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S460NL Chemical Composition Explained

At Gangsteel, we’re eager to break down the S460NL chemical composition, which is the backbone of this high-strength, low-alloy structural steel’s performance under EN 10025-3. S460NL is a normalized or normalized rolled steel with a fine-grain structure, designed for exceptional strength and toughness in cold climates, making it a top choice for offshore platforms, bridges, and wind turbine towers.

As part of the en 10025 3 normalized steel plate family, S460NL’s chemical makeup ensures its reliability in demanding applications. Gangsteel explains how each element contributes to its properties, alongside mechanical characteristics and applications, with comparisons to grades like en 10025 3 s420nl normalized structural steel plate and en 10025 3 s355nl normalized structural steel plate. For more details, visit our en 10025 3 s460nl normalized structural steel plate page.

 

What is S460NL Steel?

S460NL is a high-strength structural steel under EN 10025-3, with a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa for plates up to 16 mm thick. Its designation indicates:

  • S: Structural steel.
  • 460: Minimum yield strength in MPa.
  • NL: Normalized or normalized rolled, tested for impact toughness at -50°C.

The S460NL chemical composition is carefully controlled to balance strength, toughness, and weldability, making it ideal for cold environments, outperforming en 10025 3 s355nl normalized structural steel plate in strength for heavier structural demands.

 

S460NL Chemical Composition

Gangsteel ensures the S460NL chemical composition meets EN 10025-3 standards for optimal performance:

Element

Ladle Analysis (max %)

Product Analysis (max %)

Role in S460NL

Carbon (C)

0.20

0.22

Enhances strength, kept low for weldability and toughness.

Silicon (Si)

0.60

0.65

Aids deoxidation, improves strength and microstructure.

Manganese (Mn)

1.00-1.70

0.95-1.80

Boosts strength and toughness, supports load-bearing capacity.

Phosphorus (P)

0.025

0.030

Minimized to reduce inclusions, enhancing toughness.

Sulfur (S)

0.020

0.025

Low levels prevent inclusions, improving weld quality.

Nitrogen (N)

0.025

0.027

Controlled to avoid brittleness, supporting toughness.

Aluminum (Al)

0.020 (min, total)

0.015 (min, total)

Refines grains for -50°C toughness, improves microstructure.

Niobium (Nb)

0.05

0.06

Promotes fine-grain structure, enhancing strength and toughness.

Vanadium (V)

0.20

0.22

Increases strength via precipitation hardening.

Titanium (Ti)

0.05

0.06

Refines grains, supports low-temperature toughness.

Chromium (Cr)

0.30

0.35

Enhances corrosion resistance and strength.

Nickel (Ni)

0.80

0.85

Improves toughness at low temperatures.

Molybdenum (Mo)

0.10

0.12

Boosts strength and creep resistance.

Copper (Cu)

0.55

0.60

Enhances corrosion resistance and strength.

Carbon Equivalent (CEV): Capped at 0.48% for plates up to 63 mm, calculated as CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15, ensuring excellent weldability. The S460NL chemical composition aligns with en 10025 3 s420nl normalized structural steel plate for weldability and toughness.

 

How the Chemical Composition Enhances S460NL Properties

  • Strength: Carbon (0.20%) and manganese (1.00-1.70%) provide high yield (460 MPa) and tensile strength (540-720 MPa), ideal for heavy structures.
  • Toughness: Aluminum, niobium, and titanium refine grains, ensuring ≥27 J impact toughness at -50°C, critical for cold climates.
  • Weldability: Low carbon, sulfur (0.020%), and phosphorus (0.025%) minimize inclusions, reducing weld imperfections.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Nickel (0.80%) and copper (0.55%) enhance durability in marine environments, like offshore platforms.

This composition makes S460NL outperform en 10025 3 s355n normalized structural steel plate in strength and cold performance.

 

Mechanical Properties Supporting the Chemical Composition

The S460NL chemical composition supports its mechanical properties:

Thickness (mm)

Yield Strength (min, MPa)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Elongation (min, %)

Impact Energy (min, J @ -50°C)

≤16

460

540-720

17

27

16<t≤40

440

540-720

17

27

40<t≤63

430

540-720

17

27

63<t≤80

410

540-720

17

27

80<t≤100

400

540-720

17

27

100<t≤150

380

520-680

17

27

150<t≤200

370

520-680

17

27

  • Yield Strength: ≥460 MPa for thin plates, ideal for heavy loads.
  • Tensile Strength: 540-720 MPa for durability.
  • Elongation: ≥17% for complex designs.
  • Impact Toughness: ≥27 J at -50°C for cold climates.
  • Hardness: Typically 170-210 HB, balancing machinability and strength.

 

Delivery Conditions and Specifications

Gangsteel provides S460NL with:

  • Standard: EN 10025-3:2019.
  • Condition: Normalized or normalized rolled.
  • Thickness Range: 6–200 mm, custom up to 250 mm.
  • Widths: 2000/2500/3000 mm.
  • Lengths: Up to 12,000 mm.
  • Certifications: EN 10204 3.1/3.2, UT testing (EN 10160), ABS/LR/BV/DNV approvals.
  • Z-Quality: Optional Z15/Z25/Z35 per EN 10164, similar to en 10025 3 s420n normalized structural steel plate.

 

Welding and Heat Treatment

The S460NL chemical composition supports weldability:

 

Applications

Gangsteel supplies S460NL for:

  • Offshore Platforms: Arctic marine conditions.
  • Wind Turbine Towers: Cold climates like northern Europe.
  • Bridges and Cranes: Northern regions like Scandinavia.
  • Heavy Machinery: Extreme environments.

Explore en 10025 3 s275nl normalized structural steel plate for lower-strength needs.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel is your trusted source for S460NL:

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

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

 

FAQ

What is the S460NL chemical composition?
The S460NL chemical composition includes ≤0.20% carbon, 1.00-1.70% manganese, ≤0.025% phosphorus/sulfur, and grain-refining elements like aluminum and niobium for strength and -50°C toughness.

How does the S460NL chemical composition support toughness?
Low carbon (0.20%), sulfur (0.020%), and phosphorus (0.025%) with aluminum and niobium ensure a fine-grain structure, delivering ≥27 J impact toughness at -50°C for cold climates.

Is S460NL weldable based on its chemical composition?
Yes, the S460NL chemical composition with CEV ≤0.48% supports GMAW/SAW welding with preheating (100-150°C for >20 mm), ensuring robust joints.

What applications use the S460NL chemical composition?
The S460NL chemical composition supports offshore platforms, wind towers, bridges, and cranes in cold climates, leveraging strength and toughness.

How does the S460NL chemical composition compare to S355NL?
S460NL’s composition (0.20% C, 1.00-1.70% Mn) supports higher yield strength (460 MPa vs 355 MPa) than S355NL, with similar low-temperature toughness.

What certifications support S460NL?
Gangsteel provides S460NL with EN 10204 3.1/3.2, UT testing (EN 10160), and ABS/LR/BV/DNV approvals, ensuring compliance for global projects.

 

 

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