Stahlinstitut VDEh https://vdeh.de/en/standardisation/stahl-eisen-blaetter/recently-published-sheets/ – 20.01.2026

Recently published sheets

SEP 1220 - Teil 3 new

The test methods specified in this Stahl-Eisen test specification (SEP) describe the procedure to determine the suitability of automotive steel sheets for joining via the process of laser beam welding.

Described are sample preparation, test conditions, determination of quality limits, the test procedure itself (continuous and stitched lap welds), destructive and non-destructive testing, as well as documentation of results. Example diagrams are given for testing and example sheets for the evaluation of results.

Described are sample preparation, test conditions, determination of quality limits, the test procedure itself (continuous and stitched lap welds), destructive and non-destructive testing, as well as documentation of results. Example diagrams are given for testing and example sheets for the evaluation of results.

SEP 1220-1 new

This first part of the series of SEP 1220 specifications contains general requirements. It is meant as a basis for unified material characterization and shall standardize the exchange of data between the materials suppliers and customers.

Described are the characterization of the base materials, location of sampling, general test conditions, including recommendations for cyclic testing. The data format for data exchange of tests (data header) is explained in detail.

SEP 1220-2 new

Testing and Documentation Guideline for the Joinability of thin sheet of steel – Part 2: Resistance Spot Welding. 3rd edition September 2025

The test methods specified in this Stahl-Eisen test specification (SEP) describe the procedure to determine the suitability of automotive steel sheets for joining via the process of resistance spot welding. Described are testing scope and conditions, determination of quality limits, destructive and non-destructive testing, and documentation of results. Example diagrams are given for testing and evaluation of results. – Changes compared to the 2nd edition are indicated in a table.

Price: 139,00 € pdf / Print 160,00 €

SEP 1220-6 (1. Ausgabe, 07.2024) new

The test methods specified in this steel-iron test sheet (SEP) are used to determine the suitability of steel sheet for the adhesive joining process (process DIN EN ISO 4063) based on the testing with structural adhesives and relining adhesives.

SEP 1220-7 new

The test methods specified in this Stahl-Eisen test specification (SEP) describe the procedure to determine the suitability of automotive steel sheets for joining via the process of projection welding.

Exemplarically, a nut with segmented projections is welded to a thin steel sheet.

Described are sample preparation, welding equipment and test conditions, determination of quality levels, the test procedure itself (visual testing, thread engagement, weld nut set-down, push-out and pull-out testing, torque testing, metallography), as well as documentation of results. Example diagrams are given for testing and example sheets for the evaluation of results.

Preis: 122,00 € pdf / Print 135,00 €

SEP 1237 new

This Stahl-Eisen test specification (SEP) specifies experimental tests for determination of the following fracture properties: fracture strain at uniaxial tension (specimens with a hole respective with notches), at plane strain under tension and at biaxial tension. The different test types are described separately and extensively. (SEP 1240 clause 9 contains the condensed version)

Price SEP 1237:

  • 75,00 € pdf
  • 86,25 € print

The STAHL-EISEN Prüfblätter (SEP) 1240 and 1237 are linked; the new section 9 (Determination of failure characteristics) of SEP 1240 refers to SEP 1237, in which all three test methods are described separately and in detail. SEP 1237: The three test methods for determining failure characteristics are summarized in SEP 1240; sample data headers are included.

SEP 1240 new

This STAHL-EISEN test specification (SEP) describes selected mechanical tests on thin sheets of steel and their documentation. This SEP is the basis for unified material property determination for CAE calculations and shall standardize the data exchange between test institutes, material suppliers and automotive producers.

  • General pre-treatment of samples, designation of specimens
  • General test conditions, test equipment
  • Elastic and plastic material properties from the tensile test
  • Plastic material properties from the forming limit curve
  • Dynamic material properties – high speed tensile testing
  • Cyclic material properties
  • Fracture properties for crash and forming simulation

The annex contains examples of standardized data files (data header) for all tests, images, tables as well as an example test report.

Compared to the 1st edition (2006) numerous changes were carried out, and clause d for crash and forming simulation was supplemented (correlation to SEP 1237). Due to the large extent, the SEP was subdivided into two separate language versions.

Price SEP 1240:

  • 175,00 € pdf, only one language, german or english
  • 201,25 € print, only one language, german or english

Package, german and english version :

  • 275,00 € pdf
  • 316,25 € print

The STAHL-EISEN Prüfblätter (SEP) 1240 and 1237 are linked; the new section 9 (Determination of failure characteristics) of SEP 1240 refers to SEP 1237, in which all three test methods are described separately and in detail. SEP 1237: The three test methods for determining failure characteristics are summarized in SEP 1240; sample data headers are included.

SEP 1245 new

In the framework of collaborative work between automotive and steel industries, for the introduction of newly developed steel grades into serial application in automotive production, phases of the material approval process were defined.

A material approval process shall be used to specify the necessary steps for qualification of new grades of thin steel sheets through to readiness for use in series (volume) production. In order to evaluate new steel grades regarding their fitness for use in automotive series production, a test matrix is provided for supplying a broad data base. The results of testing are necessary requirements for the approval of a steel grade by the customer (OEM).

SEP 1680 new

A CCT diagram makes statements about the development of the microstructure of a steel during processing or heat treatment. This Stahl-Eisen test specification (SEP) contains guidelines for drawing such diagrams. The different types of diagrams are described. Specified are specimen selection and preparation, test methods and interpretation of test results. An Annex provides different example diagrams.

Compared to the 3rd edition the following significant changes are executed: This SEP is available with English translation for the first time. Attention was paid to a clear presentation, e.g. for formation.

SEP 1680 can be ordered from Matplus Shop or by DIN MEDIA.

SEP 1681 new

Dilatometric testing allows to trace the phase transformations in ferrous alloys. This Stahl-Eisen test specification (SEP) contains guidelines for the preparation, execution and evaluation of dilatometric tests for ferrous alloys.

Described are taking of samples, the fabrication of dilatometer specimens and the welding of thermoelements. Indications for the executions contain the mounting of specimens, furnace atmosphere, deformation of the specimens and data recording, as well as regular checks of the equipment. The evaluation of results and the documentation is demonstrated with figures.

Compared to the 2nd edition the following significant changes are executed: The contents were adapted and written more precisely. Attention was paid to a clear presentation, e.g. for formation.

SEP 1927 new

This Stahl-Eisen test specification (SEP) applies to the automated ultrasonic immersion testing of appropriately prepared rolled or forged samples of steel for long products.

Described are agreements, personnel qualification, preparation of test specimens, the test equipment and its inspection, adjustment, sensitivity classes, test volume, test procedure, assessment and test report.

An example assessment is included.

Important change: Sensitivity setting shall be carried out no more with a reference block (calibration block), but with a sample of the test job.

Preis: 52,00 € print / 59,80 € pdf

SEW 550 new

SEW 550 covers steels predominantly used for mechanical engineering purposes, which are used to produce larger open die forged components in the quenched and tempered or normalised condition. (SEW 555 applies for energy technology).

The first edition of SEW 550 was published 1951, followed by editions 1957 and 1976. Afterwards, ISO 683-2 and EN 10250 were developed which have different steel grades and material properties compared to SEW 550. The wall thickness range is between 160 and 750 (1000) mm.

SEW 550 specifies the chemical composition, sampling, mechanical properties (in sample locations L, T and Q) as well as testing and documentation. Annex A provides formulae to calculate the relevant heat treatment diameter. New in SEW 550 is the hardenability criterion. Compared to the 3rd edition 1976, 7 steel grades were added and 2 removed. This SEW is available for the first time in English translation.