S690 steel is known for its high yield strength, typically ranging from 690 MPa to 960 MPa, which allows for thinner sections in structural applications without compromising strength. This characteristic not only reduces the weight of structures but also leads to cost savings in materials and transportation. The steel exhibits good toughness and ductility, which are critical for applications subjected to dynamic loads.
Advantages of S690 Steel:
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Enables the design of lighter structures.
- Excellent Weldability: Suitable for various welding processes, facilitating fabrication.
- Good Toughness: Maintains performance in low-temperature environments.
Limitations of S690 Steel:
- Cost: Higher than conventional structural steels due to alloying elements.
- Brittleness at Low Temperatures: Requires careful consideration in cold environments.
- Limited Corrosion Resistance: May require protective coatings in aggressive environments.
S690 steel has gained significant traction in the market due to its performance in heavy construction, mining, and offshore applications. Its historical significance lies in its development to meet the increasing demands for stronger and more efficient materials in modern engineering.
Chemical and mechanical characteristics
-
Chemical Composition
| Element (Symbol and Name) | Percentage Range (%) |
|---|---|
| C (Carbon) | 0.10 - 0.20 |
| Mn (Manganese) | 1.20 - 1.60 |
| Si (Silicon) | 0.10 - 0.50 |
| Cr (Chromium) | 0.30 max |
| Ni (Nickel) | 0.30 max |
| Mo (Molybdenum) | 0.10 - 0.15 |
- S690 steel is a carbon-manganese-molybdenum steel alloy characterised by high mechanical strength and good robustness.
|
Tensile strength |
740-940 MPa |
|
Flexural strength |
690-940 MPa |
|
Hardness |
13-32 HRC |
- Mechanical strength
One of the main characteristics of S690 steel is its resistance to mechanical stresses. This material has been designed to withstand heavy loads and adverse conditions and is therefore ideal for applications that require robustness and reliability.
Hardness
S690 steel is known for its high hardness, which makes it perfect for applications that require wear and fatigue resistance: a fundamental characteristic in sectors where working conditions are extremely demanding, such as mining.
- Corrosion resistance
S690 steel has excellent resistance to atmospheric agents and conditions in corrosive environments: it is, therefore, suitable for sectors that require outdoor processing, such as shipbuilding and infrastructure.
Applications and sectors of use of S690 Steel
S690 steel is used in a wide range of applications, including: construction of mechanical components (axles, connecting rods, gears, pinions, plates), machine components (pumps, valves, bearings) and components for thermo-hydraulic systems (pipes, fittings).
There are therefore numerous and differing sectors in which it is widely used:
Mining Industry: S690 alloy structural steel plate, thanks to its mechanical strength, hardness and wear resistance, is widely used in the manufacture of heavy machinery components, such as loaders or grinders.
Naval sector: thanks to its resistance to corrosion and atmospheric agents, S690 steel is the first choice for the construction of ships and maritime structures.
Infrastructure: bridges, for example, are subjected to considerable loads and sometimes extreme weather conditions. S690 steel with its peculiarities guarantees the safety and durability of these structures over time.
Aerospace industry: hardness and strength combined with lightness make this alloy an ideal material for components used in this specific sector.
Energy sector: S690 steel finds application in this area thanks to its ability to withstand high loads and weathering.
Important Considerations, Selection Criteria, and Further Insights
| Feature/Property | [S690 Steel] | [S355 Steel] | [S460 Steel] | Brief Pro/Con or Trade-off Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 690 MPa | 355 MPa | 460 MPa | Higher strength in S690 |
| Corrosion Aspect | Fair | Good | Fair | S355 offers better corrosion resistance |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good | Fair | S690 is easier to weld |
| Machinability | Moderate | Good | Poor | S690 requires specialized tooling |
| Approx. Relative Cost | High | Moderate | High | Cost considerations for projects |
| Typical Availability | Moderate | High | Moderate | S355 is more commonly available |
When selecting S690 steel, factors such as cost, availability, and specific application requirements must be considered. While it offers superior strength, its higher cost and potential challenges in machining and corrosion resistance may influence the decision.
