Q390NC Steel Plate GB/T 1591 Supplier
What is Q390NC Steel Plate GB/T 1591?
Q390NC, also searched as GB/T 1591 Q390NC, Q390NC steel plate, Q390NC plate and Q390 NC, is the 390 MPa quality-grade-C grade delivered normalized or normalizing-rolled in GB/T 1591-2018. Q is the yield symbol, 390 is the thin-plate minimum yield in MPa, N is the delivery letter, and C is the quality letter for Charpy impact at 0°C.
The N is the point of this page. Hot-rolled Q390C has no N. Thermomechanical Q390MC has an M. A hot-rolled certificate cannot be stamped NC. A TMCP certificate cannot be stamped NC. Grade B is +20°C and is GB/T 1591 Q390NB. D is −20°C. E is −40°C. Q390 sits between GB/T 1591 Q355NC and GB/T 1591 Q420B. Do not drop a 390 MPa drawing onto a 355 MPa plate, and do not upgrade it to 420 MPa without a price check.
EN 10025 has no S390 letter. The usual higher comparison is EN 10025-3 S420N, a normalized fine-grain grade tested at −20°C. EN 10025-3 S355N is the lower normalized comparison. EN 10025-2 S355J0 is 0°C and only 355 MPa. On the US side, ASTM A572 Gr.55 is 55 ksi / 380 MPa, one step lower, and it is not an NC twin. JIS G3106 SM520B is the usual Japanese comparison. Dual mark only when both books are fully met. See EN 10025-3 and high strength low alloy plates.
SHH STEEL is a global steel mill sourcing partner and steel manufacturer and exporter, mill-direct, China origin. We source Q390NC from first-line structural mills, print heat analysis and product analysis when ordered, and ship plate to fabricators in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. Related pages include structural steel plates and the products index.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Plate book | GB/T 1591-2018 Q390NC | Confirmed |
| Other search names | Q390NC steel plate, Q390 NC | Covered |
| Delivery condition | Normalized or normalizing rolled | Confirmed |
| Yield, ≤ 16 mm | 390 MPa min | Confirmed |
| Quality grade | C, impact at 0°C | Confirmed |
| Not this page | Hot-rolled Q390C | Different condition |
| Not this page | TMCP Q390MC | Different condition |
| EN comparison | EN 10025-3 S420N is higher | Comparison, not a swap |
| US comparison | ASTM A572 Gr.55 is 380 MPa | Not a twin |
| Product analysis | GB/T 222 column when ordered | Confirmed |
| Supply role | Global steel mill sourcing partner | SHH STEEL |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 | As ordered |
Nearby pages that buyers compare, but must not swap blindly, include EN 10025-3 S420N, ASTM A572 Gr.55 and GB/T 1591 Q355NC.
Chemical Composition
Heat analysis is the mill ladle table in GB/T 1591-2018 for normalized Q390. Product analysis, when ordered, follows GB/T 222. Q390NC is a microalloyed HSLA plate. Grade C is tighter on phosphorus and sulfur than grade B, because the impact test is at 0°C. Mills may add Nb, V or Ti. The certificate shows the elements actually used.
Heat Analysis and Product Analysis — GB/T 1591 Q390NC, normalized
| Element | Heat analysis (%) | Product analysis (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C), max | 0.20 | 0.22 |
| Silicon (Si), max | 0.50 | 0.55 |
| Manganese (Mn), max | 1.70 | 1.80 |
| Phosphorus (P), max | 0.030 | 0.035 |
| Sulfur (S), max | 0.030 | 0.035 |
| Niobium (Nb), max | 0.07 | 0.08 |
| Vanadium (V), max | 0.20 | 0.22 |
| Titanium (Ti), max | 0.20 | 0.21 |
| Chromium (Cr), max | 0.30 | 0.35 |
| Nickel (Ni), max | 0.50 | 0.55 |
| Copper (Cu), max | 0.40 | 0.45 |
| Molybdenum (Mo), max | 0.10 | 0.11 |
| Nitrogen (N), max | 0.015 | 0.017 |
| Aluminium (Als), min when used | 0.015 | 0.010 |
Carbon equivalent is limited by thickness in the standard. The N route often has a different CEV window from hot-rolled Q390C. If the purchase order writes product analysis, SHH STEEL prints both columns and the thickness band used for the tensile test. Do not treat this chemistry as quenched-and-tempered GB/T 16270 Q460C. A 355 MPa file is GB/T 1591 Q355C, not this grade.
Mechanical Properties
Buyers search Q390NC mechanical properties, Q390NC yield strength, GB/T 1591 Q390NC tensile and Q390NC impact 0°C.
