Gangsteel is a professional supplier and exporter of EN 10025-6 S960QL quenched and tempered structural steel plates. S960QL is an ultra-high-strength fine-grained steel with a minimum yield strength of 960 MPa (for thicknesses up to 50 mm). It is designed for weight-critical, high-load applications such as mobile cranes, mining equipment, and heavy machinery.
The grade is delivered in the quenched and tempered condition and offers excellent low-temperature toughness (tested at –40°C), good weldability under controlled procedures, and an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio.
Grade Designation
- S – Structural steel
- 960 – Minimum yield strength 960 MPa (thickness ≤ 50 mm)
- Q – Quenched and tempered delivery condition
- L – Guaranteed Charpy V-notch impact toughness at –40°C
Steel number: 1.8933
Key Advantages of S960QL Steel Plate
- Ultra-high yield strength (960 MPa) enables significant weight reduction
- Excellent toughness at low temperatures (–40°C)
- Fine-grained microstructure for good toughness and fatigue resistance
- Suitable for high-stress welded structures
- Higher strength-to-weight ratio than S690QL and S890QL
- Available with full mill test certificates (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis, Maximum %)
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | N | B | Cr | Cu | Mo | Nb | Ni | Ti | V | Zr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S960QL | 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: At least one grain-refining element (Nb, Ti, V, Zr or Al) must be present at a minimum of 0.015%. Carbon equivalent is controlled to ensure weldability.
Mechanical Properties
| Thickness (mm) | Yield Strength ReH min (MPa) | Tensile Strength Rm (MPa) | Elongation A min (%) | Impact Energy KV min (J) at –40°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 50 | 960 | 980 – 1150 | 10 | 30 (longitudinal) / 27 (transverse) |
| >50 – 100 | 850 – 910 | 900 – 1100 | 10 | 30 (longitudinal) / 27 (transverse) |
| >100 – 150 | 850 | 900 – 1100 | 10 | As agreed |
Note: Values are indicative according to EN 10025-6. Actual guaranteed values depend on thickness and the producing mill. Always refer to the mill certificate.
Available Dimensions
- Thickness: 6 mm – 150 mm (common stock range 8–100 mm)
- Width: 1500 mm – 4000 mm
- Length: 6000 mm – 12000 mm (custom lengths available)
- Delivery condition: Quenched and Tempered (Q+T)
Main Applications
- Mobile and crawler crane booms and frames
- Mining dump truck bodies and hydraulic supports
- Concrete pump booms
- Heavy transport trailer chassis and frames
- Offshore lifting structures and special machinery
- Weight-critical components in construction and mining equipment
Equivalent Grades of S960QL
| Manufacturer / Standard | Equivalent Grade | Steel Number / Designation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 10025-6 | S960QL | 1.8933 | Official European standard grade |
| SSAB | Strenx 960 | – | Current brand name (formerly Weldox 960) |
| SSAB | Weldox 960 | – | Older commercial name of Strenx 960 |
| Dillinger | Dillimax 965T | – | German high-strength QT plate |
| JFE Steel | HITEN 960LE | – | Japanese equivalent high-strength plate |
| Thyssenkrupp | N-A-XTRA 960 | – | Commercial equivalent (similar properties) |
| Germany (old DIN) | TStE 960 V | – | Older German designation |
| France (old AFNOR) | E 960 T / S960T | – | Older French designation |
| ASTM (approximate) | A514 Grade F | – | Partial mechanical equivalent (not identical) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between S960Q and S960QL?
S960Q is impact tested at –20°C, while S960QL is tested at –40°C. S960QL also has tighter limits on phosphorus and sulfur, giving better low-temperature toughness. Most customers choose S960QL for outdoor or cold-climate applications.
What is the carbon equivalent (CEV) of S960QL and is it easy to weld?
Typical CEV for S960QL is around 0.55–0.70 depending on thickness. It can be welded, but it is not a low-CEV steel. Proper preheating (usually 150–200°C or higher for thick plates), controlled interpass temperature, low hydrogen consumables, and limited heat input are required. Welding procedure qualification is strongly recommended.
Does the yield strength drop when the plate is thicker than 50 mm?
Yes. According to EN 10025-6, the minimum yield strength decreases with thickness. For plates over 50 mm it is typically guaranteed at 850–910 MPa instead of 960 MPa. Always confirm the exact value on the mill certificate for your thickness.
Is S960QL the same as Strenx 960 or Weldox 960?
They are very close equivalents. Strenx 960 (previously called Weldox 960) is the SSAB brand name and is produced to similar or slightly tighter internal specifications. Most buyers accept Chinese mill S960QL as a commercial substitute for Strenx 960 / Weldox 960.
Can S960QL be bent or formed?
Yes, but cold forming requires larger bending radii than lower strength grades. The recommended minimum bending radius is usually 3–5 times the plate thickness (transverse) depending on thickness and direction. Warm forming is sometimes used for thicker plates. Consult the mill recommendations or ask us for forming guidelines.
What surface condition can you supply?
Standard supply is as-rolled or shot-blasted. Shot-blasted + primer (shop primer) is available on request. We can also arrange cutting and beveling before shipment.
Do you have S960QL in stock or only made to order?
Common thicknesses (8–40 mm) are often available from stock or short lead time. Larger thicknesses or special sizes are normally produced to order. Lead time is usually 3–6 weeks depending on quantity and mill schedule.
What certificates do you provide?
We supply EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates as standard. EN 10204 3.2 with third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV, etc.) is available on request. Ultrasonic testing (UT) according to EN 10160 can also be arranged.
What is the minimum order quantity?
For stock material there is usually no strict MOQ. For mill production, the typical minimum is one plate or 5–10 tons depending on the thickness and width. We are flexible for trial orders.
Can S960QL be used instead of S890QL?
Yes, in many cases. S960QL offers higher yield strength, so designers can reduce plate thickness and overall weight. However, welding and forming become more critical, and the price is higher. The choice depends on the required strength and fabrication capability.
Contact Gangsteel today for the latest price, stock list, technical data sheet, or welding recommendations for EN 10025-6 S960QL steel plate.