Home > News >

 

 

 

S460N vs S460NL Comparison

At Gangsteel, we’re here to clarify the differences between S460N vs S460NL, two high-strength, low-alloy structural steels under EN 10025-3, to help you choose the right material for your project. Both S460N and S460NL offer a fine-grain structure and 460 MPa yield strength, but S460N is tested for -20°C toughness, while S460NL excels at -50°C, making it ideal for colder climates.

As part of the en 10025 3 normalized steel plate family, both grades are normalized for consistent performance. 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 s355n normalized structural steel plate. For more details, visit our en 10025 3 s460n normalized structural steel plate or en 10025 3 s460nl normalized structural steel plate pages.

 

Overview of S460N and S460NL

  • S460N (EN 10025-3, 1.8901): Normalized or normalized rolled, with 460 MPa yield strength and -20°C toughness, ideal for bridges and cranes in moderate climates (e.g., temperate Europe).
  • S460NL (EN 10025-3, 1.8903): Normalized or normalized rolled, with 460 MPa yield strength and -50°C toughness, suited for cold climates (e.g., Arctic regions or northern Europe).

Both grades share similar processing but differ in low-temperature performance, with S460NL offering superior toughness for extreme conditions.

 

Chemical Composition Comparison

The chemical composition of S460N vs S460NL influences their toughness:

Element

S460N (EN 10025-3, Ladle, max %)

S460NL (EN 10025-3, Ladle, max %)

Role in Properties

Carbon (C)

0.20

0.20

Enhances strength, kept low for weldability.

Silicon (Si)

0.60

0.60

Aids deoxidation, improves strength.

Manganese (Mn)

1.00-1.70

1.00-1.70

Boosts strength and toughness.

Phosphorus (P)

0.030

0.025

S460NL’s lower P enhances toughness.

Sulfur (S)

0.025

0.020

S460NL’s lower S improves weld quality.

Niobium (Nb)

0.05

0.05

Refines grains for toughness.

Vanadium (V)

0.20

0.20

Boosts strength via precipitation hardening.

Titanium (Ti)

0.05

0.05

Refines grains, supports toughness.

Chromium (Cr)

0.30

0.30

Enhances corrosion resistance and strength.

Nickel (Ni)

0.80

0.80

Improves low-temperature toughness.

Molybdenum (Mo)

0.10

0.10

Boosts strength and creep resistance.

Copper (Cu)

0.55

0.55

Enhances corrosion resistance.

Nitrogen (N)

0.025

0.025

Controlled to avoid brittleness.

Aluminum (Al)

0.020 (min, total)

0.020 (min, total)

Refines grains for toughness.

Carbon Equivalent (CEV):

  • S460N: ≤0.48% (≤63 mm).
  • S460NL: ≤0.48% (≤63 mm).

S460NL’s lower sulfur (0.020% vs 0.025%) and phosphorus (0.025% vs 0.030%) enhance toughness and weldability, making it better for sub-zero climates, similar to en 10025 3 s420n normalized structural steel plate.

 

Mechanical Properties Comparison

S460N vs S460NL mechanical properties highlight their differences:

Property

S460N (EN 10025-3, ≤16 mm)

S460NL (EN 10025-3, ≤16 mm)

Yield Strength (min, MPa)

460

460

Tensile Strength (MPa)

540-720

540-720

Elongation (min, %)

17

17

Impact Toughness (min, J)

27 @ -20°C

27 @ -50°C

Hardness (Brinell)

170-210 (typical)

170-210 (typical)

  • Strength: Both offer 460 MPa yield strength, ideal for heavy loads in structures like bridges and cranes.
  • Tensile Strength: 540-720 MPa ensures durability under high tensile forces.
  • Elongation: ≥17% supports complex structural designs.
  • Impact Toughness: S460N’s ≥27 J at -20°C suits moderate climates; S460NL’s ≥27 J at -50°C excels in cold environments, making it ideal for extreme conditions.
  • Hardness: Typically 170-210 HB (Brinell), balancing machinability and durability, comparable to en 10025 3 s355n normalized structural steel plate.
  • Thickness: Both support up to 200 mm, offering versatility for structural applications.

 

Processing and Fabrication

  • S460N: Normalized for consistent microstructure, suited for standard welding and machining. Preheating (100-150°C) for plates >20 mm; post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) optional at 550-650°C.
  • S460NL: Normalized with stricter impurity control (lower sulfur and phosphorus) for enhanced toughness; similar welding requirements.

Consumables: Both use ER70S-6 for GMAW and EM12K flux with EH14 wire for SAW. S460NL’s lower impurities reduce weld imperfections, improving reliability in cold climates, similar to en 10025 3 s275n normalized structural steel plate.

 

Applications

  • S460N: Ideal for bridges, cranes, and building frameworks in moderate climates (e.g., temperate Europe) where temperatures rarely drop below -20°C.
  • S460NL: Suited for offshore platforms, wind towers, and bridges in cold climates (e.g., Arctic regions or northern Europe) due to its superior -50°C toughness.

S460NL is preferred for sub-zero conditions, while S460N is optimal for milder environments.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel is your trusted source for S460N and S460NL:

  • Inventory: Extensive stock in China for rapid delivery.
  • Sizes: Thicknesses from 6–200 mm, widths up to 2000/2500/3000 mm, lengths up to 12,000 mm.
  • Delivery: Ships globally in 7-30 days.
  • Certifications: EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates, ultrasonic testing (UT) per EN 10160, and approvals from ABS, LR, BV, or DNV.
  • Processing: Cutting, welding, and bending tailored to your project needs.

Contact us for en 10025 3 s460n normalized structural steel plate or en 10025 3 s460nl normalized structural steel plate.

 

FAQ

What is the main difference in S460N vs S460NL?
S460N offers -20°C toughness for moderate climates, while S460NL provides -50°C toughness for cold climates, both with 460 MPa yield strength.

How does S460N vs S460NL toughness compare?
S460NL’s -50°C impact toughness (≥27 J) outperforms S460N’s -20°C toughness, making it ideal for arctic environments like offshore platforms.

Which is better for welding, S460N or S460NL?
S460NL’s lower sulfur (0.020% vs 0.025%) and phosphorus (0.025% vs 0.030%) slightly improve weldability, though both have a CEV ≤0.48% and are compatible with GMAW/SAW.

What applications suit S460N vs S460NL?
S460N is ideal for bridges and cranes in moderate climates; S460NL suits offshore platforms, wind towers, and bridges in cold climates due to enhanced low-temperature toughness.

How do S460N vs S460NL compare to S355N?
Both S460N and S460NL have higher yield strength (460 MPa vs 355 MPa) than S355N, with S460NL offering superior -50°C toughness for colder environments.

What certifications support S460N and S460NL?
Gangsteel provides both S460N and S460NL with EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates, UT testing per EN 10160, and ABS/LR/BV/DNV approvals for global compliance.

 

 

Other Products