Tensile and impact — GB/T 1591 Q390NC, normalized
| Thickness | Yield min | Tensile | Elongation min | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 16 mm | 390 MPa | 490–650 MPa | 20% | 0°C, grade C |
| > 16–40 mm | 380 MPa | 490–650 MPa | 20% | 0°C, grade C |
| > 40–63 mm | 360 MPa | 490–650 MPa | 19% | 0°C, grade C |
| > 63–80 mm | 350 MPa | 490–650 MPa | 19% | 0°C, grade C |
| > 80–100 mm | 340 MPa | 490–650 MPa | 19% | 0°C, grade C |
| > 100–150 mm | 330 MPa | 470–620 MPa | 18% | 0°C, grade C |
Impact energy is the average of three longitudinal Charpy V-notch specimens, commonly 34 J minimum at 0°C. One value may fall below the table, but not below 70% of that value. Write a higher energy on the order if the owner requires it.
Yield steps down with thickness. A 390 MPa name on 12 mm plate is not the minimum on a 40 mm flange. 390 MPa is about 56.5 ksi. ASTM A572 Gr.55 is 55 ksi and is not this book. SHH STEEL quotes the thickness band and the N condition on the offer.
Density is 7.85 g/cm³. Hardness is not a design value for this grade. Z15, Z25 or Z35 through-thickness tensile is an extra, not part of the C letter.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Book | Delivery | Yield, thin plate | Impact | Swap? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q390C | GB/T 1591-2018 | Hot rolled | 390 MPa | 0°C | Different process |
| GB/T 1591 Q390NB | GB/T 1591-2018 | Normalized | 390 MPa | +20°C | Warmer N sister |
| Q390NC | GB/T 1591-2018 | Normalized | 390 MPa | 0°C | This page |
| Q390MC | GB/T 1591-2018 | TMCP | 390 MPa | 0°C | Different process |
| Q390ND | GB/T 1591-2018 | Normalized | 390 MPa | −20°C | Colder sister |
| GB/T 1591 Q355NC | GB/T 1591-2018 | Normalized | 355 MPa | 0°C | Lower yield |
| EN 10025-3 S420N | EN 10025-3 | Normalized | 420 MPa | −20°C | Higher comparison |
| ASTM A572 Gr.55 | ASTM A572 | As rolled | 380 MPa | Different | Lower yield |
A colder 420 MPa file is GB/T 1591 Q420D. A 460 MPa file is GB/T 1591 Q460C.
Equivalent Material Grades
There is no official one-to-one substitute for Q390NC. What buyers compare is a 390 MPa normalized plate tested at 0°C.
EN 10025 has no S390. EN 10025-3 S355N is lower and tested at −20°C. EN 10025-3 S420N is higher. EN 10025-2 S355J0 is 0°C and only 355 MPa. In the United States, ASTM A572 Gr.55 is 55 ksi / 380 MPa. ASTM A572 Gr.50 is 50 ksi and is one step lower. ASTM A36 is 36 ksi and is well below this yield. In Japan, JIS G3106 SM520B is the usual comparison. SHH STEEL will not stamp EN 10025-3 S420N or ASTM A572 Gr.55 on a Q390NC certificate unless the purchase order names both books and both tables are met.
| Designation | Country / region | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q390NC | China | GB/T 1591-2018 | Name on this page |
| Q390C | China | GB/T 1591-2018 | Hot rolled, not this page |
| GB/T 1591 Q390NB | China | GB/T 1591-2018 | Normalized, +20°C |
| Q390MC | China | GB/T 1591-2018 | TMCP, not this page |
| GB/T 1591 Q355NC | China | GB/T 1591-2018 | 355 MPa, normalized |
| EN 10025-3 S420N | Europe | EN 10025-3 | Higher, normalized |
| ASTM A572 Gr.55 | USA | ASTM A572 | 55 ksi, lower yield |
| JIS G3106 SM520B | Japan | JIS G3106 | Usual Japanese comparison |
Structural Service
Buyers pick Q390NC when a building, bridge member or welded fabrication wants about 390 MPa yield, a normalized or normalizing-rolled condition, and impact at 0°C. Search phrases such as Q390NC steel plate and GB/T 1591 Q390NC all point here.
It is the wrong plate when the drawing says hot rolled only. That work is Q390C. It is the wrong plate when the drawing says TMCP. That work is Q390MC. It is the wrong plate for a +20°C file. That work is GB/T 1591 Q390NB. It is the wrong plate for a −20°C file. That work is Q390ND, and the hot-rolled 355 MPa sister is GB/T 1591 Q355D. It is the wrong plate for a 420 MPa file. That work is GB/T 1591 Q420D or GB/T 1591 Q420E. It is the wrong plate for a 460 MPa file. That work is GB/T 1591 Q460C or GB/T 1591 Q460E. It is the wrong plate for a pressure vessel. That work sits on ASTM A516 or pressure vessel steel plates.
