S460NL ASTM Equivalent Materials

S460NL ASTM Equivalent Materials

S460NL is a high-strength, normalized structural steel grade defined in the European standard EN 10025-3. Because many international customers work with ASTM standards, a common question is: What is the ASTM equivalent of S460NL?
The short answer is: there is no exact ASTM equivalent steel grade, but some ASTM grades can be compared based on mechanical properties, strength level, and application.

1. Why S460NL Has No Direct ASTM Equivalent

Unlike lower-grade structural steels such as S355, the S460NL grade combines:

• Minimum yield strength of 460 MPa
• Normalized / Normalized-rolleddelivery condition (N, NL)
• Impact toughness at –50 °C(Charpy V-notch)
• Fine-grain structure with good weldability

ASTM standards do not provide one material that matches all these characteristics in a single specification. This is why S460NL is often marked as “No direct ASTM equivalent” in material conversion tables.

2. Closest ASTM Materials for Comparison (Not Fully Equivalent)

Although not identical, some ASTM grades are used as reference alternatives for similar applications.

Important:These are similar-use materials but not official equivalents. Each must be evaluated based on welding procedure, toughness, heat treatment, and design code requirements.

3. Key Mechanical Properties Comparison

4. When Replacing S460NL with ASTM Grades

When ASTM steel is required instead of S460NL, engineers should verify:

✅Yield strength and tensile strength
✅Impact toughness at required service temperature
✅Welding behavior and CE (Carbon Equivalent) value
✅Delivery condition (normalized vs quenched & tempered)
✅Compliance with design standards (EN, ASME, API, Eurocode)

5. Industry Applications Where Substitutes Are Used

6. Conclusion

• S460NL has no exact ASTM equivalent material
• ASTM A572 Gr.65, A633 Gr.E, or A709 Grade 50T are closest in strength but lack low-temperature toughness at –50 °C
• ASTM A514/A517 offer higher strength but different heat treatment and toughness values
• Any substitution must be approved by the engineer, design code, and project specifications

7. FAQ

Q1: Is ASTM A572 Grade 65 equal to S460NL?
No. A572 Gr.65 has similar yield strength (~450 MPa) but is not normalized and does not guarantee impact toughness at –50 °C.

Q2: What is the U.S. equivalent of S460NL?
There is no direct U.S. (ASTM) equivalent. Comparisons can be made, but a true equivalent does not exist.

Q3: Can S460NL be replaced with A514 steel?
Only in some heavy structural applications, but A514 is quenched and tempered with much higher strength and different welding requirements.