S355N vs S355MC Steel Comparison

S355N vs S355MC Steel Comparison

At Gangsteel, we’re here to clarify the differences between S355N vs S355MC, two high-strength structural steels under the EN 10025 standard, each tailored for specific applications. S355N, under EN 10025-3, is a normalized, low-alloy steel with 355 MPa yield strength and -20°C toughness, ideal for demanding structures like bridges and cranes in moderate climates. S355MC, under EN 10149-2, is a thermomechanically rolled, high-strength steel with superior formability, suited for cold-formed components in automotive and machinery applications.

As part of the en 10025 3 normalized steel plate and EN 10149-2 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 S355N and S355MC

• S355N (EN 10025-3, 1.0545): A normalized or normalized rolled fine-grain steel with 355 MPa yield strength and -20°C toughness, designed for high-load structural applications like bridges and cranes in moderate climates.
• S355MC (EN 10149-2): A thermomechanically rolled, high-strength low-alloy steel with ≥355 MPa yield strength, optimized for cold forming in applications like automotive frames and machinery components.

S355N excels in structural integrity and toughness, while S355MC is tailored for formability and lighter, cold-formed structures.

Chemical Composition Comparison

The chemical composition of S355N vs S355MC influences their properties:

Carbon Equivalent (CEV):

• S355N: ≤0.43% (≤63 mm).
• S355MC: ≤0.35% (≤10 mm).

S355MC’s lower carbon (0.12% vs 0.20%), sulfur (0.020% vs 0.025%), phosphorus (0.025% vs 0.030%), and higher microalloying (Nb, V, Ti) enhance formability and weldability, while S355N’s composition supports robust toughness, similar to en 10025 3 s420n normalized structural steel plate.

Mechanical Properties Comparison

S355N vs S355MC mechanical properties highlight their differences:

• Yield Strength: Both offer ≥355 MPa, suitable for moderate-load applications.
• Tensile Strength: S355N’s 470-630 MPa exceeds S355MC’s 430-550 MPa, reflecting its structural focus.
• Elongation: S355MC’s ≥23% slightly surpasses S355N’s ≥22%, enhancing formability for cold working.
• Impact Toughness: S355N guarantees ≥27 J at -20°C; S355MC’s toughness is not mandatory, prioritizing formability.
• Hardness: S355MC’s lower hardness (130-170 HB vs 150-190 HB) supports its cold-forming capabilities.
• Thickness: S355N up to 200 mm, S355MC typically ≤10 mm, reflecting different applications, similar to en 10025 3 s355n normalized structural steel plate.

Processing and Fabrication

• S355N: Normalized for fine-grain microstructure, enhancing toughness for structural welds. Preheating typically not required for <20 mm; optional for thicker plates (100-150°C); PWHT optional (550-650°C). CEV ≤0.43%.
• S355MC: Thermomechanically rolled for superior formability; low CEV (≤0.35%) minimizes preheating needs, ideal for cold forming and welding.

Consumables: Both use ER70S-6 (GMAW) and EM12K flux with EH14 wire (SAW). S355MC’s lower CEV and impurities enhance weld quality, similar to en 10025 3 s275n normalized structural steel plate.

Applications

• S355N: High-load structures like bridges, cranes, and building frameworks in moderate climates, leveraging guaranteed -20°C toughness.
• S355MC: Cold-formed components in automotive frames, machinery parts, and structural profiles, benefiting from high formability and lower thickness.

S355N is suited for robust structural applications, while S355MC excels in lightweight, formed components. For colder climates, consider en 10025 3 s355nl normalized structural steel plate.

Key Differences Summarized

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel supplies S355N and S355MC:

• Inventory: Extensive stock in China.
• Sizes: Thickness 6–200 mm (S355N), ≤10 mm (S355MC), 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 S355N vs S355MC?
S355N is a normalized steel for structural toughness, while S355MC is thermomechanically rolled for cold-forming applications.

How do S355N and S355MC toughness compare?
S355N guarantees ≥27 J at -20°C for structural reliability; S355MC’s toughness is not mandatory, prioritizing formability.

Which is better for welding, S355N or S355MC?
S355MC’s lower CEV (≤0.35% vs ≤0.43%) and impurities enhance weldability, ideal for cold-formed parts.

What applications suit S355N vs S355MC?
S355N is ideal for bridges and cranes; S355MC suits automotive frames and machinery parts, similar to en 10025 3 s275n normalized structural steel plate.

How do S355N and S355MC costs compare?
S355MC is 10-20% more expensive due to thermomechanical processing and formability focus.

What certifications support S355N and S355MC?
Gangsteel provides both with EN 10204 3.1/3.2, UT testing (EN 10160), and ABS/LR/BV/DNV approvals.

Summary

S355N and S355MC are high-strength steels with ≥355 MPa yield strength, but they differ in processing and application focus.

S355N (EN 10025-3) is a normalized steel with -20°C toughness for structural applications like bridges and cranes, while S355MC (EN 10149-2) is thermomechanically rolled for cold-formed automotive and machinery components.

Gangsteel’s inventory supports S355N up to 200 mm and S355MC up to 10 mm, with global delivery in 7-30 days and certifications like EN 10204 3.1/3.2.

S355N excels in structural toughness, while S355MC prioritizes formability, offering tailored solutions for diverse engineering needs.