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What is the difference between S355ML and S355NL?

S355MLand S355NL are very similar low-temperature structural steels with identical strength, toughness, and chemistry — both deliver 355 MPa yield and ≥27 J impact at –50 °C. The only real difference is the manufacturing process and resulting material behavior.

Here’s a clear, practical comparison:


 

Quick Summary Table

Feature

S355NL (EN 10025-3)

S355ML (EN 10025-4)

Winner for Most Projects

Standard

EN 10025-3

EN 10025-4

Delivery Condition

Normalized or normalized rolled

Thermomechanical rolled (TMCP)

S355ML

Manufacturing

Separate heat treatment (880–920°C + air cool)

Controlled rolling + accelerated cooling (no extra heat)

S355ML(cheaper, greener)

Residual Stress

Higher

Very low

S355ML

Flatness

Good

Excellent (<3 mm/m)

S355ML

Weld HAZ Toughness

Good

Superior (finer grain)

S355ML

Distortion in Fab

Higher

20–30% less

S355ML

Z35 Through-Thickness

Good

Outstanding

S355ML

Price (Nov 2025)

Baseline

+$60–100/ton

S355NL cheaper, but S355ML better value

Market Share (Offshore Wind)

20–30%

70–80%

S355ML


Key Takeaway: They are twins — but S355ML is the better twin for 90% of modern projects.

Both meet the same mechanical specs:

  • Yield: 355 → 285 MPa (by thickness)
  • Tensile: 470–630 MPa
  • Elongation: ≥22%
  • Impact: ≥27 J at –50 °C
  • CEV: ≤0.39 (typical 0.35–0.38)

But S355ML (TMCP) wins because:

  • No separate normalizing step → lower cost & energy
  • Lower residual stress → less distortion after cutting/welding
  • Finer, more uniform microstructure → better HAZ toughness
  • Better flatness → easier fit-up in fabrication
  • Preferred by DNV, ABS, LR for offshore wind monopiles

 

When to Choose S355NL (Normalized)

Only if:

  • Your spec explicitly requires normalized delivery
  • You're using very thick plates (>150 mm) in a controlled shop with normalizing furnace
  • You need slightly lower price and don’t mind minor distortion

Real-World Usage (2025)

Project Type

Preferred Grade

Offshore Wind Monopiles

S355ML(90%+)

Arctic LNG Modules

S355ML

Standard Bridges

S355NL or S355ML

Heavy Cranes

S355ML

Cold-Region Buildings

Either


 

China Market Price (Nov 2025, FOB Shanghai)

Grade

20–50 mm

100–150 mm

Z35 Add-on

S355NL

$650–720

$680–750

+$15–25

S355ML

$710–780

$740–810

Included

Gangsteel factory-direct: 5–10% below market


 

Need Plates Now?

Gangsteel has both S355ML and S355NL in stock with full certs.

Email: admin@gangsteel.com WhatsApp: +86 135 9887 9167 Website: https://gangsteel.net/

 

We ship to the U.S. in 15–25 days (Houston, LA, NY).


Bottom Line: Use S355ML unless your spec forces S355NL. It’s stronger in practice, easier to fabricate, and dominates modern offshore projects.

Let me know your thickness, quantity, and port — I’ll send a quote in 2 hours.

 

Others relative propery of en 10025-4 S355ML

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