S460NL vs S460ML Comparison

S460NL vs S460ML Comparison

At Gangsteel, we know choosing the right steel is critical for your project, and the S460NL vs S460ML comparison is key for engineers working with high-strength, low-alloy structural steels. S460NL, specified under EN 10025-3, is a normalized steel optimized for low-temperature toughness, while S460ML, under EN 10025-4, is thermomechanically rolled (TMCP) for enhanced formability and toughness in thinner sections.

Both belong to the en 10025 3 normalized steel plate family, but their processing and performance differ. Gangsteel compares their chemical composition, mechanical properties, weldability, and applications, alongside related 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.

Overview of S460NL and S460ML

S460NL (EN 10025-3)

S460NL is a normalized or normalized rolled fine-grain structural steel with:

• S: Structural steel.
• 460: Minimum yield strength of 460 MPa (≤16 mm).
• NL: Normalized, with impact toughness tested at -50°C.

It’s ideal for cold climates and thicker sections, such as offshore platforms and bridges, similar to en 10025 3 s420nl normalized structural steel plate.

S460ML (EN 10025-4)

S460ML is a thermomechanically rolled (TMCP) fine-grain structural steel with:

• S: Structural steel.
• 460: Minimum yield strength of 460 MPa (≤16 mm).
• ML: Thermomechanically rolled, with impact toughness tested at -50°C.

S460ML excels in formability and thinner sections, suited for cold-formed structures.

Chemical Composition Comparison

The S460NL vs S460ML comparison shows slight differences in composition affecting toughness and formability:

Carbon Equivalent (CEV):

• S460NL: ≤0.48% (≤63 mm).
• S460ML: ≤0.45% (≤40 mm).

Key Difference: S460ML’s lower carbon (0.16% vs 0.20%) and CEV (≤0.45%) enhance formability and weldability, while S460NL’s composition supports robustness in thicker sections, comparable to en 10025 3 s355nl normalized structural steel plate.

Mechanical Properties Comparison

The S460NL vs S460ML mechanical properties differ in strength and thickness range:

• Strength: S460NL has a higher tensile strength range (540-720 MPa vs 500-680 MPa), but S460ML maintains consistent yield strength in thinner sections due to TMCP.
• Toughness: Both achieve ≥27 J at -50°C, ensuring cold-climate reliability, with S460ML’s TMCP potentially offering finer grains.
• Hardness: S460ML’s slightly lower hardness (160-200 HB vs 170-210 HB) aids formability.
• Thickness Range: S460NL supports up to 200 mm, ideal for heavy structures; S460ML is limited to 120 mm, suited for thinner, formed components, like en 10025 3 s420n normalized structural steel plate.

Welding and Heat Treatment

• S460NL: CEV ≤0.48% supports GMAW or SAW (EN 1011-2). Preheating (100-150°C) for >20 mm; PWHT optional (550-650°C). Consumables: ER70S-6 (GMAW), EM12K flux with EH14 wire (SAW).
• S460ML: Lower CEV (≤0.45%) reduces preheating (50-100°C for >10 mm), enhancing weldability for thinner sections. Same consumables.

Key Difference: S460ML’s lower CEV makes it more weldable, especially for thinner plates, while S460NL is reliable for thicker welds, similar to en 10025 3 s275nl normalized structural steel plate.

Applications

• S460NL:
  • Offshore platforms in cold marine environments (e.g., Arctic seas).
  • Wind towers in sub-zero climates (e.g., northern Europe).
  • Bridges and cranes in arctic regions.
• S460ML:
  • Cold-formed structural components (e.g., beams, profiles).
  • Automotive and machinery parts in cold climates.
  • Lightweight structures requiring formability.

The S460NL vs S460ML comparison highlights S460NL’s strength in thick, cold-climate structures and S460ML’s advantage in formable, thinner components.

Which is Better: S460NL or S460ML?

• Choose S460NLfor:
  • Thick sections (up to 200 mm) in extreme cold (-50°C).
  • Heavy-duty structures like offshore platforms and bridges.
  • Applications requiring higher tensile strength (540-720 MPa).
• Choose S460MLfor:
  • Thinner sections (≤120 mm) requiring cold forming.
  • Lightweight structures with enhanced weldability.
  • Cost-effective fabrication in cold climates with less thickness.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel supplies both S460NL and S460ML:

• Inventory: Extensive stock in China.
• Sizes: S460NL (6–200 mm), S460ML (1.5–120 mm); widths 2000/2500/3000 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, forming (S460ML).

Contact us for en 10025 3 normalized steel plate.

FAQ

What is the main difference in S460NL vs S460ML?
S460NL is normalized, ideal for thick sections (up to 200 mm) with tensile strength 540-720 MPa, while S460ML is TMCP, optimized for thinner sections (≤120 mm) with better formability and CEV ≤0.45%.

Which is better for cold climates in S460NL vs S460ML?
Both offer ≥27 J at -50°C, but S460NL is better for thicker, heavy-duty structures in cold climates, while S460ML suits thinner, cold-formed components.

How does weldability compare in S460NL vs S460ML?
S460ML’s lower CEV (≤0.45% vs ≤0.48%) requires less preheating (50-100°C vs 100-150°C), making it more weldable for thinner sections; S460NL is reliable for thicker welds.

What are applications of S460NL vs S460ML?
S460NL is used in thick offshore platforms and bridges in cold climates; S460ML suits cold-formed profiles and automotive parts, leveraging formability.

Which is more formable in S460NL vs S460ML?
S460ML is more formable due to its TMCP process and lower carbon (0.16% vs 0.20%), ideal for cold-formed components, while S460NL prioritizes toughness for thicker structures.

Can S460ML replace S460NL?
S460ML can replace S460NL in thinner sections (≤120 mm) for cold climates with forming needs, but not for thicker, heavy-duty structures requiring S460NL’s robustness.