Hot stamping, or press hardening, is an established process used in automotive manufacturing  to produce high-strength structural parts from thin sheet metal. The objective is to thermally-induce chemical changes in the metal at extremely high temperatures while forming it into the desired profile. This enables the fabrication of complex shapes with exceptional strength-to-weight ratios while all-but eliminating undesired phenomena like spring back. 

Silicon carbide is the perfect material for processing automobile parts via hot stamping processes. It is chemically inert, enabling direct contact with sheet metals of various alloying compositions at in-process temperatures approaching 900°C. This is supported by high-temperature stability and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, with appropriate formation and bonding, silicon carbide ceramics can be generated in low-density shapes. This manifold of high-performance properties makes silicon carbide the natural choice for low weight structural elements demanding high dimensional stability across changing temperatures and complex loads: hot stamping, for example.

Our primary silicon carbide product line for ceramic rollers in automotive hot stamping is N-durance^®. Based on silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) bonded silicon carbide, or N-SiC, these rollers are custom-built to customer specifications in terms of chemical, mechanical, thermal performance as well as size. Featuring a proprietary double-layer coating for enhanced strength and durability, our silicon carbide rollers offer long-service in continuous hot stamping applications.

Saint-Gobain N-durance^® silicon carbide rollers empower users to achieve greater levels of productivity while reducing operational costs associated with routine downtime for maintenance and repair.

If you would like more information about our silicon carbide rollers in hot stamping kilns and furnaces, simply contact a member of the Saint-Gobain sales team.