Working With Boron-Alloyed Steel - Identification

OEM repair information is the best source to identify if a part is UHSS.

Knowing whether or not a part is made of boron-alloyed steel is important for repairs and replacement. OEM repair information is the best source to identify if a part is UHSS.decisions. The location of the part can be used to determine if the part is likely to be an ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) part. However, part location is not definitive, the part could be boron-alloyed steel or it could be a part that is below 600MPa steel. The location will help to prompt further research into straightening, sectioning, or replacing at factory seams. Steel identification may also help determine removal and attachment methods.

The vehicle maker service information is the most accurate source for identifying steel strength and possible repairs. A hardness tester will give a reading, but the technician then has to make repair and replace decisions based on knowledge learned through training and experience.

Other ways to identify steel strength include the drilling test and the cutting test. These tests will only give the technician a general idea of the strength of the steel help prevent repairs from causing damage to the vehicle. The results of the test may also confirm the suspicion that the steel is in the higher strength range and that it should be treated as high-strength steel (HSS) or UHSS.

To perform the drilling test, drill a spot weld with a standard spot weld drill bit at high speed, above 1000 rpm. If the metal burns the bit on one spot weld, it is most likely UHSS. If, however, the drill bit drills three to five spot welds, it may still be UHSS, but at the mid- to lower-strength range of UHSS.

This drill bit was burnt before making one hole through an UHSS part.When performing the cutting test, if the damaged part cannot be cut with a standard air saw blade, it may be UHSS. If the teeth are removed from the saw blade after a short cutting time, the part is most likely made of UHSS. Please note that some saw blades are designed for higher strength steel and should not be used for this test.

14343The QMT 1000 hardness tester is used to test the MPa rating of a panel.


14342-burntThis drill bit was burnt before drilling one hole on an UHSS part.


14344The teeth were flattened and unable to cut into an UHSS part.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Repairer Driven News: Rivian Updates Door Handle Procedure Sunday, 4 February 2035

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.

  • 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Results Monday, 30 June 2025

    The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference took place on June 26, 2025. Every year I-CAR sends volunteers (virtually in 2021) to judge the collision repair technology competition....

  • Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning Friday, 27 June 2025

    We are often asked, “Can I section this panel?” Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln vehicles and sectioning the rocker panel reinforcement.

  • Back-To-Basics: Backside Panel Refinish And Edging Thursday, 26 June 2025

    Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When repairing and refinishing, you might need to refinish the panel's backside and edges.

  • Hyundai Position Statement: Pre- And Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Monday, 23 June 2025

    Hyundai released an updated position statement relating to pre- and post-repair system scanning.

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

  • Digital Key Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Back-To-Basics: Tire Tread Pattern Wednesday, 11 June 2025

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Let’s see how to identify tire tread patterns and their repair considerations.

  • Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Tuesday, 10 June 2025

    A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that, left untreated,...

  • Rivian Restraints Wiring Thursday, 5 June 2025

    The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Rivian's position on this subject.