SHH STEEL supplies this plate when the drawing names GB/T 1591, quality grade C, and the N condition at 390 MPa.
Weldability
Q390NC is a weldable normalized HSLA structural plate. Carbon is controlled, and many heats use Nb, V or Ti. A procedure written for ASTM A36 is not a finished WPS for thick Q390NC. Carbon equivalent on the N route is not the same window as hot-rolled Q390C. A procedure qualified only at +20°C may miss the 0°C coupon.
Typical consumables are matching 55–60 ksi low-hydrogen electrodes or wires. E7018-class electrodes are under-matched if the joint must develop full plate strength. A procedure written for ASTM A572 Gr.55 is a useful strength reference after chemistry is checked. Preheat follows thickness, hydrogen and the approved WPS. Thick plate and restrained joints need more preheat than a 10 mm web.
The fabricator owns the WPS. SHH STEEL can share mill heat data, product analysis and carbon equivalent for that review. Do not use a Q390NC procedure on Q390MC without checking the TMCP carbon equivalent.
Heat Treatment and Delivery Condition
Usual delivery from SHH STEEL for Q390NC is normalized or normalizing rolled. The plate is not hot rolled as Q390C and not thermomechanical rolled as Q390MC.
Normalizing is typically about 880–920°C, followed by air cooling, unless the mill uses a normalizing-rolling route that the standard accepts for the N letter. Do not order Q390NC as quenched and tempered. That route belongs to GB/T 16270. Stress relief after fabrication, if used, should be agreed before cutting.
The certificate lists GB/T 1591 Q390NC, heat number, delivery condition, heat analysis, product analysis when ordered, tensile by thickness band, and 0°C impact. Certificates may be EN 10204 3.1 or EN 10204 3.2. Dual marking to EN 10025-3 S420N is available only when both books are fully met.
Dimensions
Usual supply range from SHH STEEL for Q390NC steel plate:
- Thickness: commonly 8 mm – 80 mm, heavier plate to 100 mm by enquiry
- Width: 1500 mm – 3000 mm, wider by enquiry
- Length: 3000 mm – 12000 mm
Cut-to-size webs, flanges, base plates and gussets are available. Browse more sizes on structural steel plates.
Tolerances
Dimensional limits for Q390NC follow GB/T 709 unless the purchase order names EN 10029 or another table.
Typical thickness tolerance idea for Q390NC plate
| Nominal thickness (mm) | Usual minus (mm) | Usual plus (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 – 15 | −0.3 | +0.8 |
| 15 – 25 | −0.4 | +0.9 |
| 25 – 40 | −0.5 | +1.1 |
| 40 – 60 | −0.6 | +1.3 |
| 60 – 80 | −0.7 | +1.5 |
| 80 – 100 | −0.8 | +1.6 |
Width on 1500–3000 mm plate is commonly held to about +20 / 0 mm or ±25 mm unless a tighter extra is named. Length on 3000–12000 mm plate is commonly held to about +50 / 0 mm. Flatness follows the agreed class. SHH STEEL will not assume a zero-minus extra on Q390NC unless the order says so.
Supplementary Requirements
Q390NC already defines 390 MPa yield, normalized delivery and 0°C impact. Extra items still have to be written on the purchase order.
Book name. Write GB/T 1591 Q390NC. Do not write only Q390, and do not write Q390C if the mill must stamp N.
Impact. Grade C is 0°C. Write a higher energy if the owner requires it. Do not expect a −20°C result unless the grade is changed to Q390ND.
Delivery condition. Write normalized or normalizing rolled. Write Q390C if hot rolled is enough. Write Q390MC if TMCP is required.
EN or US comparison. Write EN 10025-3 S420N or ASTM A572 Gr.55 only if dual mark is required and both tables are met.
Product analysis. Write it if the file needs the second chemistry column.
Through-thickness. Z15, Z25 or Z35 when the joint is loaded through the thickness.
NDE. UT to GB/T 2970 or the named class.
Identification. Heat number, Q390NC, thickness and mill logo.
Third-party witness. EN 10204 3.2 with SGS, TÜV, BV, ABS or the inspector named.
Applications
| Industry | Typical components |
|---|---|
| Buildings and workshops | Q390NC columns, beams and base plates |
| Bridges and towers | Q390NC webs and flanges from SHH STEEL |
| Construction machinery | Q390NC frames where the drawing names N and 0°C |
| General fabrication | Q390NC gussets and connection plates |
| Comparison vs EN 10025-3 | Q390NC next to EN 10025-3 S420N |
| Comparison vs ASTM A572 | Q390NC next to ASTM A572 Gr.55 |
| Lower yield option | GB/T 1591 Q355NC when 355 MPa is enough |
Q390NC is the plate for a 390 MPa normalized file tested at 0°C. It is the wrong plate for a painted weathering facade that needs corten. It is the wrong plate for a 690 MPa QT boom under GB/T 16270.
