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S420NL Equivalent ASTM Steel: A Comprehensive Guide

As a premier exporter and manufacturer of high-quality structural steel plates, Gangsteel specializes in producing EN 10025-3 compliant materials, including the versatile S420NL steel grade. S420NL is a normalized fine-grain structural steel designed for welded constructions requiring enhanced toughness at low temperatures down to -50°C. Ideal for heavy-duty applications in bridges, cranes, and offshore structures, our S420NL plates are delivered in normalized or normalized rolled conditions to ensure superior weldability and impact resistance. For a comprehensive overview of our en 10025 3 normalized steel plate offerings, explore our full range.

 

Understanding S420NL Steel

S420NL steel, designated as 1.8912 under EN 10025-3, is a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) fine-grain structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa (for thicknesses ≤16 mm). The "NL" suffix indicates normalized delivery and low-temperature impact testing at -50°C (27 J minimum longitudinal), making it suitable for arctic or sub-zero environments. It excels in applications where brittle fracture resistance is critical, outperforming non-fine-grain grades like S420JR.

Gangsteel produces S420NL plates in thicknesses up to 250 mm, with controlled chemistry for optimal CEV (≤0.48) and weldability. Our plates undergo rigorous testing, including ultrasonic and Charpy impact, to meet global standards.

 

Chemical Composition of S420NL Steel

The chemical composition is balanced for strength, ductility, and low-temperature toughness (ladle analysis, max % unless noted, ≤100 mm thickness).

Element

Symbol

Min (%)

Max (%)

Carbon

C

-

0.20

Silicon

Si

-

0.60

Manganese

Mn

1.00

1.70

Nickel

Ni

-

0.80

Phosphorus

P

-

0.025

Sulfur

S

-

0.020

Chromium

Cr

-

0.30

Molybdenum

Mo

-

0.10

Vanadium

V

-

0.20

Nitrogen

N

-

0.025

Niobium

Nb

-

0.05

Titanium

Ti

-

0.05

Aluminum

Al

0.020

-

Copper

Cu

-

0.55

CEV

-

-

0.48

*Note: Low P/S improve toughness; Al ensures grain refinement.

 

Mechanical Properties of S420NL Steel

Properties for normalized (+N) condition, varying by thickness (minimum values).

Nominal Thickness (mm)

Yield Strength ReH Min (MPa)

Tensile Strength Rm (MPa)

Elongation A Min (%)

Charpy KV Longitudinal Min (J) at -50°C

Charpy KV Transverse Min (J) at -50°C

≤ 16

420

520–680

19

27

16

16 < t ≤ 40

400

520–680

19

27

16

40 < t ≤ 63

390

520–680

19

27

16

63 < t ≤ 80

380

520–680

18

27

16

80 < t ≤ 100

370

520–680

18

27

16

100 < t ≤ 150

360

500–650

18

27

16

150 < t ≤ 200

360

500–650

18

27

16

200 < t ≤ 250

340

500–650

18

27

16

*Note: Elongation per Lo = 5.65 √So. Impact values increase at higher temperatures.

 

ASTM Equivalent to S420NL Steel

The ASTM equivalent to S420NL is A633 Grade C (ASTM A633/A633M), a normalized high-strength low-alloy structural steel with 345 MPa yield (for thicknesses ≤65 mm) and good low-temperature toughness (27 J at -40°C, which can be specified to -50°C). A572 Grade 60 (415 MPa yield) is also close, but A633 Gr. C better matches the low-temperature requirements. Substitution requires verifying impact testing and CEV for offshore or cold applications.

 

Chemical Comparison: S420NL vs A633 Grade C

Element

S420NL Max (%)

A633 Gr. C Max (%)

C

0.20

0.20

Si

0.60

0.15–0.50

Mn

1.70

1.15–1.50

P

0.025

0.035

S

0.020

0.040

CEV

0.48

~0.45

*Note: S420NL has tighter P/S for better toughness.

 

Mechanical Comparison: S420NL vs A633 Grade C (≤65 mm)

Property

S420NL

A633 Gr. C

Yield (MPa)

370–420

345

Tensile (MPa)

520–680

550–690

Elongation (%)

18–19

23

Impact (J at -50°C)

27

27 (specifiable)

*Note: A633 Gr. C standard impact at -40°C; specify -50°C for equivalence.

 

Substitution Guidelines

  • Use A633 Gr. C normalizedto match S420NL delivery.
  • Specify -50°C impact (27 J min).
  • Verify CEV ≤0.48for welding.
  • Welding: Similar procedures, no preheat ≤50 mm.

 

Why Gangsteel?

  • Dual-Certified Plates(EN + ASTM)
  • Stock– 6–250 mm
  • Testing– UT, Z35, HIC
  • Global Export

Contact: admin@gangsteel.com Product Page: en 10025 3 s420nl normalized structural steel plate


 

Summary

The ASTM equivalent to S420NL is A633 Grade C — matching ~370–420 MPa yield, 520–680 MPa tensile, and low-temperature toughness when specified. Both are ideal for welded structures in cold environments, with A633 Gr. C serving as a reliable substitute in US-standard projects. S420NL from Gangsteel ensures seamless sourcing with certified plates for optimal performance.


 

FAQ

What is the ASTM equivalent to S420NL?

A633 Grade C (ASTM A633/A633M) is the closest, with 345 MPa yield and low-temperature toughness; specify -50°C impact for full equivalence.

How do S420NL and A633 Gr. C differ chemically?

S420NL has higher Mn (1.00–1.70% vs 1.15–1.50%) and Ni (0.80% vs -), with similar CEV (~0.45–0.48) for weldability.

Are their mechanical properties identical?

A633 Gr. C has lower yield (345 MPa vs 370–420 MPa) but higher elongation (23% vs 18–19%). Impact at -50°C aligns if specified for A633.

Can A633 Gr. C replace S420NL in cold environments?

Yes, if normalized and tested for 27 J at -50°C, A633 Gr. C matches S420NL for applications like bridges or offshore platforms.

What if I need a higher-strength ASTM equivalent?

For S460NL, use A633 Grade D/E or A709 Grade 50W; contact Gangsteel for cross-standard guidance.

 

 

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