S460NL Z35 and Z25 Grades

S460NL Z35 and Z25 Grades

At Gangsteel, we know that when it comes to high-strength structural steel, the details matter, and the S460NL Z35 and S460NL Z25 grades are prime examples of how to enhance toughness for demanding projects. As part of the en 10025 3 normalized steel plate family, these Z-grades of S460NL, a fine-grain structural steel under EN 10025-3, offer superior through-thickness ductility to prevent lamellar tearing in heavy welds. Whether you're building offshore platforms or bridges, S460NL Z35 and Z25 provide the reliability you need.

Gangsteel explores the Z-grades, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications, comparing them to grades like en 10025 3 s420nl normalized structural steel plate and en 10025 3 s355nl normalized structural steel plate. For more details, check out our en 10025 3 s460nl normalized structural steel plate.

What are S460NL Z-Grades?

S460NL 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:

• S460NL Z15: ≥15% reduction of area, basic quality for moderate welds.
• S460NL Z25: ≥25% reduction of area, for standard heavy welds.
• S460NL 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 s355nl normalized structural steel plate, S460NL Z35 offers higher strength and ductility for more demanding applications.

Chemical Composition of S460NL Z-Grades

The chemical composition of S460NL Z35, Z25, and Z15 is the same as standard S460NL, with low impurities for Z-quality:

Carbon Equivalent (CEV): ≤0.48% (≤63 mm), calculated as CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15, ensures weldability. Low sulfur (≤0.020%) minimizes inclusions, critical for Z-grades.

Mechanical Properties of S460NL Z-Grades

The mechanical properties of S460NL Z35, S460NL Z25, and S460NL Z15 match standard S460NL, with added through-thickness ductility:

• Z-Quality: S460NL 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 -50°C for cold climates.

Z-Test for Through-Thickness Toughness

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

• 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

S460NL Z35, S460NL Z25, and S460NL 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 S460NL Z-Grades

S460NL Z35, S460NL Z25, and S460NL Z15 are used in:

• Offshore Platforms: Z35 for thick welded joints in cold marine environments.
• Wind Turbine Towers: Z25/Z35 for heavy structural welds in sub-zero climates.
• Bridges: Z35 for critical load-bearing welds in northern regions.
• Pressure Vessels: Z25/Z35 for low-temperature storage with robust welds.

S460NL Z15 suits less demanding welds.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel supplies S460NL-Z35:

• 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 S460NL Z35?
S460NL Z35 is S460NL with Z35 quality per EN 10164, ensuring ≥35% reduction of area through thickness, preventing lamellar tearing in heavy welded structures like offshore platforms.

How does S460NL Z25 differ from Z35?
S460NL Z25 requires ≥25% reduction of area for moderate welds, while Z35 (≥35%) is for critical heavy welds in bridges and wind towers, both with -50°C toughness.

What is S460NL-Z35?
S460NL-Z35 is synonymous with S460NL Z35, denoting high through-thickness ductility (≥35% reduction) per EN 10164, ideal for thick plates in welded structures.

What is S460NL Z15?
S460NL Z15 is the basic Z-quality with ≥15% reduction of area, suitable for less demanding welds in moderate-thickness plates, while Z25/Z35 offer higher ductility.

Are S460NL Z35 grades weldable?
Yes, S460NL Z35 grades are weldable with CEV ≤0.48%, using GMAW/SAW with preheating (100-150°C for >20 mm); Z-quality reduces lamellar tearing risks in thick welded joints.

What applications use S460NL Z25?
S460NL Z25 is used in moderate welded structures like wind towers and bridges in cold climates, with ≥25% through-thickness ductility ensuring weld reliability.