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S355JR vs S355N Steel Comparison

At Gangsteel, we’re here to clarify the differences between S355JR vs S355N, two high-strength structural steels under the EN 10025 standard, each tailored for specific structural applications. S355JR, under EN 10025-2, is a non-alloy, hot-rolled steel with 355 MPa yield strength, suited for general construction with no mandatory low-temperature toughness testing. S355N, under EN 10025-3, is a normalized, low-alloy steel with similar strength and guaranteed -20°C toughness, ideal for demanding structures like bridges and cranes in moderate climates.

As part of the en 10025 3 normalized steel plate and EN 10025-2 families, these grades serve distinct purposes. Gangsteel compares their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications, with ties to grades like en 10025 3 s420n normalized structural steel plate and en 10025 3 s460n normalized structural steel plate. For more details, contact us or visit our en 10025 3 s355n normalized structural steel plate page.

 

Overview of S355JR and S355N

  • S355JR (EN 10025-2): A non-alloy, hot-rolled steel with 355 MPa yield strength, designed for general construction applications like buildings and infrastructure, with optional toughness testing.
  • S355N (EN 10025-3, 1.0545): A normalized or normalized rolled fine-grain steel with 355 MPa yield strength and guaranteed -20°C toughness, suited for high-load applications like bridges and cranes in moderate climates.

S355N offers enhanced toughness due to its fine-grain, low-alloy structure, while S355JR is more cost-effective for less demanding projects.

 

Chemical Composition Comparison

The chemical composition of S355JR vs S355N influences their properties:

Element

S355JR (EN 10025-2, max %)

S355N (EN 10025-3, Ladle, max %)

Role in Properties

Carbon (C)

0.24

0.20

S355N’s lower C enhances weldability and toughness.

Silicon (Si)

0.55

0.50

S355JR’s higher Si aids deoxidation.

Manganese (Mn)

1.60

0.90-1.65

S355N’s range supports fine-grain structure.

Phosphorus (P)

0.035

0.030

S355N’s lower P improves toughness.

Sulfur (S)

0.035

0.025

S355N’s lower S enhances weld quality.

Nitrogen (N)

0.012

0.025

S355JR’s lower N reduces brittleness.

Aluminum (Al)

-

0.020 (min, total)

S355N’s Al refines grains for toughness.

Niobium (Nb)

-

0.05

S355N’s Nb enhances fine-grain structure.

Vanadium (V)

-

0.10

S355N’s V boosts strength.

Chromium (Cr)

0.30

0.30

Similar, improves corrosion resistance.

Nickel (Ni)

0.30

0.50

S355N’s higher Ni improves toughness.

Molybdenum (Mo)

-

0.10

S355N’s Mo enhances strength.

Copper (Cu)

0.55

0.55

Similar, aids corrosion resistance.

Carbon Equivalent (CEV):

  • S355JR: ≤0.45% (≤40 mm).
  • S355N: ≤0.43% (≤63 mm).

S355N’s microalloying (Nb, V, Al), lower carbon (0.20% vs 0.24%), and lower impurities (P: 0.030% vs 0.035%, S: 0.025% vs 0.035%) enhance its fine-grain structure and toughness, while S355JR’s simpler composition makes it more economical, similar to en 10025 3 s420n normalized structural steel plate.

 

Mechanical Properties Comparison

S355JR vs S355N mechanical properties highlight their differences:

Property

S355JR (EN 10025-2, ≤16 mm)

S355N (EN 10025-3, ≤16 mm)

Yield Strength (min, MPa)

355

355

Tensile Strength (MPa)

470-630

470-630

Elongation (min, %)

22

22

Impact Toughness (min, J)

Not mandatory (optional @ -20°C)

27 @ -20°C

Hardness (Brinell)

140-180 (typical)

150-190 (typical)

  • Yield Strength: Both offer 355 MPa, ideal for moderate-load structures.
  • Tensile Strength: Identical range (470-630 MPa) ensures comparable durability.
  • Elongation: Both provide ≥22%, supporting complex designs.
  • Impact Toughness: S355N guarantees ≥27 J at -20°C; S355JR’s toughness is not mandatory but can be specified (e.g., as S355JR+AR).
  • Hardness: S355N’s higher hardness (150-190 HB vs 140-180 HB) reflects its fine-grain structure.
  • Thickness: S355JR up to 400 mm, S355N up to 200 mm, offering greater thickness versatility for S355JR, similar to en 10025 3 s355n normalized structural steel plate.

