by the relevant national standards (see para 5.6)
. As appropriate to the relevant national standards, the title of this paragraph shall be
interpreted to include length, width, flatness, camber and mass.
3.4 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (weight percent)
The upper and lower limits of chemical composition of the controlled elements shall be
established by the supplier and be included in the Control Plan.
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
3.5 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
(Longitudinal Tensile Specimens)(50 mm Gauge Length)
(ISO 6892/ASTM E 8M/EN 10002/JIS G 3135/JFS A 1001/JIS G 3113/
JIS G 3134/JFS A 2001)
(Note: Certain gauge (thickness) limitations apply)
Variant A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6
Yield Strength (0.2 % offset)
(MPa min) 220 250 300 350 400 450
(MPa max) 300 350 400 450 500 550
Tensile Strength
(MPa min) 330 350 400 430 460 500
*Elongation 30 25 23 22 20 18
(% min)
*A gauge length (GL) of 80 mm may be used for control purposes, with appropriate
(multiplication factor of 1.10 (80 mm GL to 50 mm GL)) correction in % Elongation. In
all cases, 50 mm will be considered the referee standard gauge length.
# See also para 4.3.
3.6 FORMABILITY
The quality level of steel supplied to fabricate a specific component shall be negotiated
between the manufacturing activity and the steel supplier. Steel cleanliness may involve
the use of a mutually agreed referee method (see para 4.7). Acceptance of subsequent
orders by the steel supplier for a given component at the agreed upon quality level
implies that all steel supplied will be of a comparable quality level and will form that part
satisfactorily as defined by the manufacturing activity.
The company may, at its option and in agreement with the steel supplier, compile a list
(known as the Sheet Metal Requirements List (SMRL)) of property requirements such as
mechanical properties, forming characteristics and surface texture, for each specific part.
If invoked, this list will be a mandatory extension of these specifications (see para 4.8).
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
3.7 WELDABILITY
When the Carbon Equivalent (C.E.) of the material exceeds 0.21%; to demonstrate
acceptable weldability as part of the source approval process: The material supplier
shall consistently produce spot welds which never experience any interfacial failure,
regardless of the testing method (peel or shear) or the strain rate. The spot welding
technique and number of spot welds shall be agreed between the Material Supplier and
the relevant company Weld Inspection Activity, prior to the commencement of the source
approval process.
The aforementioned spot welding technique and associated parameters shall form part of
the control plan.
C.E. is defined as %C + %Mn/6 + %(Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15
3.8 SURFACE FINISH AND APPEARANCE
Some applications will require the surface appearance to be defined as Class 1, Class 2,
or Class 3 as appropriate:
. A Class 1 surface shall be specified for parts of the vehicle that are exposed to view
after paint or trim.
. A Class 2 surface shall be specified for parts of the vehicle not covered by trim
materials but exposed to view when the doors or enclosure lids are in an open
position.
. A Class 3 surface shall be specified for parts of the vehicle that are concealed during
normal use.
Unless otherwise specified via the Engineering Drawing, the SMRL (see para 3.6) or
Purchase (Supply), these materials shall be coated with a light, even film of protective,
company approved mill oil (rust preventative oil) or prelube. (See also para 5.9)
3.9 PAINTABILITY
Material supplied to these specifications must have prior approval for paintability by the
responsible company activity. This approval shall be based on samples prepared to local
process and performance requirements. (See para 5.10)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
3.10 SUPPLIER'S RESPONSIBILITY
All materials supplied to this specification must be equivalent in all characteristics to the
material upon which approval was originally granted.
Prior to making any changes to the material originally approved under this specification,
whether or not such changes affect the material's ability to meet the specification
requirements, the Supplier shall notify the affected Purchasing, and Materials
Engineering activities (with reasons), of the proposed changes. Upon notification of the
Company, further instructions will be provided.
Note: Suppliers should be prepared to provide test data and samples demonstrating
compliance to this specification, if requested.
Substance restrictions imposed by regulations or Company direction apply to the
materials addressed by this document. The restrictions are identified in Restricted
Substance Management Standard WSS-M99P9999-A1.
4. APPROVAL OF MATERIALS
Materials defined by this specification for direct supply to the Company must have prior approval.
Certain materials subcontracted by part suppliers may also require prior approval. These include
materials critical to the Company's business for regulatory, safety, environmental or compatibility
requirements or contractual agreements. Suppliers desiring approval of their materials shall first
obtain an expression of interest from either Purchasing, Design or Materials Engineering activity.
