Nippon Steel has patented a steel sheet featuring a central thickness part flanked by two softened surface layers. These layers have a minimum thickness of 10 µm and specific hardness characteristics, with the tensile strength exceeding 980 MPa, enhancing its structural properties. GlobalData’s report on Nippon Steel gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Nippon Steel, Vehicle camshaft manufacturing was a key innovation area identified from patents. Nippon Steel's grant share as of June 2024 was 39%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Softened steel sheet with specific hardness and thickness properties

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Nippon Steel Corp

The patent US12043877B2 describes a novel steel sheet characterized by a unique structure comprising a central thickness part flanked by two softened surface layers. Each of these surface layers has an average thickness of at least 10 µm and exhibits a Vickers hardness that is 0.90 times or less than that of the central part of the sheet. Notably, the first surface layer is required to have a hardness that is at least 1.05 times greater than that of the second surface layer. The steel sheet is designed to achieve a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more, with some claims specifying a tensile strength of 1470 MPa or greater.

The chemical composition of the central thickness part is specified in detail, including ranges for elements such as carbon, silicon, manganese, and others, ensuring a balance of properties conducive to high strength and durability. Additional claims highlight variations in the thickness of the softened layers, the presence of internal oxide layers, and specific elemental compositions that may enhance the material's performance. The patent outlines multiple configurations and compositions, allowing for flexibility in manufacturing while maintaining the desired mechanical properties of the steel sheet.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.