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Q420 STEEL – STRUCTURAL STEEL

Q420 STEEL – STRUCTURAL STEEL

Q420 steel is a high-strength, low-alloy structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa. The “Q” stands for “yield strength,” and “420” indicates the minimum yield strength. Known for its excellent mechanical properties and weldability, Q420 steel is ideal for construction structures, bridges, and pressure vessels. Its composition includes carbon, manganese, and silicon, enhancing its strength and toughness and making it suitable for large-span buildings and high-rise frameworks.

Description

What is Q420?

Q420 steel is composed of approximately 97% iron and 3% alloying elements, including carbon, manganese, and silicon. It is a high-strength, low-alloy structural steel produced in solid shapes like plates and beams. Known for its high yield strength (minimum 420 MPa), excellent tensile strength, and good weldability, Q420 steel is ideal for construction structures, bridges, and pressure vessels. It is processed through hot rolling, which enhances its strength and toughness. Q420 steel can be classified into grades such as Q420B, Q420C, Q420D, and Q420E, each with specific performance characteristics.

Characteristics of Q420 Steel

The microstructure and alloying elements contribute to excellent fatigue resistance, allowing it to endure cyclic loads effectively. Additionally, the presence of vanadium and titanium refines the grain structure, resulting in a low brittle transition temperature. The material also offers good cold-forming performance, with optimized composition and heat treatment maintaining plasticity for easy forming processes. Its weldability is enhanced by the balanced carbon content and alloying elements, reducing hardening tendencies during welding. Furthermore, the chromium and nickel content contribute to good corrosion resistance by forming a protective oxide film, while the inclusion of chromium and molybdenum improves hardness and wear resistance, providing adequate protection against wear.

Chemical Compositions

ElementComposition (Weight %)
Carbon (C)0.20-0.23
Silicon (Si)0.50-0.80
Manganese (Mn)1.20-1.60
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.035
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.035
Chromium (Cr)0.30-0.50
Nickel (Ni)0.30-0.50
Copper (Cu)0.20-0.40
Vanadium (V)0.02-0.10
Titanium (Ti)0.02-0.10

Physical Properties

PropertyMetricImperial
Density7.85 g/cm³0.284 lb/in³
Melting Point1450-1520 °C2642-2768 °F
Boiling PointNot specifiedNot specified
Thermal Conductivity50 W/m·K28.9 BTU/h·ft·°F
Electrical Conductivity2.14 × 10⁶ S/m3.69 × 10⁶ S/m
Specific Heat Capacity0.49 J/g·K0.117 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion Coefficient12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C6.7 x 10⁻⁶ /°F
Electrical Resistivity46.8 μΩ·cm18.4 μΩ·in

Mechanical Properties

PropertyMetricImperial
Tensile Strength520-680 MPa75420-98520 psi
Yield Strength420 MPa60920 psi
Brinell Hardness (HB)200-230200-230
Rockwell Hardness (HRC)20-2420-24
Vickers Hardness (HV)210-240210-240
Elongation18-20%18-20%
Elastic Modulus210 GPa30500 ksi

Data After QT(Quenching and Tempering) Processing

PropertyMetricImperial
Tensile Strength630-780 MPa91,385-113,045 psi
Yield Strength520-680 MPa75,420-98,600 psi
Impact Toughness≥ 34 J≥ 25 ft-lb
Elongation≥ 16%≥ 16%
Reduction of Area≥ 45%≥ 45%
Elastic Modulus210 GPa30,500 ksi

Industries & Applications

IndustryProducts
Large ShipsHulls, Decks, Bulkheads, Ship Frames
BridgesBridge Girders, Support Beams, Bridge Decks, Suspension Cables
Power Station EquipmentTurbine Components, Boiler Parts, Heat Exchangers, Pressure Vessels
Medium and High-Pressure BoilersBoiler Drums, Steam Pipes, Pressure Tubes, Heat Recovery Systems
High-Pressure VesselsStorage Tanks, Chemical Reactors, Gas Cylinders, Heat Exchangers
Lifting MachineryCrane Booms, Hoist Frames, Winch Drums, Lifting Hooks
Mining MachineryExcavator Arms, Mining Truck Frames, Drill Rigs, Conveyor Belt Supports
Large Welded Structural PartsStructural Beams, Columns, Trusses, Frameworks

Machining

Q420 Heat Treating Instructions

  1. Heating (Austenitizing):
    • Heat the steel to a temperature range of 900-950°C (1652-1742°F).
    • Maintain this temperature to ensure complete austenitization.
  2. Quenching:
    • Rapidly cool the steel in water or oil.
    • This process transforms the microstructure into martensite, increasing hardness and strength.
  3. Tempering:
    • Reheat the steel to a temperature range of 550-650°C (1022-1202°F).
    • Maintain this temperature for a sufficient time to achieve the desired mechanical properties.
    • The tempering process reduces brittleness while maintaining high strength and hardness.

Q420 Surface Finish Processing Methods

  • Pickling
  • Polishing
  • Grinding
  • Bright Finish
  • Shot Blasting

Our Service

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