<div class="htmlview paragraph">The quality of a final product in particular made from hot-rolled sheet metal, is dependent upon the initial blanking, applied prior to forming the part. The material thickness and strength are the most important factors influencing the shearing parameters to be chosen. High-strength grades offer certain specific advantages when combined to consolidated blanks. Those type of tailored blanks requires a special practice and knowledge to shear the material independent of the grade and thickness used.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The shearing in particular, guillotine shearing of various materials and thicknesses were studied in order to carry out a high quality cut for laser-beam welding purposes. In addition, the stamping of those materials, with special regard to high-strength and mild steel grades mostly used to stamp complex parts for automotive applications, are discussed as well.</div>