If you want to learn more about GNEE's products, you can send an email to info@gneesteels.com. We are more than happy to assist you.
FAQ
Q: What is S690 steel?
A: S690 high yield & fine grain steel plate is a high strength, quenched and tempered fine-grain structural steel. Structural steel S690 is used in structures that must withstand very heavy loads. This grade is meant for structures where weight savings is important.
Q: What is the equivalent of S690 steel?
A: Equivalent grades to S690QL steel include ASTM A709-100 (USA), E690T and S690T (France), TStE690V and DILLIMAX 690 (Germany), WELDOX 700 (Sweden), and E690 (ISO). These equivalents are specific to different regional standards and manufacturers, but they all share similar high-strength, quenched and tempered properties.
Q: What material group is S690?
A: S690 QL is a high yield structural steel grade produced in compliance with EN 10025:6:2004. The material is heat treated using the quench and temper process and has good bending and welding properties.
Q: What material is S690QL?
A: S690QL is a high strength quenched and tempered steel grade that complies to steel specification EN 10025. The designation S690QL refers to a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa.
Q: What is the effective use of high strength S690 steel in construction?
A: The high strength S690 steels have an excellent strength-to-self-weight ratio, and they are highly efficient to be used in heavily loaded structures. Typical applications include piles and columns in buildings and supporting members in bridges.
Q: What is the yield strength of S690 steel?
A: 690 MPa.
Yield strength of 690 MPa. Used in structures bearing extremely heavy loads, such as bridges, offshore drilling rigs and buildings, as well as in heavy construction equipment and
Q: How thick are S690 plates?
A: Plates of S690 steel grade are available with thicknesses of 8-100 mm for Q and QL quality groups and with thicknesses of 8-50 mm for QL1 quality group. Available width of plates is up to 3200 mm, length – up to 12200 mm. With the plate thickness of 100 mm and plate width of 1600 mm, the maximum length is 7500 mm*.
Q: What is the tensile strength of S690?
A: S690 Properties
Tensile strength: between 770 and 940 MPa, ensuring excellent load-bearing capacity.
Q: What is S690QL used for?
A: The designation S690QL refers to a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa. The combination of good availability and pricing and high strength combined with ease of fabrication has made S690QL steel plate a popular grade for both mobile applications such as cranes and lifting equipment and fixed steel structures.
| Grades Of Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steels Supplied By GNEE | |||||