 

Processing and Fabrication

  • S355JR: Hot-rolled, non-alloy steel with simpler processing; excellent weldability due to low CEV (≤0.45%). Preheating rarely needed for thinner plates.
  • S355N: Normalized for fine-grain microstructure, enhancing toughness for demanding welds. Preheating typically not required for <20 mm; optional for thicker plates (100-150°C); PWHT optional (550-650°C). CEV ≤0.43%.

Consumables: Both use ER70S-6 (GMAW) and EM12K flux with EH14 wire (SAW). S355N’s lower impurities and microalloying improve weld quality, similar to en 10025 3 s275n normalized structural steel plate.

 

Applications

  • S355JR: General construction, buildings, and infrastructure where standard toughness is sufficient, benefiting from cost-effective processing.
  • S355N: High-load structures like bridges, cranes, and heavy machinery in moderate climates, leveraging guaranteed -20°C toughness and fine-grain structure.

S355N is preferred for critical applications requiring assured toughness, while S355JR suits cost-sensitive projects. For colder climates, consider en 10025 3 s355nl normalized structural steel plate.

 

Key Differences Summarized

Feature

S355JR (EN 10025-2)

S355N (EN 10025-3)

Type

Non-alloy, hot-rolled

Low-alloy, normalized

Composition

Simpler, no microalloying

Microalloyed (Nb, V, Al)

CEV

≤0.45%

≤0.43%

Toughness

Not mandatory

Guaranteed ≥27 J @ -20°C

Applications

General construction, buildings

High-load structures (bridges, cranes)

Cost

Lower (simpler processing)

Higher (normalization, microalloying)

 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel supplies S355JR and S355N:

  • Inventory: Extensive stock in China.
  • Sizes: Thickness 6–400 mm (S355JR), 6–200 mm (S355N), widths 2000/2500/3000 mm, lengths up to 12,000 mm.
  • Delivery: 7-30 days globally.
  • Certifications: EN 10204 3.1/3.2, UT testing (EN 10160), ABS/LR/BV/DNV approvals.
  • Processing: Cutting, welding, bending.

Contact us for en 10025 3 s355n normalized structural steel plate.

 

FAQ

What is the main difference in S355JR vs S355N?
S355JR is a non-alloy, hot-rolled steel with no mandatory toughness testing, while S355N is a normalized, low-alloy steel with guaranteed -20°C toughness.

How do S355JR and S355N toughness compare?
S355N guarantees ≥27 J at -20°C, ideal for critical applications; S355JR’s toughness is optional, suitable for general use.

Which is better for welding, S355JR or S355N?
S355N’s lower impurities (S: 0.025%, P: 0.030%) and CEV (≤0.43%) slightly enhance weldability compared to S355JR (S: 0.035%, P: 0.035%, CEV ≤0.45%).

What applications suit S355JR vs S355N?
S355JR suits general construction and buildings; S355N is ideal for high-load structures like bridges and cranes, similar to en 10025 3 s275n normalized structural steel plate.

How do S355JR and S355N costs compare?
S355N is 10-20% more expensive than S355JR due to normalization and microalloying.

What certifications support S355JR and S355N?
Gangsteel provides both with EN 10204 3.1/3.2, UT testing (EN 10160), and ABS/LR/BV/DNV approvals.

 

Summary

S355JR and S355N are high-strength structural steels under EN 10025, both offering 355 MPa yield strength and 470-630 MPa tensile strength, but differing in processing and toughness.

S355JR (EN 10025-2) is a non-alloy, hot-rolled steel for cost-effective general construction, while S355N (EN 10025-3) is a normalized, low-alloy steel with guaranteed -20°C toughness for critical applications like bridges and cranes.

Gangsteel’s inventory supports thicknesses up to 400 mm (S355JR) and 200 mm (S355N), with global delivery in 7-30 days and certifications like EN 10204 3.1/3.2.

S355N excels in high-toughness applications, while S355JR offers versatility and lower costs, providing tailored solutions for diverse structural needs.

 

 

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