What is S460N?
S460N is a normalized/normalized-rolled fine-grain structural steel defined in EN 10025-3.
The designation includes:
S = Structural steel
460 = Minimum yield strength 460 MPa (≤ 16 mm)
N = Normalized or normalized-rolled
It offers high strength, good weldability, and reliable impact performance, typically used in bridges, cranes, heavy machinery, construction, and engineering structures.
1. Chemical Composition (Typical Values, %)
| Element | C (max) | Si | Mn | P (max) | S (max) | Nb | V | Ti |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S460N | 0.20 | ≤ 0.60 | 1.00–1.80 | 0.025 | 0.020 | ≤ 0.06 | ≤ 0.14 | ≤ 0.05 |
2. Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (≤ 16 mm) | 460 MPa |
| Yield Strength (40–100 mm) | 420–440 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 540–720 MPa |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥ 17–19% |
| Charpy Impact | ≥ 27 J at –20°C |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
What is S460NL?
S460NL is a normalized/normalized-rolled, fine-grain high-strength structural steel defined in EN 10025-3.
The designation means:
S = Structural steel
460 = Minimum yield strength 460 MPa (≤ 16 mm)
N = Normalized or normalized-rolled
L = Guaranteed low-temperature toughness (Charpy impact at –50°C)
It is widely used in offshore structures, bridges, cranes, wind towers, heavy machinery, and other low-temperature or high-stress applications.
1. Chemical Composition (Typical Values, %)
| Element | C (max) | Si | Mn | P (max) | S (max) | Nb | V | Ti |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S460NL | 0.20 | ≤ 0.60 | 1.00–1.80 | 0.020 | 0.015 | ≤ 0.06 | ≤ 0.14 | ≤ 0.05 |
2. Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (≤ 16 mm) | 460 MPa |
| Yield Strength (40–100 mm) | 420–440 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 550–720 MPa |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥ 17–19% |
| Charpy Impact Toughness | ≥ 27 J at –50°C |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
What is the difference between them?
Both S460N and S460NL are high-strength, normalized/normalized-rolled fine-grain structural steels under EN 10025-3.
The main difference is their low-temperature toughness (impact test temperature).
S460N: Charpy impact guaranteed at –20°C
S460NL: Charpy impact guaranteed at –50°C
This makes S460NL suitable for colder, harsher, or offshore environments.
1. Comparison Table
| Property | S460N | S460NL |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | EN 10025-3 | EN 10025-3 |
| Delivery condition | Normalized / Normalized-rolled | Normalized / Normalized-rolled |
| Minimum yield strength (≤16 mm) | 460 MPa | 460 MPa |
| Tensile strength | 540–720 MPa | 550–720 MPa |
| Charpy impact temperature | –20°C | –50°C |
| Toughness level | Standard low-temperature | Enhanced low-temperature |
| Typical applications | Bridges, machinery, construction | Offshore, wind towers, cold regions |
| Welding characteristics | Good | Good (similar) |
2. Summary
S460N is used in general high-strength structures operating above –20°C.
S460NL delivers better toughness at low temperatures and is preferred for offshore, marine, Arctic, and high-safety structures.
Strength levels are the same, but temperature performance differs significantly.
GNEE Steel also supplies a variety of high-strength steel plates, such as A514 Grade F, A572 Grade 50, A588 Grade A, S355JR, S690Q, SS400, S690QL, Q345B, Q345E, etc. If you want to know more about other types of steel plates, you can call the consultation hotline at +8615824687445 or send an email to info@gneesteels.com. You are welcome to consult us, and we are very willing to answer your questions.