| ASTM/ASME | ASTM A36/A36M | ASTM A36 | |||
| ASTM A283/A283M | ASTM A283 Grade A | ASTM A283 Grade B | ASTM A283 Grade C | ASTM A283 Grade D | |
| ASTM A514/A514M | ASTM A514 Grade A | ASTM A514 Grade B | ASTM A514 Grade C | ASTM A514 Grade E | |
| ASTM A514 Grade F | ASTM A514 Grade H | ASTM A514 Grade J | ASTM A514 Grade K | ||
| ASTM A514 Grade M | ASTM A514 Grade P | ASTM A514 Grade Q | ASTM A514 Grade R | ||
| ASTM A514 Grade S | ASTM A514 Grade T | ||||
| ASTM A572/A572M | ASTM A572 Grade 42 | ASTM A572 Grade 50 | ASTM A572 Grade 55 | ASTM A572 Grade 60 | |
| ASTM A572 Grade 65 | |||||
| ASTM A573/A573M | ASTM A573 Grade 58 | ASTM A573 Grade 65 | ASTM A573 Grade 70 | ||
| ASTM A588/A588M | ASTM A588 Grade A | ASTM A588 Grade B | ASTM A588 Grade C | ASTM A588 Grade K | |
| ASTM A633/A633M | ASTM A633 Grade A | ASTM A633 Grade C | ASTM A633 Grade D | ASTM A633 Grade E | |
| ASTM A656/A656M | ASTM A656 Grade 50 | ASTM A656 Grade 60 | ASTM A656 Grade 70 | ASTM A656 Grade 80 | |
| ASTM A709/A709M | ASTM A709 Grade 36 | ASTM A709 Grade 50 | ASTM A709 Grade 50S | ASTM A709 Grade 50W | |
| ASTM A709 Grade HPS 50W | ASTM A709 Grade HPS 70W | ASTM A709 Grade 100 | ASTM A709 Grade 100W | ||
| ASTM A709 Grade HPS 100W | |||||
| ASME SA36/SA36M | ASME SA36 | ||||
| ASME SA283/SA283M | ASME SA283 Grade A | ASME SA283 Grade B | ASME SA283 Grade C | ASME SA283 Grade D | |
| ASME SA514/SA514M | ASME SA514 Grade A | ASME SA514 Grade B | ASME SA514 Grade C | ASME SA514 Grade E | |
| ASME SA514 Grade F | ASME SA514 Grade H | ASME SA514 Grade J | ASME SA514 Grade K | ||
| ASME SA514 Grade M | ASME SA514 Grade P | ASME SA514 Grade Q | ASME SA514 Grade R | ||
| ASME SA514 Grade S | ASME SA514 Grade T | ||||
| ASME SA572/SA572M | ASME SA572 Grade 42 | ASME SA572 Grade 50 | ASME SA572 Grade 55 | ASME SA572 Grade 60 | |
| ASME SA572 Grade 65 | |||||
| ASME SA573/SA573M | ASME SA573 Grade 58 | ASME SA573 Grade 65 | ASME SA573 Grade 70 | ||
| ASME SA588/SA588M | ASME SA588 Grade A | ASME SA588 Grade B | ASME SA588 Grade C | ASME SA588 Grade K | |
| ASME SA633/SA633M | ASME SA633 Grade A | ASME SA633 Grade C | ASME SA633 Grade D | ASME SA633 Grade E | |
| ASME SA656/SA656M | ASME SA656 Grade 50 | ASME SA656 Grade 60 | ASME SA656 Grade 70 | ASME SA656 Grade 80 | |
| ASME SA709/SA709M | ASME SA709 Grade 36 | ASME SA709 Grade 50 | ASME SA709 Grade 50S | ASME SA709 Grade 50W | |
| ASME SA709 Grade HPS 50W | ASME SA709 Grade HPS 70W | ASME SA709 Grade 100 | ASME SA709 Grade 100W | ||
| ASME SA709 Grade HPS 100W | |||||
| EN10025 | EN10025-2 | EN10025-2 S235J0 | EN10025-2 S275J0 | EN10025-2 S355J0 | EN10025-2 S355K2 |
| EN10025-2 S235JR | EN10025-2 S275JR | EN10025-2 S355JR | EN10025-2 S420J0 | ||
| EN10025-2 S235J2 | EN10025-2 S275J2 | EN10025-2 S355J2 | |||
