CCS FH32 Steel Plate – Properties, Chemistry & Equivalents

CCS FH32 (also written CCS/FH32, CCS Grade FH32, CCS F32 or FH32 steel plate) is a higher-strength hull structural steel plate certified by the China Classification Society (CCS) to CCS Rules for Materials and Welding (2024), Part 1, Chapter 3, Section 3. The figure 32 is the strength level (minimum yield 315 MPa, tensile 440–570 MPa) and the letter F sets the Charpy V-notch test temperature of −60°C. The steel is killed and fine-grain treated, and the grade corresponds to FH32 in IACS UR W11 and FH32 in ASTM A131.

Gangsteel, a steel plate exporter, supplies CCS FH32 plate with CCS class certificates; the requirements below are taken directly from the current CCS rules.

Related CCS grades: CCS AH32 steel plate, CCS DH32 steel plate, CCS EH32 steel plate, CCS FH36 steel plate, CCS FH40 steel plate.

CCS FH32 chemical composition

Source: CCS Rules for Materials and Welding (2024), Part 1, Chapter 3, Table 3.3.2.1. Al, Nb and V are grain-refining elements: when used in combination, the individual minimum contents do not apply. Total Al ≥ 0.020% may be reported instead of acid-soluble Al. TMCP plates must also meet the Ceq limits below. CCS specifies the chemical composition as a heat (ladle) analysis only; the Rules give no product (check) analysis tolerances for these plates, so no product-analysis column is shown. If a product analysis is required, agree the tolerances in the order.

CCS FH32 mechanical properties and impact test

Source: CCS Rules for Materials and Welding (2024), Part 1, Chapter 3, Table 3.3.4.3. L = longitudinal, T = transverse. Impact tests are normally made longitudinally; transverse values must be guaranteed by the mill.

Ceq = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15, from the ladle analysis (Table 3.3.2.3(1)). For non-TMCP plates a Ceq limit may be agreed.

CCS FH32 thickness range and delivery condition

The CCS rules for CCS FH32 cover plates and wide flats up to 150 mm thick (sections and bars up to 50 mm). FH32 plates must be normalized or TMCP, with an impact test on each piece. The required Charpy energy increases above 50 mm and again above 70 mm.

CCS FH32 equivalent grades

The IACS member societies use the same unified requirements, so these grades match in chemistry and properties. A plate still needs the certificate of the vessel’s own class society; one plate can carry dual or multiple class certification only when each society’s surveyor witnesses the tests.

CCS FH32 FAQ

What does FH32 mean?

F sets the toughness grade (Charpy test at −60°C), H means higher strength, and 32 is the strength level: minimum yield 315 MPa.

What is the yield strength of CCS FH32?

Minimum 315 MPa, tensile strength 440–570 MPa and minimum elongation 22%.

What is the impact test temperature of CCS FH32?

−60°C. Minimum average energy is 31 J longitudinal / 22 J transverse up to 50 mm, 38/26 J for 50–70 mm and 46/31 J for 70–150 mm.

What is CCS FH32 equivalent to?

FH32 of IACS UR W11, ABS AB/FH32, DNV VL F32, LR and BV FH32, ASTM A131 FH32 and GB/T 712 FH32.

What is the difference between AH32, DH32, EH32 and FH32?

They share the same chemistry limits (FH has tighter C, P and S limits, an N limit and a higher Ni allowance) and the same strength. Only the Charpy test temperature changes: 0°C (A), −20°C (D), −40°C (E) and −60°C (F).

What is the difference between CCS FH32 and ABS FH32?

Both are the same IACS UR W11 grade, so in practice they are interchangeable technically; the difference is the class certificate.

What is the carbon equivalent (CEV) of CCS FH32?

For TMCP plates Ceq must not exceed 0.36% up to 50 mm, 0.38% for 50–100 mm and 0.40% for 100–150 mm. For other conditions a Ceq limit may be agreed with the buyer.

What thickness range does CCS cover for FH32?

Plates and wide flats up to 150 mm; sections and bars up to 50 mm.

If you need more stock steel plates in shipbuilding steel plate, please click warehouse sizes.

 Related steel grades: CCS/AH32, CCS/DH32, CCS/EH32, CCS/FH36

ASTM equivalent: ASTM A131 FH32 steel plate

LR equivalent: LR FH32 steel plate