Upon request, the Supplier shall submit a completed copy of their laboratory test reports, signed
by a qualified and authorized representative of the test facility, demonstrating full compliance with
all the requirements of this specification.
5. GENERAL INFORMATION
The information given below is provided for clarification and assistance in meeting the
requirements of these specifications.
5.1 DOCUMENT ORIGIN
This document was originally compiled as a collaborative effort between Ford Motor
Company, Mazda (Mazda Motor Corporation) and Jaguar (Jaguar Cars), part of PAG
(PAG is Premier Automotive Group).
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
5.2 INITIAL SUPPLIER APPROVAL BY FORD
(UNCOATED ONLY - For information for coated
HSLA steel submissions see WSS-M1P94-A)
For initial approval, the supplier should furnish the following information for each variant:
. A plan detailing how each requirement of para 3 will be controlled on a continuing
basis.
. Test results from a typical production sample for the requirements outlined in para 3,
with the exception that paintability testing should be conducted on one sample.
. The intent of para 3.7 is that the Material Supplier should assess material that aims
towards the highest chemistry and thinnest gauge (i.e. the most difficult material to
spot weld) for any given grade.
. Mechanical property histograms including mean and standard deviation values. Data
should consist of a minimum of 40 measurements for each property in para 3.5,
taken from a minimum of 20 coils, while the process is operating in statistical control.
Upon approval, the materials will be added to the Engineering Material Approved Source
List.
5.3 MATERIAL USAGE
For materials with a specified thickness below 1.80 mm, (see paras 3.2 & 3.5) Cold
Rolled High Strength Steel is typically used.
For materials with a specified thickness greater than 3.20 mm (see paras 3.2 & 3.5), the
use of Cold Rolled High Strength Steel is infrequent. Hot Rolled High Strength Steel (see
WSS-M1A346-) is typically used.
For guidance, a cross reference of company, National, and International specifications is
given in para 5.4.
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
5.4 CROSS REFERENCE OF SPECIFICATIONS
(Note: for guidance only)
5.4.1 Cold Rolled
Variant Common Terminology SEW 093* BS EN 10268 SAE J1392
1449*
A1 Grade 220 n/a n/a n/a n/a
A2 Grade 250 n/a n/a H 240 LA 035 X/035 C
A3 Grade 300 ZStE340 CS40/30 H 320 LA 045 X
A4 Grade 350 ZStE380 CS43/35 H 360 LA 050 X
A5 Grade 400 n/a CS46/40 H 400 LA n/a
A6 Grade 450 n/a CS50/45 n/a n/a
Variant Common ISO ASTM JFS MES MM 106 JIS
Terminology ???? A 607
(To be released) Class 2 A 2001 G 3135
A1 Grade 220 tbd n/a JSC340W SPCN340W SPFC390
JSC390P SPCN390P
JSC390W SPCN390W
A2 Grade 250 tbd n/a JSC390W SPCN390W SPFC440
JSC440P SPCN440P
JSC440W SPCN440W
A3 Grade 300 tbd Grade 45 JSC440W SPCN440W SPFC440
JSC440R
A4 Grade 350 tbd Grade 50 JSC440R SPFC440
JSC590R SPCN590R SPFC590
A5 Grade 400 tbd Grade 60 JSC590R SPCN590R SPFC590
A6 Grade 450 tbd Grade 65 JSH590R# SPHN590R# SPFH590#
* Obsolete specifications or obsolete versions of Specifications which may appear on older Engineering
Drawings.
# Because there is not a direct equivalent of Grade 450 from JIS G 3135/JFS A 2001 standards for Cold
Rolled High Strength Steel, equivalent materials from JIS G 3134/JFS A 1001 (for Hot Rolled High
Strength Steel) have been detailed above.
(n/a means not applicable) (tbd means to be determined)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
5.5 THICKNESS TOLERANCE
If and when choosing a minimum gauge from ES-YC15-1N260-AA, if the previous choice
of gauge was nominal, it is important to avoid generating an inadvertent increase in the
ACTUAL thickness of the component, and consideration should be given to specifying
the next lowest minimum gauge e.g. for an existing 2.00 mm nominal gauge, the nearest
equivalent minimum gauge in ES-YC15-1N260-AA is 1.90 mm.
