Gangsteel produces and exports EN 10025-6 S460QL1 quenched and tempered structural steel plate. S460QL1 belongs to the entry strength level of the EN 10025-6 steel plate family, with a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa for thicknesses up to 50 mm. It is used where a welded structure must carry high loads with less steel weight than ordinary structural grades.
S460QL1 is delivered in the quenched and tempered condition and has guaranteed Charpy impact energy at –60 °C, the lowest test temperature in EN 10025-6. It is the choice for arctic, offshore and other very low-temperature service where S460QL (–40 °C) is not enough.
Grade Designation
- S – Structural steel
- 460 – Minimum yield strength 460 MPa (thickness ≤ 50 mm)
- Q – Quenched and tempered delivery condition
- L1 – Guaranteed Charpy V-notch impact energy at –60 °C
Steel number: 1.8916
Key Advantages of S460QL1 Steel Plate
- Minimum yield strength of 460 MPa, well above common S355 structural steel
- Guaranteed impact toughness at –60 °C
- Fine-grained quenched and tempered microstructure
- Weldable with a qualified welding procedure
- Specified over a wide thickness range in EN 10025-6
Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis, Maximum %)
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | N | B | Cr | Cu | Mo | Nb | Ni | Ti | V | Zr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S460QL1 | 0.20 | 0.80 | 1.70 | 0.020 | 0.010 | 0.015 | 0.005 | 1.50 | 0.50 | 0.70 | 0.06 | 2.0 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.15 |
Note: The steel is fully killed and fine-grained. The producing mill chooses the actual alloy content within these limits, and the carbon equivalent (CEV) for each heat is shown on the mill certificate.
Mechanical Properties
| Thickness (mm) | Yield Strength ReH min (MPa) | Tensile Strength Rm (MPa) | Elongation A min (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 50 | 460 | 550 – 720 | 17 |
| > 50 – 100 | 440 | 550 – 720 | 17 |
| > 100 – 150 | 400 | 500 – 670 | 17 |
| Impact Test (Charpy V-notch) | 0 °C | –20 °C | –40 °C | –60 °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longitudinal, KV min (J) | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 |
| Transverse, KV min (J), if agreed | 40 | 35 | 30 | 27 |
Note: Thickness rows follow the EN 10025-6:2004+A1 edition. The 2019 edition revised the thickness steps for thicker plates, so state the edition on your order. Guaranteed values depend on thickness and edition, and must be confirmed on the mill certificate for the ordered thickness.
Available Dimensions
- Thickness: to enquiry, within the EN 10025-6 range for S460 grades (from 3 mm; up to 150 mm in the 2004+A1 edition; confirm the maximum for the 2019 edition when ordering)
- Width and length: to enquiry
- Tolerances: EN 10029 unless otherwise agreed
- Delivery condition: Quenched and Tempered (Q+T)
Main Applications
- Welded steel structures and bridges where a higher yield strength than S355 saves weight
- Offshore and port structures
- Crane and lifting equipment components
- Heavy vehicle and trailer frames
- Machinery frames and supports
Equivalent Grades of S460QL1
| Manufacturer / Standard | Equivalent Grade | Steel Number / Designation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 10025-6 | S460QL1 | 1.8916 | Official European standard grade |
| EN 10137-2 (withdrawn) | S460QL1 | 1.8916 | Former European standard, replaced by EN 10025-6 |
| GB/T 16270 (China) | Q460F | – | Approximate: similar strength class, impact tested at –60 °C; not identical limits; confirm the quality grade is offered under the GB/T 16270 edition used |
Equivalents are for reference only. A grade from another standard is not a direct substitute unless the designer or project specification accepts it.
Related Products
Other grades in the EN 10025-6 steel plate range:
- EN 10025-6 S460Q steel plate
- EN 10025-6 S460QL steel plate
- EN 10025-6 S500QL1 steel plate
- Low alloy and high strength steel plate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between S460Q, S460QL and S460QL1?
All three have the same strength. They differ in impact test temperature: S460Q at –20 °C, S460QL at –40 °C and S460QL1 at –60 °C. QL and QL1 also have lower maximum phosphorus and sulfur than Q.
What is the carbon equivalent (CEV) of S460QL1?
EN 10025-6 sets maximum CEV values that rise with plate thickness, up to 0.50 for the thickest plates. The limit for thinner plates is lower; check the table of the edition you order. The actual CEV of each heat is printed on the mill certificate. Use that value when you plan welding.
Is S460QL1 weldable?
Yes. S460QL1 is a weldable fine-grained steel, but it needs a qualified welding procedure (WPS) following EN 1011-2, low-hydrogen consumables and controlled heat input. The cold cracking risk increases with plate thickness.
Does the yield strength drop for thicker plates?
Yes. The minimum yield strength is 460 MPa up to 50 mm, 440 MPa above 50 mm to 100 mm, and 400 MPa for thicker plates. Design to the value for the actual thickness and check it on the mill certificate.
Can S460QL1 replace a lower-toughness quality?
Yes. S460QL1 has the same strength as S460Q and S460QL, with impact energy guaranteed at a lower temperature, so it can normally replace them if the designer agrees. The reverse is not allowed.
How is S460QL1 different from S460N or S460M?
All are 460 MPa structural steels, but the delivery condition is different. S460N is normalized (EN 10025-3), S460M is thermomechanically rolled (EN 10025-4) and S460QL1 is quenched and tempered (EN 10025-6). Chemistry, thickness rules and test values differ, so do not swap them without the designer’s approval.
Can S460QL1 be cold formed?
Yes, but it needs larger bending radii than ordinary structural steel. Hot forming is not recommended because it can destroy the quenched and tempered properties. Confirm forming limits for your thickness with the mill.
What information should I give when asking for a quotation?
Give the grade (EN 10025-6 S460QL1), the standard edition, plate thickness, width, length, quantity, any extra tests (for example transverse impact or ultrasonic testing) and the inspection certificate type you need.
For a quotation or technical data for EN 10025-6 S460QL1 steel plate, please contact Gangsteel.