What are common testing requirements for S960QL ?
Common testing for S960QL steel focuses on its high strength and toughness, requiring tensile tests (yield >960 MPa, ultimate strength) and mandatory Charpy V-notch impact tests (typically ≥27J at -60°C or ≥40J at -40°C), often with sub-size specimens for thinner plates, plus bend tests and checks for weldability (HAZ toughness), ensuring performance in demanding, low-temperature structural applications.
S960QL is a high-strength quenched and tempered (Q+T) structural steel compliant with the European standard EN 10025-6.Primarily known for its exceptional minimum yield strength of 960 MPa, it is engineered to facilitate lightweight designs in heavy-duty machinery and safety-critical infrastructures.

Mechanical Profile
The strength of S960QL is achieved through a precise heat treatment process (quenching and tempering), which refines its fine-grained microstructure to provide an optimal balance of hardness and impact energy.3
Fabrication & Welding
Despite its ultra-high strength, S960QL is designed for weldability. Success in welding this grade depends on managing the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) to prevent softening or cold cracking.
Heat Input Control: Critical to maintain mechanical properties; excessive heat can degrade the tempered martensitic structure.
Weldability: Suitable for MAG (Metal Active Gas) and SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) processes.
Cold Cracking Resistance: Enhanced by a low Carbon Equivalent (CEV typically 7$\le$ 0.82%), though pre-heating is often recommended for thicker plates (e.g., 100°C–150°C).
Key Characteristic
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Enables thinner wall sections, reducing the overall weight of structures and increasing payload capacity.
Quenched & Tempered (Q&T): Provides superior wear resistance and structural longevity.
Low-Temperature Toughness: Guaranteed performance in arctic conditions, resisting brittle fracture even at -40°C.
Common Applications
S960QL is the gold standard for sectors requiring high load-carrying capacity with reduced dead weight:
Lifting & Transport: Mobile crane booms, aerial platforms, and heavy-duty truck chassis.
Mining & Construction: Excavator buckets, mining car floors, and hydraulic supports.
Structural Engineering: Heavy machinery frames and bridges.

Standard & Equivalents
Standard: EN 10025-6:2004
Material Number: 1.8933
What is the P number of S960QL?
The P-number for S960QL steel isn't a simple single digit like P1 or P2; instead, S960QL (a high-strength, quenched & tempered steel) typically falls into P-Group 1 (P1) in ASME Section IX for welding, as it's a low-alloy steel with limited alloying elements, though its high strength and specific composition often require referencing its EN designation (1.8933) and manufacturer data for precise welding procedures, generally grouping it with other low-alloy steels for basic classification.
How heavy is S960QL?
S960QL is a high-strength structural steel, so its "weight" depends on its dimensions (thickness, width, length), but its density is around 7.84 g/cm³ (490 lbs/ft³), meaning a 1-inch thick plate weighs approximately 40.8 lbs per square foot (658 kg/m²), with specific weights varying by thickness and product form (plate, tube).
What is S960QL standard?
The S960QL standard refers to a European high-strength structural steel (EN 10025-6) known for its exceptional minimum yield strength of 960 MPa (megapascals), achieved through quenching and tempering (the 'Q' and 'L' denote quenching/tempering and low-temperature impact toughness, respectively). This steel allows for significant weight reduction in heavy-duty applications like construction machinery, cranes, and mining equipment, offering superior load-bearing capacity, excellent toughness, good weldability, and resistance to abrasion, making it ideal for safety-critical, high-stress structures.
EN S960QL steel equivalent grades:
| EU | Germany | France |
| EN | DIN,WNr | AFNOR |
| S960QL | TStE960V | E960T |
| S960T |
Chemical Composition for S960QL Steel Plate
|
Grade |
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
N |
B |
Cr |
Cu |
Mo |
Nb* |
Ni |
Ti* |
V* |
Zr* |
|
S960QL |
0.20 |
0.80 |
1.70 |
0.020 |
0.010 |
0.015 |
0.0050 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
0.70 |
0.06 |
2.0 |
0.05 |
0.12 |
0.15 |
Mechanical properties of steel S960QL (1.8933)
| Nominal thickness (mm): | 3 - 50 |
| Rm - Tensile strength (MPa) | 980-1150 |
| Nominal thickness (mm): | 3 - 50 |
| ReH - Minimum yield strength (MPa) | 960 |
| A - Min. elongation Lo = 5,65 √ So (%) | 10 |
S960QL Steel Plate V Notch Impact Testing
|
Grade |
Sample Orientation |
@ 0°C |
@-20°C |
@-40°C |
@-60°C |
|
S960QL |
Longitudinal |
50 J |
40 J |
30 J |
–– |
|
Traverse |
35 J |
30 J |
27 J |
–– |
1 What temperature is S960QL?
S960QL is a high-strength structural steel known for excellent performance at low temperatures, specifically tested for minimum impact energy at -40°C (-40°F), but it also handles moderate to high temperatures, with research studying its properties up to 900°C or more for applications like heavy machinery, though it's processed with high heat (e.g., 1350°C for austenitizing) and quenched for strength. Its "QL" designation confirms it's quenched and tempered for low-temperature toughness.
2 What is the hardness of S960QL?
The hardness of S960QL steel is typically around 414 HBW (Brinell Hardness), though it's a high-strength structural steel defined by its yield strength of at least 960 MPa (depending on thickness) and delivered in a quenched and tempered (Q&T) condition, making it strong but requiring careful welding due to cold cracking risks.
3 What precautions should be taken when welding S960QL?
When welding S960QL high-strength steel, precautions focus on preventing hydrogen cracking and maintaining toughness, requiring thorough cleaning, using low-hydrogen consumables, strict heat input control (low interpass temps < 250°C), preheating (if needed), and slow, controlled cooling post-weld, alongside standard welding safety (PPE, ventilation) for hazardous fumes from primers or coatings.
4 How heavy is S960QL?
S960QL is a high-strength structural steel, so its "weight" depends on its dimensions (thickness, width, length), but its density is around 7.84 g/cm³ (490 lbs/ft³), meaning a 1-inch thick plate weighs approximately 40.8 lbs per square foot (658 kg/m²), with specific weights varying by thickness and product form (plate, tube).
5 What is S960QL equivalent to?
S960QL is a European standard (EN 10025-6) very high strength structural steel, equivalent to German TStE960V, French E960T/S960T, and sometimes linked to ASTM standards like Q345 (though Q345 is lower strength) or A514, with its strength coming from quenching and tempering, offering excellent weldability and toughness for heavy-duty applications like cranes and mining equipment.
6 What is S960QL material?
S960QL is a very high-strength structural steel conforming to the European standard EN 10025-6, known for its minimum yield strength of 960 MPa, excellent toughness, and superior abrasion resistance, achieved through a quenching and tempering (Q&T) process, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications like mobile cranes, mining equipment, and heavy transport where weight savings and high load capacity are crucial. The "S" denotes structural steel, "960" its minimum yield strength in MPa, "Q" signifies quenching, and "L" indicates specified impact energy at low temperatures (e.g., -40°C).
7 Is S960QL carbon steel?
Yes, S960QL is a type of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) carbon steel, specifically a quenched and tempered (Q+T) structural steel known for its exceptional yield strength (960 MPa), making it suitable for heavy-duty engineering applications like cranes, bridges, and mining equipment, balancing high strength with good toughness and weldability.
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