en 10025-3 s460n  normalized structural steel plate supplier

 

What is S460N Steel?

EN 10025-3 S460N steel plate is a high-strength, fine-grained structural steel designed for demanding engineering applications. It conforms to the European standard EN 10025-3, which specifies technical delivery conditions for normalized/normalized rolled weldable fine grain structural steels. The typical delivery condition for S460N is normalized or normalized rolled, ensuring uniform microstructure and enhanced toughness.

The designation "S460N" breaks down as follows:

  • S: Stands for "structural steel."
  • 460: Indicates the minimum yield strength of 460 MPa for thicknesses up to 16 mm.
  • N: Denotes the normalized or normalized rolled heat treatment process.

This steel belongs to the category of fine grain structural steels, which are characterized by controlled grain size for improved toughness, weldability, and resistance to brittle fracture, making it ideal for heavy-duty constructions.

For more details on our range of EN 10025-3 normalized steel plates, explore our comprehensive selection.

 

What is the Chemical Composition of S460N Steel?

The chemical composition of S460N steel is tightly controlled to ensure excellent weldability and mechanical performance. It includes limits on carbon and other alloying elements to minimize the carbon equivalent (CEV), reducing the risk of cracking during welding.

Below is a detailed table comparing the ladle analysis (melt analysis during production) and product analysis (analysis of the finished plate) as per EN 10025-3:

Element

Ladle Analysis (max %)

Product Analysis (max %)

Carbon (C)

0.20

0.23

Silicon (Si)

0.60

0.70

Manganese (Mn)

1.70

1.80

Phosphorus (P)

0.025

0.035

Sulfur (S)

0.015

0.025

Nitrogen (N)

0.025

0.030

Aluminum (Al)

0.020 (min, total)

0.020 (min, total)

Niobium (Nb)

0.05

0.06

Vanadium (V)

0.12

0.15

Titanium (Ti)

0.05

0.07

The Carbon Equivalent (CEV) is calculated using the formula: CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15. For S460N, the typical CEV is ≤0.45%, which classifies it as easily weldable without special precautions for most thicknesses. This low CEV ensures good resistance to cold cracking and supports efficient fabrication processes.

 

Mechanical Properties of EN 10025-3 S460N

S460N steel offers superior strength and toughness, particularly at low temperatures. Key properties include a minimum yield strength of ≥460 MPa, tensile strength ranging from 540-720 MPa, and elongation ≥17%. It also provides excellent impact toughness of ≥27 J at -20°C (Charpy V-notch test).

The mechanical properties vary slightly with plate thickness. Here's a comprehensive table outlining the values for different thickness ranges:

Thickness (mm)

Yield Strength (min, MPa)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Elongation (min, %)

Impact Energy (min, J @ -20°C)

≤16

460

540-720

17

27

16<t≤40

460

540-720

17

27

40<t≤63

440

570-720

17

27

63<t≤80

400

570-720

17

27

80<t≤100

380

570-720

17

27

100<t≤150

340

540-720

18

27

These properties make S460N suitable for high-stress environments while maintaining ductility.

 

What is the Equivalent Grade of S460N?

S460N has equivalents across various international standards, though exact matches may vary slightly in composition or properties. Below is a table of common equivalent grades:

Standard

Equivalent Steel Grade

EN (Thermo-mechanical)

S460M

EN normalized + low temp

S460NL

DIN

StE 460 / TStE 460

ISO

E460

ASTM / ASME

A572 Grade 65 (non-exact equivalent)

 

For instance, compare it with our EN 10025-3 S460NL normalized structural steel plate for enhanced low-temperature performance.

 

What is the Difference Between S460N and S460NL / S460M / S355?

Understanding the distinctions between S460N and similar grades helps in material selection.

