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
Element | Composition (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
Property | Metric | Imperial |
---|---|---|
Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 0.284 lb/in³ |
Melting Point | 1450-1520 °C | 2642-2768 °F |
Boiling Point | Not specified | Not specified |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K | 28.9 BTU/h·ft·°F |
Electrical Conductivity | 2.14 × 10⁶ S/m | 3.69 × 10⁶ S/m |
Specific Heat Capacity | 0.49 J/g·K | 0.117 BTU/lb·°F |
Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C | 6.7 x 10⁻⁶ /°F |
Electrical Resistivity | 46.8 μΩ·cm | 18.4 μΩ·in |
Mechanical Properties
Property | Metric | Imperial |
---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 520-680 MPa | 75420-98520 psi |
Yield Strength | 420 MPa | 60920 psi |
Brinell Hardness (HB) | 200-230 | 200-230 |
Rockwell Hardness (HRC) | 20-24 | 20-24 |
Vickers Hardness (HV) | 210-240 | 210-240 |
Elongation | 18-20% | 18-20% |
Elastic Modulus | 210 GPa | 30500 ksi |
Data After QT(Quenching and Tempering) Processing
Property | Metric | Imperial |
---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 630-780 MPa | 91,385-113,045 psi |
Yield Strength | 520-680 MPa | 75,420-98,600 psi |
Impact Toughness | ≥ 34 J | ≥ 25 ft-lb |
Elongation | ≥ 16% | ≥ 16% |
Reduction of Area | ≥ 45% | ≥ 45% |
Elastic Modulus | 210 GPa | 30,500 ksi |
Industries & Applications
Industry | Products |
---|---|
Large Ships | Hulls, Decks, Bulkheads, Ship Frames |
Bridges | Bridge Girders, Support Beams, Bridge Decks, Suspension Cables |
Power Station Equipment | Turbine Components, Boiler Parts, Heat Exchangers, Pressure Vessels |
Medium and High-Pressure Boilers | Boiler Drums, Steam Pipes, Pressure Tubes, Heat Recovery Systems |
High-Pressure Vessels | Storage Tanks, Chemical Reactors, Gas Cylinders, Heat Exchangers |
Lifting Machinery | Crane Booms, Hoist Frames, Winch Drums, Lifting Hooks |
Mining Machinery | Excavator Arms, Mining Truck Frames, Drill Rigs, Conveyor Belt Supports |
Large Welded Structural Parts | Structural Beams, Columns, Trusses, Frameworks |
Machining
Q420 Heat Treating Instructions
- Heating (Austenitizing):
- Heat the steel to a temperature range of 900-950°C (1652-1742°F).
- Maintain this temperature to ensure complete austenitization.
- Quenching:
- Rapidly cool the steel in water or oil.
- This process transforms the microstructure into martensite, increasing hardness and strength.
- 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
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