Additionally, it may be necessary to consult with JFS A 2001 or JFS A 1001, to select a
Japanese nominal gauge which satisfies the intent of ES-YC15-1N260-AA.
5.6 OTHER DIMENSIONS, TOLERANCES AND ASSOCIATED ITEMS
Examples of the relevant national standards are:
. EN 10131, ASTM A 568M, JFS A 1001, JFS A 2001.
5.7 STEEL CLEANLINESS REFEREE METHOD
. Examples are JFS A 1001, JFS A 2001, MES MM 106.
5.8 FORMABILITY
The current responsible area for the SMRL (within Ford Motor Company in Europe) is
Research & Vehicle Technology (RVT); Materials Engineering, Testing & Standards
(MET & S). The current responsible area for the SMRL (within Jaguar) is Materials
Engineering. The SMRL may refer to National or International Standards.
5.9 SURFACE FINISH AND APPREARANCE
5.9.1 Japanese Guidance
The surface finish of the Cold Rolled Steel Sheet shall be specified by the
mean surface roughness (Ra) and the surface waviness (Wca). Identification
symbols shall be used as follows:
. Class 1 (known as 'W' in MES MM 106) surface shall be specified for those
parts of outer panels that require distinctness of image: Ra 0.5 - 1.2, Wca
0.6 max. (see para 3.8).
. Class 2 (No-Symbol in MES MM 106) surface shall be specified for those
parts of outer panels that do not require distinctness of image. Such
surfaces are sometimes referred to as 'Ordinary' or 'Non-Visually Critical':
Ra 0.5 - 1.5. An example of this type of surface is a 'B' pillar (see para 3.8).
. Class 3 (known as 'N' in MES MM 106) surface shall be specified for those
parts of inner panels that are concealed during normal use: Ra 0.5 - 2.0
(see para 3.8).
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
5.9.2 European Guidance
Where the surface appearance is specified, the mean surface roughness Ra
(to SEP 1940 (intended to be replaced by EN 10049)) (2.5 mm cut-off length; 1
micrometer (+/- 0.5 micrometer) band width; 12.5 mm min effective traverse
length; flat skid type) is defined thus:
. Class 1 (also known as 'B' (EN 10130) or full finish (FF)); Ra 1.1 - 1.6 (2.5
mm cut-off).
Peak Density 45 ppcm (peak valley pairs per centimeter) min (at 2.5 mm
cut-off).
. Class 2 (also known as 'A' (EN 10130) or General Purpose (GP)): Ra 1.1 -
1.7 (2.5 mm cut-off)
Peak Density not defined.
. Class 3
Ra and Peak Density not defined.
5.9.3 North American Guidance
Refer to the Advanced Technology and Material Engineering (AT & ME)
Department in the Dearborn PDC (Product Development Center).
5.10 PAINTABILITY
. Examples are MES MN 606, ESB-M2P130-A (Class 1 surface applications),
ESBM2P129-B (Class 2 and 3 surface applications)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
5.11 CHARACTERISTICS OF COLD ROLLED MATERIALS
(WSS-M1A347-A1/A2/A3/A4/A5/A6)
TABLE 1: Typical Values Based On European Practice
r n
Variant Yield Strength Tensile Strength % Elongation 90 90 r - bar n - bar
(A80)
(Re) (MPa) (Rm) (MPa) (80 mm GL)
A1 tbd tbd tbd tbd tbd n/a n/a
A2 267 - 367 374 - 454 25 - 37 0.90 - 1.30 0.15 - 0.19 n/a n/a
A3 345 - 429 452 - 524 22 - 30 0.90 - 1.30 0.13 - 0.17 n/a n/a
A4 365 - 437 481 - 537 22 – 30 0.80 - 1.20 0.12 - 0.16 n/a n/a
A5 391 - 479 510 - 570 21 - 29 0.70 - 1,10 0.12 - 0.16 n/a n/a
A6 tbd tbd tbd tbd tbd n/a n/a
Note: Test specimens taken in the transverse (i.e., 90 deg to the rolling) direction.