  • S460N vs S460NL: Both have the same strength levels, but S460NL offers superior low-temperature impact toughness (≥27 J at -50°C vs -20°C for S460N). Choose S460NL for arctic or sub-zero applications. See our EN 10025-3 S460NL page.
  • S460N vs S460M: S460M uses thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) for finer grain structure and better weldability, while S460N relies on normalization. S460M is often preferred for cost-sensitive projects with similar strength.
  • S460N vs S355: S460N provides higher yield strength (460 MPa vs 355 MPa), but at increased cost. S355 is more weldable and economical for general use, while S460N excels in weight-saving designs. For a lower-strength option, check our EN 10025-3 S355N normalized structural steel plate.

These differences impact project economics, performance, and fabrication.

 

Welding and Heat Treatment of S460N

S460N exhibits excellent weldability due to its low carbon content and CEV. It can be welded using processes like GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) or SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) without significant issues.

  • Preheating: Recommended for thicknesses >20 mm (typically 100-150°C) to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking, but not always necessary for thinner plates.
  • Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT): Generally not required, though stress-relieving at 550-650°C may be applied for critical welds.

Recommended consumables include:

  • For GMAW: E70S-6 wire (AWS A5.18).
  • For SAW: EM12K flux with EH14 wire.

Always follow EN 1011 guidelines for optimal results.

 

Applications of S460N Steel Plate

S460N steel plate is widely used in industries requiring high strength and reliability under load:

  • Bridges and Infrastructure: For load-bearing beams and girders.
  • Wind Turbine Towers: Supports tall structures in harsh weather.
  • Offshore Platforms: Resists corrosion and fatigue in marine environments.
  • Cranes and Heavy Machinery: Enhances lifting capacity with reduced weight.

Customers choose S460N for its high strength-to-weight ratio, good low-temperature performance, and easy weldability, enabling efficient designs that meet safety standards like Eurocode 3.

Explore related grades like our EN 10025-3 S420N normalized structural steel plate for similar applications.

 

Available Thickness, Width, and Supply Conditions

At Gangsteel, we stock S460N in a wide range of sizes to meet your project needs:

  • Thickness: 6–150 mm (custom thicknesses available upon request).
  • Width: Standard options of 2000 mm, 2500 mm, or 3000 mm.
  • Length: Up to 12,000 mm.

Plates are supplied in hot-rolled and normalized condition. We provide full traceability with EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates and optional UT testing (EN 10160) for quality assurance. Surface finishes include mill scale or primed for protection.

 

Why Buy S460N Steel from Gangsteel?

As a leading producer and exporter of steel plates, Gangsteel offers unmatched reliability for S460N:

  • Extensive Inventory: Immediate availability from our warehouses in China.
  • Fast Delivery: 7-30 days worldwide, with priority for urgent orders.
  • Global Exports: Serving Europe, Middle East, Americas, and Asia.
  • Third-Party Testing: Certified by SGS, BV, or TUV.

We also provide value-added processing like cutting, welding, and bending to your specifications. Every order includes original mill test certificates and optional approvals from ABS, LR, BV, or DNV.

For our full EN 10025-3 S460N normalized structural steel plate details and quotes, contact us today.

 

FAQ

Is S460N steel good for welding?

Yes, S460N has excellent weldability with a low CEV (≤0.45%), making it suitable for common arc welding processes without special fluxes.

What temperature can S460N be used in?

S460N performs well from -20°C to +500°C, with impact toughness guaranteed at -20°C. For colder environments, consider S460NL.

Does S460N require preheating when welding?

Preheating is recommended for thicknesses over 20 mm (100-150°C) to prevent cracking, but thinner sections can be welded at ambient temperatures.

Is S460N equivalent to ASTM A572?

S460N is similar to ASTM A572 Grade 65 in strength (yield ~450 MPa), but not fully equivalent due to differences in grain refinement and normalization. A572 is more general-purpose, while S460N emphasizes fine-grain toughness.

 

For more on low-alloy options, visit our EN 10025-3 S275NL normalized structural steel plate or EN 10025-3 S355NL page.

 

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