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S460 | High Strength Structural Steel

S460 | High Strength Structural Steel

S460 is a high-strength structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa. The “S” denotes structural, while “460” indicates its yield strength. Equivalent grades include A572 Grade 65, SM570, SM520, SS540. Known for its excellent strength, toughness, and weldability, the S460 is ideal for construction, bridges, heavy machinery, and large structures. We offer S460N/NL products in 6–200mm thickness per EN 10025-3, S460M/ML in 6–120mm per EN 10025-4, and S460Q/QL1/QL2 in 6–150mm per EN 10025-6.

Description

What is S460 Steel?

S460 is a high-strength structural steel with about 98% iron and small amounts of carbon, manganese, and silicon. It is a weldable fine-grain steel, classified into S460N (normalized), S460M (thermo-mechanically rolled), and S460QL/QL1 (quenched and tempered), it offers excellent strength, toughness, and weldability. S460 is widely used in construction, bridges, machinery, harsh environments like offshore structures, and large structures requiring high strength and durability.

Characteristics of S460 Steel

S460 steel offers high strength, toughness, weldability, and reliable performance in harsh environments. It withstands heavy loads, making it ideal for construction, bridges, offshore platforms, heavy machinery, large structures, and high-rise buildings. Its fine-grain structure enhances impact resistance. For higher strength or extreme conditions, grades like S690, S890, or Q690 are alternatives.

Chemical Compositions

ElementContent (%)
Iron, FeBalance
Carbon, C0.12 – 0.20
Manganese, Mn1.00 – 1.60
Silicon, Si≤ 0.60
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≤ 0.55

Physical Properties

PropertyMetricImperial
Density7850 kg/m³490 lb/ft³
Melting Point1425-1540 °C2600-2800 °F
Boiling Point//
Thermal Conductivity43 W/m·K25 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Electrical Conductivity1.0 x 10^6 S/m1.0 x 10^6 S/m
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion Coefficient12 x 10^-6/K6.7 x 10^-6/°F
Electrical Resistivity1.0 x 10^-6 Ω·m1.0 x 10^-6 Ω·m

Mechanical Properties

PropertyMetricImperial
Tensile Strength460 MPa67,000 psi
Yield Strength350 MPa51,000 psi
Brinell HardnessHB 175HB 175
Rockwell HardnessHRC 35HRC 35
Vickers HardnessHV 165HV 165
Elongation20%20%
Elastic Modulus210 GPa30,500,000 psi

Data After QT(Quenching and Tempering) Processing

 

PropertyMetricImperial
Tensile Strength650 – 780 MPa94,000 – 113,000 psi
Yield Strength520 – 600 MPa75,000 – 87,000 psi
Brinell Hardness220 – 280 HB220 – 280 HB
Rockwell HardnessHRC 40 – 45HRC 40 – 45
Vickers Hardness210 – 260 HV210 – 260 HV
Elongation15 – 18%15 – 18%
Elastic Modulus210 GPa30,500,000 psi

Industries & Applications

IndustriesProducts
ConstructionBeams, Columns, Plates, Frames, Reinforcements
AutomotiveChassis, Axles, Suspension Components, Frames, Body Panels
ShipbuildingHull Structures, Decks, Bulkheads, Frames, Tanks
EnergyWind Turbine Towers, Offshore Structures, Pipelines, Supports, Frames
Machinery ManufacturingMachine Frames, Conveyor Systems, Tooling, Cranes, Lifting Equipment
RailwaysRail Tracks, Rolling Stock, Support Structures, Bridges, Signaling Equipment

Machining

S460 Heat Treatment

  1. Heating: Heat the S460 steel to a temperature of 900-950 °C (1650-1740 °F).
  2. Soaking: Maintain the temperature for a sufficient period to ensure uniform heating (typically 1-2 hours, depending on the thickness).
  3. Quenching: Rapidly cool the steel in water or oil to achieve the desired hardness.
  4. Tempering: Reheat the steel to a temperature of 500-600 °C (930-1110 °F) and hold for a period (usually 1 hour).
  5. Cooling: Allow the steel to cool in air after tempering.

Effects: Increased hardness and strength due to quenching, improved toughness and ductility through tempering, reducing brittleness.

S460 Surface Finish

  • Galvanizing: Provides corrosion resistance by coating the steel with zinc.
  • Painting: Enhances aesthetics and adds a protective layer against environmental factors.
  • Powder Coating: Offers a durable, decorative finish that resists chipping, fading, and scratching.
  • Shot Blasting: Cleans the surface and improves adhesion for subsequent coatings.
  • Anodizing: Increases corrosion resistance and surface hardness (more common for aluminum but can apply to some steel alloys).
  • Pickling: Removes oxides and scale, preparing the surface for further treatment or coating.
Custom surface treatment requirements can be accommodated upon request.

Disclaimer

The above heat treatment instructions and surface finish processing methods for S460 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.

 

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