(n/a means not applicable) (tbd means to be determined)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
TABLE 2: Typical Values Based on North American Practice
Test specimens and method based on ASTM standards. Values for Yield, Tensile Strength and
Elongation are based on specimens taken in the longitudinal direction (0 deg to rolling).
r n
Variant Yield Strength Tensile Strength % Elongation 90 90 r - bar n - bar
(A50)
(Re) (MPa) (Rm) (MPa) (50 mm GL)
A1 tbd tbd tbd n/a n/a tbd tbd
A2 250 - 301 317 - 401 25 - 34 n/a n/a tbd 0.140 -
0.200
A3 304 - 378 380 - 472 24 - 32 n/a n/a 1.00 - 0.130 -
1.40 0.190
A4 350 - 421 437 - 535 22 - 29 n/a n/a 1.03 - 0.129 -
1.30 0.186
A5 tbd tbd tbd n/a n/a tbd tbd
A6 tbd tbd tbd n/a n/a tbd tbd
(n/a means not applicable) (tbd means to be determined)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
TABLE 3: Typical Values Based on Japanese Practice
(For Uncoated and Electrolytically Coated; Thickness 0.80 mm.)
Test specimens and method based on JIS Z 2201. Values for Yield, Tensile Strength and Elongation
area based on specimens taken in the transverse direction (90 deg to rolling). The figures in brackets
(parentheses) for Yield strength and %Elongation, indicate typical values.
r n
Grade Yield Strength Tensile Strength % Elongation (A50) 90 90 r – bar n – bar
MES MM 106 (Re) (MPa) (Rm) (MPa) (50 mm GL)
JFS A 2001
SPCN340W 195 – 295 340 min 35 – 45 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(235) (40)
JSC340W
SPCN390P 195 – 295 390 min 33 – 44 n/a n/a 1.4 min n/a
(245) (38)
JSC390P
SPCN390W 235 – 345 390 min 31 – 42 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(285) (37)
JSC390W
SPCN440P 235 – 345 440 min 30 – 41 n/a n/a 1.3 min n/a
(305) (34)
JSC440P
SPCN440W 275 – 380 440 min 28 – 40 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(325) (33)
JSC440W
345 – 450 440 min 25 - 37 n/a n/a n/a n/a
JSC440R (380) (32)
SPCN590R 420 - 570 590 min 17 - 32 n/a n/a n/a n/a
JSC590R
(n/a means not applicable)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
TABLE 4: Typical Values Based on Japanese Practice
(For Hot Dipped Galvannealed; Thickness 0.80 mm.)
Test specimens and method based on JIS Z 2201. Values for Yield, Tensile Strength and Elongation
area based on specimens taken in the transverse direction (90 deg to rolling). The figures in brackets
(parentheses) for Yield strength and %Elongation, indicate typical values.
r n
Grade Yield Strength Tensile Strength % Elongation (A50) 90 90 r – bar n – bar
MES MM 108 (Re) (MPa) (Rm) (MPa) (50 mm GL)
JFS A 3011
SPCM340W 205 - 305 340 min 34 - 44 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(255) (38)
JAC340W
SPCM390P 205 - 305 390 min 32 - 43 n/a n/a 1.3 min n/a
(255) (37)
JAC390P
SPCM390W 245 - 355 390 min 30 - 41 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(310) (35)
JAC390W
SPCM440P 245 - 355 440 min 28 - 39 n/a n/a 1.2 min n/a
(305) (33)
JAC440P
SPCM440W 285 - 390 440 min 27 - 39 n/a n/a n/a n/a
(335) (33)
JAC440W
SPCM590R 430 - 580 590 min 14 - 29 n/a n/a n/a n/a
JAC590R
(n/a means not applicable)
The reference documents are:
ASTM A 607 BS 1449 ASTM E 8M WSS-M1P94-A
EN 10002 ESB-M2P130-A ESB-M2P129-B EN 10049
ISO 6892 SEW 093 JIS G 3113 JIS G 3134
JFS A 1001 JFS A 2001 SAE J1392 JIS Z 2201
MES MM 101 EN 10130 EN 10131 SEP 1940
ISO 2566/1 WSS-M1A346 MES MN 606 JIS G 3135
MES MM 106 EN 10268 MES MM 108 JFS A 3011
ASTM A 568M ES-YC15-1N260-AB
WSS-M99P9999-A1
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION WSS-M1A347-A1/A6
5.14 METHOD OF SPECIFYING
The specification on the Engineering Drawing shall include, if applicable, the surface
quality; also the coating(s), as defined by WSS-M1P94-A.
e.g. Steel, Sheet, Cold Rolled, HSLA, hot dipped zinc coated, minimum yield strength
350 MPa, for a non-visible component, would be specified thus:
WSS-M1A347-A4: Class 3
Coated to WSS-M1P94-A, 60G60G-HD
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