What is S460NL?
S460NL is a normalized/normalized-rolled, fine-grain high-strength structural steel defined in EN 10025-3.
Its designation means:
S = Structural steel
460 = Minimum yield strength 460 MPa (≤16 mm)
N = Normalized or normalized-rolled
L = Guaranteed low-temperature toughness (–50°C Charpy impact)
It is designed for offshore, cold-climate, and high-load structures requiring strong low-temperature performance.
1. Chemical Composition (Typical Values, %)
| Element | S460NL |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.20 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.60 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00–1.80 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.020 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤ 0.06 |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤ 0.14 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.05 |
2. Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield strength (≤ 16 mm) | ≥ 460 MPa |
| Yield strength (thicker sections) | Decreasing by thickness range (e.g., ≈ 420–440 MPa for 40–100 mm per edition) |
| Tensile strength | 550–720 MPa |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥ 17–19% |
| Charpy impact | ≥ 27 J at -50 °C |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
What is S460 material equivalent to?
S460 (including grades such as S460N, S460NL, S460MC, etc.) belongs to the 460 MPa high-strength structural steel family under the EN 10025 standard.
Its closest equivalents in other international standards are high-strength structural steels with similar 420–460 MPa yield strength.
1. Common International Equivalents for S460 (General)
| Standard | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIN 17102 (older) | StE460 / TStE460 | German predecessor grades |
| ASTM | A572 Grade 65 | Closest strength match (~450 MPa), different chemistry and impact requirements |
| GB (China) | Q460D / Q460E | Best matches for N/NL classes in the Chinese system |
| JIS | SM490YA / SM490YB | Lower strength (365–390 MPa); no exact JIS match |
| ISO | E460 | Similar category |
2. Notes on Equivalence
ASTM A572 Grade 65 is the closest U.S. grade by strength but differs in impact requirements.
Q460D/Q460E are the best matches for S460N/S460NL in Chinese standards.
Not all equivalents match toughness class (N or NL) - impact temperature requirements vary.
For critical engineering applications, direct substitution requires verification of Charpy impact values and CE (carbon equivalent).
Applications
Offshore platforms and marine structures, cold-region buildings and bridges, cranes and heavy machinery, pressure-bearing structures in the oil and gas industry, and other high-load components operating at low temperatures.
FAQ
Q: What does S460NL mean?
A: S = structural steel, 460 = minimum yield strength 460 MPa (≤ 16 mm), N = normalized or normalized-rolled, L = guaranteed impact at -50 °C.
Q: What is the difference between S460N and S460NL?
A: Both have the same strength level; S460N is impact-tested at -20 °C while S460NL at -50 °C, making NL the choice for cold and offshore service.
Q: Can S460NL replace Q460E?
A: Q460E is the closest Chinese equivalent; verify impact requirements, carbon equivalent and thickness-dependent properties before substitution per the design code.
Q: Is S460NL weldable?
A: Yes, it is designed for welding; follow a qualified WPS with controlled heat input and preheat for thicker sections.
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.
