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S460N Z35 Z25 Z15 Grades

At Gangsteel, we know the details make all the difference, and the S460N Z35, S460N Z25, and S460N Z15 grades are perfect examples of how to boost toughness in high-strength structural steel. As part of the en 10025 3 normalized steel plate family, these Z-grades of S460N, a fine-grain structural steel under EN 10025-3, offer superior through-thickness ductility to prevent lamellar tearing in heavy welds.

Whether you're tackling offshore platforms or bridges, S460N Z35, Z25, and Z15 provide the reliability you need. Gangsteel breaks down the Z-grades, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications, comparing them to grades like en 10025 3 s420n normalized structural steel plate and en 10025 3 s355n normalized structural steel plate. For more details, check out our en 10025 3 s460n normalized structural steel plate.

 

What are S460N Z-Grades?

S460N is a high-strength structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa for plates up to 16 mm thick. The Z-grades, per EN 10164, add through-thickness quality for enhanced toughness:

  • S460N Z15: ≥15% reduction of area, basic quality for moderate welds.
  • S460N Z25: ≥25% reduction of area, for standard heavy welds.
  • S460N Z35: ≥35% reduction of area, the highest quality for critical heavy welds, preventing lamellar tearing.

These grades ensure ductility through the plate thickness, vital for thick sections in welded structures. Compared to en 10025 3 s355n normalized structural steel plate, S460N Z35 offers higher strength and ductility for more demanding applications.

 

Chemical Composition of S460N Z-Grades

The chemical composition of S460N Z35, Z25, and Z15 is the same as standard S460N, with low impurities for Z-quality:

Element

Ladle Analysis (max %)

Product Analysis (max %)

Carbon (C)

0.20

0.22

Silicon (Si)

0.60

0.65

Manganese (Mn)

1.00-1.70

0.95-1.80

Phosphorus (P)

0.030

0.035

Sulfur (S)

0.025

0.030

Nitrogen (N)

0.025

0.027

Aluminum (Al)

0.020 (min, total)

0.015 (min, total)

Niobium (Nb)

0.05

0.06

Vanadium (V)

0.20

0.22

Titanium (Ti)

0.05

0.06

Carbon Equivalent (CEV): ≤0.48% (≤63 mm), calculated as CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15, ensures weldability. Low sulfur (≤0.025%) minimizes inclusions, critical for Z-grades.

 

Mechanical Properties of S460N Z-Grades

The mechanical properties of S460N Z35, Z25, and Z15 match standard S460N, with added through-thickness ductility:

Thickness (mm)

Yield Strength (min, MPa)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Elongation (min, %)

Impact Energy (min, J @ -20°C)

Z-Quality (Reduction of Area)

≤16

460

540-720

17

27

Z15: ≥15%, Z25: ≥25%, Z35: ≥35%

16<t≤40

440

540-720

17

27

Z15: ≥15%, Z25: ≥25%, Z35: ≥35%

40<t≤63

430

540-720

17

27

Z15: ≥15%, Z25: ≥25%, Z35: ≥35%

63<t≤80

410

540-720

17

27

Z15: ≥15%, Z25: ≥25%, Z35: ≥35%

80<t≤100

400

540-720

17

27

Z15: ≥15%, Z25: ≥25%, Z35: ≥35%

  • Z-Quality: S460N Z35 ensures ≥35% reduction of area through thickness (EN 10164), preventing lamellar tearing in heavy welds; Z25 ≥25%, Z15 ≥15%.
  • Yield Strength: ≥460 MPa (≤16 mm) for load-bearing capacity.
  • Tensile Strength: 540-720 MPa for durability.
  • Impact Toughness: ≥27 J at -20°C for moderate climates.

 

Z-Test for Through-Thickness Toughness

The Z-test per EN 10164 measures ductility through the plate thickness to prevent lamellar tearing:

  • Z15: ≥15% reduction of area, basic quality for moderate welds.
  • Z25: ≥25% reduction of area, for standard heavy welds.
  • Z35: ≥35% reduction of area, highest quality for critical heavy welds.
  • Testing: Tensile test on cylindrical samples from the plate thickness, ensuring no internal defects.

Z-grades are optional but essential for thick plates (>40 mm) in welded structures.

 

Welding and Heat Treatment

S460N Z35, Z25, and Z15 are weldable:

  • Welding: GMAW or SAW per EN 1011-2. Preheating (100-150°C) for >20 mm; Z-quality reduces cracking risk.
  • PWHT: Optional at 550-650°C for critical welds.
  • Consumables: ER70S-6 (GMAW), EM12K flux with EH14 wire (SAW).

Z-grades ensure weld reliability in heavy joints.

 

Applications of S460N Z-Grades

S460N Z35, Z25, and Z15 are used in:

  • Bridges: Z35 for thick welded joints in moderate climates.
  • Cranes: Z25/Z35 for heavy structural welds.
  • Building Frameworks: Z35 for critical load-bearing welds.
  • Heavy Machinery: Z25/Z35 for robust welds.

S460N Z15 suits less demanding welds.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel supplies S460N Z-grades:

  • Inventory: Extensive stock in China.
  • Sizes: Thickness 6–200 mm, widths 2000/2500/3000 mm, lengths up to 12,000 mm.
  • Delivery: 7-30 days globally.
  • Certifications: EN 10204 3.1/3.2, Z-test (EN 10164), UT testing (EN 10160), ABS/LR/BV/DNV approvals.
  • Processing: Cutting, welding, bending.

Contact us for en 10025 3 normalized steel plate.

 

FAQ

What is S460N Z35?
S460N Z35 is S460N with Z35 quality per EN 10164, ensuring ≥35% reduction of area through thickness, preventing lamellar tearing in heavy welded structures like bridges.

How does S460N Z25 differ from Z35?
S460N Z25 requires ≥25% reduction of area for moderate welds, while Z35 (≥35%) is for critical heavy welds in cranes, both with -20°C toughness.

What is S460N-Z35?
S460N-Z35 is synonymous with S460N Z35, denoting high through-thickness ductility (≥35% reduction) per EN 10164, ideal for thick plates.

What is S460N Z15?
S460N Z15 is the basic Z-quality with ≥15% reduction of area, suitable for less demanding welds in moderate-thickness plates.

Are S460N Z-grades weldable?
Yes, S460N Z-grades are weldable with CEV ≤0.48%, using GMAW/SAW with preheating (100-150°C for >20 mm); Z-quality reduces lamellar tearing risks.

What applications use S460N Z25?
S460N Z25 is used in moderate welded structures like cranes and frameworks, with ≥25% through-thickness ductility ensuring weld reliability.

 

 

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