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S355NL Steel for Cold Climates

S355NL temperature performance and S355NL steel properties make this high-strength, low-alloy structural steel under EN 10025-3 an excellent choice for applications in cold climates. With guaranteed toughness at -50°C, S355NL is ideal for structures like offshore platforms, wind towers, and bridges in sub-zero environments.

This article explores how S355NL temperature performance, chemical composition, and S355NL steel properties support its use in cold climates, addressing core keywords s355nl temperature and s355nl steel properties. For more details, visit our EN 10025-3 S355NL normalized structural steel plate.

 

Why S355NL Excels in Cold Climates

S355NL is a fine-grain structural steel under EN 10025-3, designed for high strength and low-temperature performance. Its designation indicates:

  • S: Structural steel.
  • 355: Minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (≤16 mm).
  • NL: Normalized or normalized rolled, with impact toughness tested at -50°C.

The S355NL temperature performance, with a guaranteed Charpy V-notch impact energy of ≥27 J at -50°C, ensures resistance to brittle fracture in cold climates, making it suitable for arctic and northern applications.

 

S355NL Temperature Performance

The S355NL temperature performance is defined by its ability to maintain toughness and strength in sub-zero conditions:

  • Impact Toughness: ≥27 J at -50°C (longitudinal), per EN 10025-3, ensures reliability in extreme cold, such as arctic offshore platforms.
  • Operating Range: Suitable for temperatures from -50°C to +500°C, with coatings recommended for corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
  • Testing: Charpy V-notch tests (EN ISO 148-1) confirm toughness, critical for dynamic loads in cold climates like wind turbine towers.

This performance makes S355NL a top choice for structures exposed to sub-zero temperatures.

 

Chemical Composition Supporting Cold Performance

The chemical composition of S355NL enhances its low-temperature properties:

Element

Ladle Analysis (max %)

Product Analysis (max %)

Carbon (C)

0.18

0.20

Silicon (Si)

0.50

0.55

Manganese (Mn)

0.90-1.65

0.85-1.75

Phosphorus (P)

0.025

0.035

Sulfur (S)

0.015

0.025

Nitrogen (N)

0.015

0.017

Aluminum (Al)

0.020 (min, total)

0.015 (min, total)

Niobium (Nb)

0.05

0.06

Vanadium (V)

0.12

0.15

Titanium (Ti)

0.05

0.06

Chromium (Cr)

0.30

0.35

Nickel (Ni)

0.30

0.35

Molybdenum (Mo)

0.10

0.13

Copper (Cu)

0.55

0.60

Key Elements:

  • Low Carbon (C): ≤0.18% reduces brittleness, supporting S355NL temperature toughness.
  • Aluminum (Al), Niobium (Nb): Promote fine-grain structure for enhanced low-temperature performance.
  • Low Sulfur (S) and Phosphorus (P): Minimize inclusions, improving toughness at -50°C.

Carbon Equivalent (CEV): ≤0.43% (≤63 mm), calculated as CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15, ensures weldability.

 

S355NL Steel Properties

The S355NL steel properties are tailored for cold climates:

Thickness (mm)

Yield Strength (min, MPa)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Elongation (min, %)

Impact Energy (min, J @ -50°C)

≤16

355

470-630

22

27

16<t≤40

345

470-630

22

27

40<t≤63

335

470-630

22

27

63<t≤80

325

470-630

21

27

80<t≤100

305

470-630

21

27

100<t≤150

285

450-610

21

27

150<t≤200

265

450-610

21

27

200<t≤250

245

450-610

21

27

  • Yield Strength: ≥355 MPa (≤16 mm) supports heavy loads in cold environments.
  • Tensile Strength: 470-630 MPa ensures durability under tension.
  • Elongation: ≥22% allows ductility for complex designs.
  • Impact Toughness: ≥27 J at -50°C underpins S355NL temperature performance.

 

Welding and Heat Treatment

S355NL is highly weldable, supporting its use in cold climates:

  • Welding: Compatible with GMAW and SAW per EN 1011-2. Preheating (100-150°C) for >20 mm; no preheat for thinner plates.
  • PWHT: Optional at 550-650°C for critical welds.
  • Consumables: ER70S-6 (GMAW), EM12K flux with EH14 wire (SAW).

The fine-grain structure ensures weld integrity in sub-zero conditions.

 

Applications in Cold Climates

The S355NL steel properties make it ideal for:

  • Offshore Platforms: Resists fatigue in cold marine environments (e.g., Arctic seas).
  • Wind Turbine Towers: Supports heavy loads in sub-zero climates (e.g., northern Europe).
  • Bridges: Load-bearing components in arctic regions (e.g., Scandinavia).
  • Pressure Vessels: Low-temperature storage for LNG or gases.

Explore related grades like EN 10025-3 S420NL normalized structural steel plate.

 

Equivalent Grades

Standard

Equivalent Grade

Notes

EN 10025-4

S355M

Thermomechanically rolled, -50°C toughness.

EN 10025-3

S355N

-20°C toughness, less cold-tolerant.

DIN

TStE 355

Similar strength and toughness.

GB (China)

Q345E

-40°C toughness, close match.

ASTM/ASME

A633 Grade E

-40°C toughness, yield ~415 MPa.

See EN 10025-3 S355N normalized structural steel plate.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel supplies S355NL:

  • Inventory: Extensive stock in China.
  • Sizes: Thickness 6–250 mm, 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 S355NL normalized structural steel plate.

 

FAQ

What is the S355NL temperature performance?
S355NL temperature performance includes ≥27 J impact toughness at -50°C, ensuring reliability in sub-zero climates like arctic offshore platforms and northern bridges, with operational range from -50°C to +500°C.

How do S355NL steel properties support cold climates?
S355NL steel properties include 355 MPa yield strength, 470-630 MPa tensile strength, ≥22% elongation, and -50°C toughness, ideal for resisting brittle fracture in cold environments like wind towers.

Is S355NL suitable for arctic conditions?
Yes, S355NL’s -50°C toughness (≥27 J) ensures performance in arctic conditions, such as offshore platforms in the Arctic Sea, with coatings recommended for corrosion resistance.

How weldable is S355NL in cold climates?
S355NL is highly weldable with CEV ≤0.43%, supporting GMAW/SAW with minimal preheating (100-150°C for >20 mm), ensuring strong welds for cold-climate structures like bridges.

What are applications of S355NL in cold climates?
S355NL is used in offshore platforms, wind towers, bridges, and pressure vessels in cold climates, leveraging its -50°C toughness and high strength for structural integrity.

How does S355NL compare to S355J2?
S355NL is normalized, tested at -50°C for cold climates; S355J2 is hot-rolled, tested at -20°C, suited for temperate regions. See EN 10025-3 S355N normalized structural steel plate.

 

 

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