EN 10025-6 S460QL Steel Plate | S460QL QT High Structural Steel
What is EN 10025-6 S460QL Steel Plate?
SHH STEEL is a professional China Mill-Direct Exporter of high-strength structural steel plates. We are pleased to offer EN 10025-6 S460QL Steel Plate (Material Number 1.8906), a quenched and tempered grade engineered for demanding structural applications that require both high strength and improved low-temperature toughness.
S460QL belongs to the family of EN 10025-6 steel plate products covering high-yield-strength steels in the quenched and tempered condition. Compared with S460Q, the “QL” designation indicates a more stringent impact requirement at –40°C, making this grade particularly suitable for structures exposed to colder service temperatures. After quenching and tempering, the steel develops a fine-grained tempered martensite/bainite microstructure that delivers a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa (up to 50 mm thickness) together with reliable Charpy-V toughness.
SHH STEEL supplies S460QL plates in thicknesses ranging from 6 mm to 150 mm, widths up to 3000–4000 mm and lengths up to 12000–18000 mm. Custom cutting, ultrasonic testing, surface treatment and third-party inspection services are available. Every plate is delivered with a full EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate, ensuring complete traceability from the producing mill.
Material Specification
| Parameter | Requirement / Availability |
|---|---|
| Governing Standard | EN 10025-6 |
| Steel Designation | S460QL (1.8906) |
| Delivery Condition | Quenched and Tempered (Q) |
| Product Form | Flat steel plate |
| Thickness Range | 6 mm – 150 mm (thicker plates on request) |
| Width / Length | Up to 3000–4000 mm / 12000–18000 mm |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 |
| Additional Testing | UT, Z-test, third-party inspection available |
Chemical Composition
Chemical composition is controlled in accordance with EN 10025-6 for both ladle (heat) analysis and product analysis.
Ladle Analysis (Cast Analysis)
| Element | Maximum (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.20 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.70 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.020 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.010 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.50 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 2.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.70 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.50 |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0.06 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.12 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.05 |
| Boron (B) | 0.005 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.015 |
Product Analysis
| Element | Maximum (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.22 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.86 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.80 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.012 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.60 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 2.10 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.74 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.55 |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0.07 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.14 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.06 |
| Boron (B) | 0.006 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.016 |
The lower phosphorus and sulphur limits for the QL grade contribute to improved toughness at low temperature. Carbon equivalent is carefully controlled to maintain acceptable weldability after quenching and tempering.
Mechanical Properties
| Nominal Thickness (mm) | Min. Yield Strength ReH | Tensile Strength Rm | Min. Elongation A | Impact Energy (longitudinal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 50 | 460 MPa | 550 – 720 MPa | 17 % | 40 J at –40 °C |
| 50 < t ≤ 100 | 440 MPa | 550 – 720 MPa | 17 % | 40 J at –40 °C |
| 100 < t ≤ 150 | 400 MPa | 500 – 670 MPa | 17 % | 40 J at –40 °C |
Density is approximately 7.85 g/cm³. Transverse impact values are also specified in the standard and can be provided upon request.
Delivery Conditions
All S460QL plates are supplied in the quenched and tempered condition as required by EN 10025-6. The quenching and tempering heat treatment produces the required combination of high strength and toughness.
Additional processing options available from SHH STEEL:
- Shot blasting and shop primer application
- Ultrasonic testing in accordance with EN 10160
- Through-thickness (Z-direction) testing to Z15, Z25 or Z35
- Independent third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV, Lloyd’s Register, etc.)
- Precision cutting (flame, plasma or water-jet)
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances are in accordance with EN 10029. Customers may select the required class for thickness, width, length and flatness. Both mill edges and cut edges (flame or plasma) can be supplied according to project requirements. Tighter tolerances are available by special agreement.
Weldability
S460QL is a high-strength quenched and tempered steel. Successful welding requires careful attention to preheating, heat input and the selection of low-hydrogen consumables in order to preserve toughness in the heat-affected zone.
Recommended welding consumables:
| Welding Process | Suggested Consumables |
|---|---|
| SMAW (Stick) | E8018-G, E7018, E8018-C3 |
| GMAW / MAG | ER80S-G, ER70S-6, ER80S-Ni1 |
| FCAW | E81T1-Ni1, E71T-1, E81T1-K2 |
| SAW | Matching high-strength wire and flux combinations |
Preheating is normally required for thicker plates. Interpass temperature should be controlled and post-weld heat treatment may be considered for critical applications.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| S460QL | EN 10025-6 | Primary designation |
| 1.8906 | EN | Material number |
| Q460E / Q460F | GB/T 1591 | Closest Chinese equivalents |
| Selected A514 / A517 grades | ASTM | Similar quenched & tempered concept |
| TStE 460 V | Former DIN | Historical related grade |
Applications
EN 10025-6 S460QL is selected when high strength must be combined with reliable performance at low temperature. Typical applications include:
| Application Area | Typical Components / Keywords |
|---|---|
| Heavy Construction | Crane booms, heavy frames, high-load columns – S460QL Structural Steel |
| Bridge Engineering | Main girders, support structures – S460QL Bridge |
| Mining & Earthmoving Equipment | Chassis, boom structures, heavy frames – S460QL Mining |
| Offshore & Marine | Platform components, lifting equipment – S460QL Offshore |
| Low-Temperature Structures | Structures requiring –40°C toughness – S460QL Low Temperature |
| Energy & Power | Wind turbine components, heavy fabrications – S460QL Energy |
| General Heavy Fabrication | High-strength welded assemblies – S460QL Fabrication |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Exporter. We maintain long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese steel mills and act as a first-level agent. This direct supply model allows us to offer competitive mill-direct pricing, shorter lead times, consistent quality and full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2) for EN 10025-6 S460QL Steel Plate.
Our experienced export and technical teams provide support on material selection, welding procedures, cutting and processing. Customers benefit from reliable supply and professional service for high-strength quenched and tempered steel projects worldwide.
FAQ
- What does “QL” mean in S460QL?“Q” indicates the quenched and tempered condition, while “L” means the steel meets higher impact energy requirements at –40°C.
- What is the difference between S460Q and S460QL?Both grades have the same strength level. S460Q is impact tested at –20°C, whereas S460QL is tested at –40°C and provides higher toughness values for colder service conditions.
- What is the material number of S460QL?1.8906
- Can SHH STEEL supply S460QL with Z-direction testing?Yes. Z15, Z25 and Z35 testing can be arranged according to project requirements.
Conclusion
EN 10025-6 S460QL (1.8906) quenched and tempered steel plate from SHH STEEL combines high yield strength of 460 MPa with excellent toughness at –40°C. As a China Mill-Direct Exporter, we provide competitive pricing, reliable quality and full technical support. Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, pricing or processing services.
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