| EN10025-3 | EN10025-3 S275N | EN10025-3 S355N | EN10025-3 S420N | EN10025-3 S460N | |
| EN10025-3 S275NL | EN10025-3 S355NL | EN10025-3 S420NL | EN10025-3 S460NL | ||
| EN10025-4 | EN10025-4 S275M | EN10025-4 S355M | EN10025-4 S420M | EN10025-4 S460M | |
| EN10025-4 S275ML | EN10025-4 S355ML | EN10025-4 S420ML | EN10025-4 S460ML | ||
| EN10025-6 | EN10025-6 S460Q | EN10025-6 S460QL | EN10025-6 S460QL1 | EN10025-6 S500Q | |
| EN10025-6 S500QL | EN10025-6 S500QL1 | EN10025-6 S550Q | EN10025-6 S550QL | ||
| EN10025-6 S550QL1 | EN10025-6 S620Q | EN10025-6 S620QL | EN10025-6 S620QL1 | ||
| EN10025-6 S690Q | EN10025-6 S690QL | EN10025-6 S690Q1 | EN10025-6 S890Q | ||
| EN10025-6 S890QL | EN10025-6 S890QL1 | EN10025-6 S960Q | EN10025-6 S960QL | ||
| EN 10149 | EN 10149-2 | S315MC | S355MC | S420MC | S460MC |
| S500MC | S550MC | S600MC | S650MC | ||
| S700MC | S900MC | S960MC | |||
| JIS | JIS G3101 | JIS G3101 SS330 | JIS G3101 SS400 | JIS G3101 SS490 | JIS G3101 SS540 |
| JIS G3106 | JIS G3106 SM400A | JIS G3106 SM400B | JIS G3106 SM400C | JIS G3106 SM490A | |
| JIS G3106 SM490YA | JIS G3106 SM490B | JIS G3106 SM490YB | JIS G3106 SM490C | ||
| JIS G3106 SM520B | JIS G3106 SM520C | JIS G3106 SM570 | |||
| DIN | DIN 17100 | DIN17100 St52-3 | DIN17100 St37-2 | DIN17100 St37-3 | DIN17100 RSt37-2 |
| DIN17100 USt37-2 | |||||
| DIN 17102 | DIN17102 StE315 | DIN17102 EStE315 | DIN17102 TStE315 | DIN17102 WStE315 | |
| DIN17102 StE355 | DIN17102 EStE355 | DIN17102 TStE355 | DIN17102 WStE355 | ||
| DIN17102 StE380 | DIN17102 EStE380 | DIN17102 TStE380 | DIN17102 WStE380 | ||
| DIN17102 StE420 | DIN17102 EStE420 | DIN17102 TStE420 | DIN17102 WStE420 | ||
| DIN17102 StE460 | DIN17102 EStE460 | DIN17102 TStE460 | DIN17102 WStE460 | ||
| DIN17102 StE500 | DIN17102 EStE500 | DIN17102 TStE500 | DIN17102 WStE500 | ||
| DIN17102 EStE285 | |||||
| GB | GB/T700 | GB/T700 Q235A | GB/T700 Q235B | GB/T700 Q235C | GB/T700 Q235D |
| GB/T700 Q275 | |||||
| GB/T1591 | GB/T1591 Q345A | GB/T1591 Q390A | GB/T1591 Q420A | GB/T1591 Q420E | |
| GB/T1591 Q345B | GB/T1591 Q390B | GB/T1591 Q420B | GB/T1591 Q460C | ||
| GB/T1591 Q345C | GB/T1591 Q390C | GB/T1591 Q420C | GB/T1591 Q460D | ||
| GB/T1591 Q345D | GB/T1591 Q390D | GB/T1591 Q420D | GB/T1591 Q460E | ||
| GB/T1591 Q345E | GB/T1591 Q390E | ||||
| GB/T16270 | GB/T16270 Q550C | GB/T16270 Q550D | GB/T16270 Q550E | GB/T16270 Q550F | |
| GB/T16270 Q620C | GB/T16270 Q620D | GB/T16270 Q620E | GB/T16270 Q620F | ||
| GB/T16270 Q690C | GB/T16270 Q690D | GB/T16270 Q690E | GB/T16270 Q690F | ||
| GB/T16270 Q800C | GB/T16270 Q800D | GB/T16270 Q800E | GB/T16270 Q800F | ||
| GB/T16270 Q890C | GB/T16270 Q890D | GB/T16270 Q890E | GB/T16270 Q890F | ||
| GB/T16270 Q960C | GB/T16270 Q960D | GB/T16270 Q960E | GB/T16270 Q960F | ||
| GB/T16270 Q500 | |||||