Supply Capability
SHH STEEL sources Q390NC from first-line Chinese structural mills and ships it on worldwide terms. Partner mills include Wuyang (Wugang), Angang, Shougang, Hanye, Anyang Iron and Steel, Baosteel, Xinyu, Xingcheng and other qualified mills when the size requires it.
Mill test certificates are issued to EN 10204 3.1 as standard. EN 10204 3.2 is arranged when the order names a third-party hold point.
Usual rolling thickness: 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm. Heavier plate is confirmed before order.
Processing: CNC or flame cutting, bevel, flattening, shot blast, UT to the named class.
Trade terms: FOB Shanghai main, CIF destination available. Payment: TT, LC, or TT + LC.
Ocean time from Shanghai: US West 14–18 days; US Gulf 28–35 days; Rotterdam / Antwerp 28–35 days; Jebel Ali 18–25 days; Singapore 7–12 days; other ports quoted.
Third-party: SGS, TÜV, BV, ABS, CCS, GL, VL, DNV, RINA, NK, KR, or the inspector named.
Global Delivery and Markets
SHH STEEL is a global steel mill sourcing partner with mill partnerships in China. We supply GB, ASTM, ASME, EN, DIN and JIS steel to buyers in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. Origin is mill-direct, China origin.
SHH STEEL has supplied steel plates to the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, El Salvador, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan and Korea.
Typical lead time: ex-stock 5–7 days when an N heat is in yard; standard normalizing about 30–45 days; 3.2 inspection about 40–50 days.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a global steel mill sourcing partner and steel manufacturer and exporter, mill-direct, China origin. For Q390NC that means mill-direct structural price, not a multi-layer stockist mark-up. We buy from mills that can actually normalize or normalizing-roll the heat, so the N is on the certificate and not only in the enquiry.
Delivery is short when the size is in rolling range: ex-stock 5–7 days, standard N heat about 30–45 days, 3.2 inspection about 40–50 days. Cutting, bevel and UT can run in the same window. FOB Shanghai is the main term. CIF to US West, US Gulf, Rotterdam, Jebel Ali and Singapore is quoted on the same file.
Experience on this grade is simple: print GB/T 1591 Q390NC, keep the normalized route, and do not ship Q390C or Q390MC as NC. We will not drop the N to save a furnace cycle, and we will not change C to B to save a cold test. If the drawing only needs hot-rolled plate, we will move the inquiry to Q390C and keep the price on the right condition.
FAQ
- What is Q390NC steel plate?
- Q390NC in GB/T 1591-2018 is normalized or normalizing-rolled high-strength low-alloy plate with 390 MPa minimum yield on thin plate and Charpy impact at 0°C. SHH STEEL supplies this plate worldwide as a global steel mill sourcing partner.
- Is Q390NC the same as Q390C?
- No. Both yield at 390 MPa and both are tested at 0°C. Q390C is hot rolled. Q390NC is normalized or normalizing rolled.
- Is Q390NC the same as Q390NB?
- No. Both are normalized. Q390NB is tested at +20°C. Q390NC is tested at 0°C.
- Is Q390NC the same as Q390MC?
- No. Q390NC is normalized. Q390MC is thermomechanical rolled. Impact letter C is the same temperature. The process is not.
- What is the European equivalent of Q390NC?
- There is no S390 in EN 10025. EN 10025-3 S420N is the higher normalized comparison. EN 10025-2 S355J0 is 0°C and only 355 MPa. Dual mark only when both books are fully met.
- What is the US equivalent of Q390NC?
- There is no official ASTM twin. ASTM A572 Grade 55 is 55 ksi / 380 MPa, slightly lower, and it does not carry an NC letter. SHH STEEL does not dual-mark ASTM A572 unless both books are met.
Conclusion
Q390NC steel plate to GB/T 1591 is 390 MPa normalized structural plate with impact at 0°C. It is not hot-rolled Q390C and not TMCP Q390MC. EN 10025 has no S390. ASTM A572 Grade 55 is 380 MPa and is not a substitute. Whether the inquiry says Q390NC, GB/T 1591 Q390NC or Q390NC steel plate, SHH STEEL as a global steel mill sourcing partner supplies plate with Q390NC chemistry, heat and product analysis as ordered, GB/T 709 tolerances and EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification.
SHH STEEL supplies Q390NC Steel Plate to the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas for work that actually names the N condition.
Contact SHH STEEL for mill rolling, normalized Q390NC, cutting, UT, 3.2 inspection or a worldwide quotation.
Q390NC, Q390NC steel plate, GB/T 1591 Q390NC, Q390NC plate, Q390NC supplier, SHH STEEL

