By Shape

By Grades

Comparisons

Finish

Maintenance

Q550 Steel | High Strength Structural Steel

Q550 Steel | High Strength Structural Steel

Q550 is a high-strength structural steel used in China. “Q” indicates yield strength, and “550” means 550 MPa. Equivalent grades are S550MC and A572 Grade 65. It offers high strength, toughness, and weldability, suitable for heavy machinery, structural parts, bridges, vehicle frames, and high-stress equipment.

We can provide Q550C/D/E products ranging from 6 to 120mm thicknesses, 900~4800 mm width, and 3000~25000 mm length according to the GB/T 1591 standard.

Description

What is Q550 Steel?

Q550 is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel made of around 98% iron with small amounts of carbon, manganese, and other alloying elements. It is typically produced as solid plates or sheets and processed through hot rolling. Q550 offers excellent strength, toughness, and good weldability. It can be further classified into Q550C, Q550D, and Q550E, which differ in their impact resistance at low temperatures. This steel is widely used in heavy machinery, construction, bridges, vehicle frames, and high-stress equipment.

Characteristics of Q550 Steel

Q550 steel offers high strength, toughness, good weldability, and excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for heavy machinery, construction, vehicle frames, bridges, and high-stress applications. Q550’s balance of durability and weldability ensures reliable performance across various demanding environments. For projects in extremely low temperatures, alternative grades such as Q690, Q960, or S690QL can be used to meet specific performance needs.

Chemical Compositions

ElementContent (%)
Iron, FeBalance
Carbon, C0.10 – 0.20
Manganese, Mn1.00 – 1.60
Silicon, Si≤ 0.50
Phosphorus, P≤ 0.025
Sulfur, S≤ 0.015
Chromium, Cr≤ 0.30
Nickel, Ni≤ 0.70
Molybdenum, Mo≤ 0.10
Vanadium, V≤ 0.12
Copper, Cu≤ 0.40

Physical Properties

PropertyValue (Metric)Value (Imperial)
Density7.85 g/cm³0.283 lb/in³
Melting Point1,425 – 1,460 °C2,597 – 2,660 °F
Boiling Point~3,000 °C~5,432 °F
Thermal Conductivity36 – 40 W/(m·K)25 – 28 BTU/(hr·ft·°F)
Electrical Conductivity6.99 MS/m6.99 MS/m
Specific Heat Capacity486 J/(kg·K)0.116 BTU/(lb·°F)
Thermal Expansion Coefficient11 – 13 × 10⁻⁶ /K11 – 13 × 10⁻⁶ /°F
Electrical Resistivity14.3 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m14.3 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue (Metric)Value (Imperial)
Tensile Strength550 – 620 MPa79,770 – 89,923 psi
Yield Strength≥ 550 MPa≥ 79,770 psi
Brinell Hardness170 – 235 HB170 – 235 HB
Rockwell Hardness83 – 95 HRB83 – 95 HRB
Vickers Hardness170 – 240 HV170 – 240 HV
Elongation16 – 20 %16 – 20 %
Elastic Modulus200 GPa29,000 ksi

Data After QT(Quenching and Tempering) Processing

 

PropertyMetricImperial
Tensile Strength700 – 850 MPa101,500 – 123,000 psi
Yield Strength≥ 620 MPa≥ 89,923 psi
Brinell Hardness250 – 300 HB250 – 300 HB
Rockwell Hardness95 – 100 HRB / 35 – 40 HRC95 – 100 HRB / 35 – 40 HRC
Vickers Hardness270 – 330 HV270 – 330 HV
Elongation10 – 14%10 – 14%
Elastic Modulus200 GPa29,000 ksi

Industries & Applications

IndustriesProducts
ConstructionBridges, Beams, Columns, Trusses, Towers
MiningDump Trucks, Conveyor Systems, Crushers, Buckets, Drilling Equipment
Heavy MachineryExcavators, Cranes, Bulldozers, Loaders, Drilling Rigs
ShipbuildingHulls, Decks, Containers, Support Frames, Ramps
AerospaceLanding Gears, Structural Panels, Cargo Hold Frames, Ladders, Supports
RailwaysRail Tracks, Train Bogies, Couplers, Brake Components, Switchgear Frames
AutomotiveTruck Frames, Chassis, Axles, Trailers, Reinforcement Bars
EnergyWind Turbine Towers, Transmission Poles, Oil Rig Structures, Solar Frames, Offshore Platforms

Machining

Q550 Steel Heat Treatment Steps

  1. Preheating:
    • Heat to 150 – 200°C (302 – 392°F).
    • Reduces thermal shock and minimizes cracking during further heating.
  2. Austenitizing:
    • Heat to 880 – 920°C (1,616 – 1,688°F) and hold for 1 – 2 hours.
    • Converts the steel’s structure to austenite, enhancing hardenability.
  3. Quenching:
    • Rapidly cool in water or oil to room temperature.
    • Increases hardness and strength by transforming austenite into martensite.
  4. Tempering:
    • Reheat to 300 – 600°C (572 – 1,112°F) and hold for 1 – 2 hours.
    • Relieves internal stresses, improves toughness, and adjusts hardness.
  5. Air Cooling:
    • Allow steel to cool to room temperature in air.
    • Stabilizes mechanical properties and ensures uniform hardness distribution.

Q550 Steel Surface Treatments

  1. Shot Blasting: Removes rust, scale, and surface contaminants, improving adhesion for coatings.
  2. Galvanizing: Coats the steel with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion and enhance durability.
  3. Powder Coating: Provides a smooth, durable, and decorative finish with excellent corrosion resistance.
  4. Painting: Offers corrosion protection and aesthetic enhancement with customizable colors.
  5. Anodizing: Improves surface hardness and corrosion resistance, often used for specialized finishes.
  6. Plating (Nickel, Chromium): Enhances wear resistance, corrosion protection, and surface appearance.
  7. Laser Engraving or Etching: Creates permanent markings or designs for identification and branding.
Disclaimer
The above heat treatment instructions and surface finish processing methods for Q550 steel are provided for informational purposes only. Actual results may vary based on specific conditions and equipment used. Testing is recommended, and a metallurgical expert or material supplier should be consulted to ensure the processes are suitable for your specific application. The user assumes all risks and liability for the use of this information.

 

Our Service

SteelPRO Group – manufacturer and solution provider for special steel, offering multi-industry application solutions and customised services, 100% quality free, accompanying customers in their growth!

Our Quality Control

  • Roundness
  • Tolerance
  • Microstructure
  • Non-Destructive Testing
  • Destructive Testing
  • Process Control

Service Integration Processing

  • Welding
  • Metal Fabrication
  • CNC Machining
  • Lathe
  • Forming

QUESTION 1

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

QUESTION 2

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

QUESTION 3

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

QUESTION 4

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

QUESTION 4

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

CONTACT

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

CONTACT

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Certifications

Other Products

Scroll to Top

Send Message

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Receive our related cases

Subscribe to our case study

As reference to your projects!
Case study Page 1
Case study Page 2
Case study Page 3
Case study Page 4
Case study Page 5
Case study Page 6
Case study Page 7
Case study Page 8
Case study Page 9
Case study Page 10
Case study Page 11
Case study Page 12
Case study Page 13