What is EN 10025-3 S275NL Steel?
EN 10025-3 S275NL steel plate is a low-alloy, fine-grained structural steel engineered for weldable applications in low-temperature environments. It complies with the European standard EN 10025-3, which defines technical delivery conditions for normalized/normalized rolled weldable fine grain structural steels. The delivery condition is typically normalized or normalized rolled, ensuring a uniform microstructure that enhances toughness and resistance to brittle fracture.
The grade "EN 10025-3 S275NL" breaks down as:
S: Indicates "structural steel."
275: Represents the minimum yield strength of 275 MPa for thicknesses up to 16 mm.
NL: Denotes normalized condition with impact testing at -50°C for superior low-temperature performance.
As a fine grain structural steel, EN 10025-3 S275NL is refined to achieve small grain sizes, providing excellent weldability, formability, and impact resistance, making it suitable for infrastructure in cold climates.
Explore our complete range of EN 10025-3 normalized steel plates for diverse structural requirements.
What is the Chemical Composition of EN 10025-3 S275NL Steel?
The chemical composition of EN 10025-3 S275NL is carefully controlled to promote good weldability and toughness, with low levels of carbon and impurities to prevent hardening and cracking.
The table below presents the ladle analysis (melt composition) and product analysis (finished plate) according to EN 10025-3:
|
Element |
Ladle Analysis |
Product Analysis |
|---|---|---|
|
Carbon (C) |
max 0.16% |
max 0.18% |
|
Silicon (Si) |
max 0.40% |
max 0.45% |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.50-1.50% |
0.45-1.60% |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
max 0.025% |
max 0.030% |
|
Sulfur (S) |
max 0.020% |
max 0.025% |
|
Nitrogen (N) |
max 0.015% |
max 0.017% |
|
Aluminum (Al) |
min 0.02% (total) |
min 0.015% (total) |
|
Niobium (Nb) |
max 0.05% |
max 0.06% |
|
Vanadium (V) |
max 0.05% |
max 0.07% |
|
Titanium (Ti) |
max 0.05% |
max 0.06% |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
max 0.30% |
max 0.35% |
|
Nickel (Ni) |
max 0.30% |
max 0.35% |
|
Molybdenum (Mo) |
max 0.10% |
max 0.13% |
|
Copper (Cu) |
max 0.55% |
max 0.60% |
The Carbon Equivalent (CEV) is calculated as CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15. For EN 10025-3 S275NL, the maximum CEV is 0.40% for thicknesses ≤63 mm (up to 0.42% for >100 mm), making it highly weldable with low risk of cold cracking under standard conditions.
Mechanical Properties of EN 10025-3 S275NL
EN 10025-3 S275NL provides balanced strength and ductility, with a minimum yield strength of ≥275 MPa, tensile strength of 370-510 MPa, and elongation ≥23-24%. It excels in low-temperature toughness, achieving ≥27 J (longitudinal Charpy V-notch) at -50°C.
Mechanical properties vary by thickness; see the table below:
|
Thickness (mm) |
Yield Strength (min, MPa) |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Elongation (min, %) |
Impact Energy (min, J @ -50°C, Longitudinal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
≤16 |
275 |
370-510 |
24 |
27 |
|
16<t≤40 |
265 |
370-510 |
24 |
27 |
|
40<t≤63 |
255 |
370-510 |
24 |
27 |
|
63<t≤80 |
245 |
370-510 |
23 |
27 |
|
80<t≤100 |
235 |
370-510 |
23 |
27 |
|
100<t≤150 |
225 |
350-480 |
23 |
27 |
|
150<t≤200 |
215 |
350-480 |
23 |
27 |
|
200<t≤250 |
205 |
350-480 |
23 |
27 |
These values ensure reliability in cold, high-stress applications.
What is the Equivalent Grade of EN 10025-3 S275NL?
EN 10025-3 S275NL corresponds to various international grades, with slight differences in specifications:
|
Standard |
Equivalent Steel Grade |
|---|---|
|
EN (Thermo-mechanical) |
S275M |
|
EN normalized |
S275N |
|
DIN |
StE 285 / TStE 285 |
|
AFNOR (France) |
E 28-3 |
|
BS (UK) |
43 EE |
|
UNI (Italy) |
Fe E 275 KNT |
|
GB (China) |
Q275N |
|
ASTM / ASME |
A572 Grade 50 (approximate) |
For the standard -20°C variant, refer to our EN 10025-3 S275N normalized structural steel plate.
What is the Difference Between EN 10025-3 S275NL and S275N / S275M / S355?
These comparisons aid in selecting the right grade:
EN 10025-3 S275NL vs S275N: Both offer similar strength (275 MPa yield), but EN 10025-3 S275NL provides enhanced impact toughness at -50°C (vs -20°C for S275N), ideal for arctic or sub-zero conditions. View EN 10025-3 S275N normalized structural steel plate.
EN 10025-3 S275NL vs S275M: S275M uses thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) for finer grains and better cost-efficiency in welding, while EN 10025-3 S275NL relies on normalization for consistent low-temp performance.
EN 10025-3 S275NL vs S355: S355 delivers higher yield (355 MPa vs 275 MPa) for load-optimized designs at added expense; EN 10025-3 S275NL is more economical for general, cold-exposed structures. Check EN 10025-3 S355N normalized structural steel plate.
Factors like climate, budget, and processing needs drive these choices.
Welding and Heat Treatment of EN 10025-3 S275NL
EN 10025-3 S275NL's low CEV ensures excellent weldability using GMAW or SAW, in line with EN 1011-2.
Preheating: Not typically required for thicknesses ≤20 mm; 50-100°C recommended for thicker sections to avoid hydrogen cracking.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT): Usually unnecessary; optional stress relief at 520-580°C for critical applications.
Recommended consumables:
GMAW: ER70S-6 (AWS A5.18).
SAW: EM12K flux with EH14 wire.
This facilitates straightforward fabrication with high joint integrity.
Applications of EN 10025-3 S275NL Steel Plate
EN 10025-3 S275NL is favored in industries needing durable, low-temperature performance:
Bridges and Offshore Structures: Beams and platforms in cold marine settings.
Wind Towers and Cranes: Supports enduring wind and low temps.
Storage Tanks and Pipelines: For cryogenic or seasonal cold exposure.
Building Frameworks: In northern regions for seismic resilience.
Select EN 10025-3 S275NL for its cost-effective strength, -50°C toughness, and superior weldability, complying with Eurocode 3 for safe constructions.
See related options like our EN 10025-3 S275NL normalized structural steel plate or EN 10025-3 S355NL normalized structural steel plate.