Q460E Steel Plate GB/T 1591 Supplier
What is Q460E Steel Plate GB/T 1591?
Q460E, also searched as GB/T 1591 Q460E, Q460E steel plate, Q460E plate and Q460 E, is the 460 MPa quality-grade-E grade in GB/T 1591-2018. That standard covers high-strength low-alloy structural steels. Q is the yield symbol, 460 is the thin-plate minimum yield in MPa, and E is the quality letter for Charpy impact at −40°C.
Q460E on this page is the hot-rolled grade. It has no N and no M suffix. Q460NE is normalized or normalizing-rolled. Q460ME is thermomechanical rolled. Those are different delivery conditions, different carbon-equivalent windows and different thickness limits. A hot-rolled Q460E certificate cannot be stamped NE or ME. Grade C is 0°C. D is −20°C. Hot-rolled Q460 starts at C. There is no Q460B in this delivery condition.
Do not confuse this page with GB/T 16270 Q460E. That grade is quenched and tempered. Same yield number, different book, different process and different weld procedure. A GB/T 1591 certificate cannot be used as a GB/T 16270 certificate.
The closest European comparison is EN 10025-3 S460NL, a normalized fine-grain grade tested colder than −20°C, not a hot-rolled twin. EN 10025-3 S460N is −20°C and is the warmer comparison. EN 10025-4 S460ML is the TMCP comparison and lines up more closely with Q460ME. On the US side, ASTM A572 Gr.65 is 65 ksi / 450 MPa, one step lower, and it is not an E-letter twin. JIS G3106 SM570 is a lower 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 Q460E 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 Q460E | Confirmed |
| Other search names | Q460E steel plate, Q460 E | Covered |
| Delivery condition | Hot rolled | Confirmed |
| Yield, ≤ 16 mm | 460 MPa min | Confirmed |
| Quality grade | E, impact at −40°C | Confirmed |
| Not this page | GB/T 16270 Q460E QT | Different book |
| EN comparison | EN 10025-3 S460NL | Comparison, not a swap |
| US comparison | ASTM A572 Gr.65 is 450 MPa | Not a twin |
| Product analysis | GB/T 222 column when ordered | Confirmed |
| Not the same condition | Q460NE or Q460ME | Do not substitute |
| 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 S460NL, ASTM A572 Gr.65 and GB/T 16270 Q460E.
Chemical Composition
Heat analysis is the mill ladle table in GB/T 1591-2018 for hot-rolled Q460. Product analysis, when ordered, follows GB/T 222. Q460E is a microalloyed HSLA plate. Grade E is the tightest cleanliness letter on hot-rolled Q460, because the impact test is at −40°C. Mills may add Nb, V, Ti, Cr or Ni. The certificate shows the elements actually used.
Heat Analysis and Product Analysis — GB/T 1591 Q460E, hot rolled
| Element | Heat analysis (%) | Product analysis (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C), max | 0.18 | 0.20 |
| Silicon (Si), max | 0.60 | 0.65 |
| Manganese (Mn), max | 1.80 | 1.90 |
| Phosphorus (P), max | 0.025 | 0.030 |
| Sulfur (S), max | 0.020 | 0.025 |
| Niobium (Nb), max | 0.11 | 0.12 |
| Vanadium (V), max | 0.20 | 0.22 |
| Titanium (Ti), max | 0.20 | 0.21 |
| Chromium (Cr), max | 0.80 | 0.85 |
| Nickel (Ni), max | 0.80 | 0.85 |
| Copper (Cu), max | 0.55 | 0.60 |
| Molybdenum (Mo), max | 0.20 | 0.22 |
| 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. A thick flange can have a lower CEV cap than a 12 mm web. 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 the QT chemistry on GB/T 16270 Q460E.
Mechanical Properties
Buyers search Q460E mechanical properties, Q460E yield strength, GB/T 1591 Q460E tensile and Q460E impact −40°C.
Tensile and impact — GB/T 1591 Q460E, hot rolled
| Thickness | Yield min | Tensile | Elongation min | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 16 mm | 460 MPa | 550–720 MPa | 17% | −40°C, grade E |
| > 16–40 mm | 440 MPa | 550–720 MPa | 17% | −40°C, grade E |
| > 40–63 mm | 420 MPa | 550–720 MPa | 16% | −40°C, grade E |
| > 63–80 mm | 400 MPa | 550–720 MPa | 16% | −40°C, grade E |
| > 80–100 mm | 400 MPa | 550–720 MPa | 16% | −40°C, grade E |
| > 100–150 mm | 380 MPa | 530–700 MPa | 16% | −40°C, grade E |
Impact energy is the average of three longitudinal Charpy V-notch specimens, commonly 27 J to 34 J minimum at −40°C, depending on the ordered edition and thickness. 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. Not every hot-rolled heat will hold E on very thick plate. SHH STEEL confirms the thickness before promising the letter.
Yield steps down with thickness. A 460 MPa name on 12 mm plate is not the minimum on a 40 mm flange. 460 MPa is about 67 ksi. ASTM A572 Gr.65 is 65 ksi and is not this book. 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 E letter.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Book | Delivery | Yield, thin plate | Impact | Swap? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q460C | GB/T 1591-2018 | Hot rolled | 460 MPa | 0°C | No |
| Q460D | GB/T 1591-2018 | Hot rolled | 460 MPa | −20°C | Warmer sister |
| Q460E | GB/T 1591-2018 | Hot rolled | 460 MPa | −40°C | This page |
| Q460NE | GB/T 1591-2018 | Normalized | 460 MPa | −40°C | Different process |
| Q460ME | GB/T 1591-2018 | TMCP | 460 MPa | −40°C | Different process |
| GB/T 16270 Q460E | GB/T 16270 | QT | 460 MPa | −40°C | Different book |
| EN 10025-3 S460NL | EN 10025-3 | Normalized | 460 MPa | −50°C | Different process |
| ASTM A572 Gr.65 | ASTM A572 | As rolled | 450 MPa | Different | Lower yield |
Equivalent Material Grades
There is no official one-to-one substitute for Q460E. What buyers compare is a 460 MPa plate tested at −40°C.
EN 10025-3 S460N is −20°C and warmer. EN 10025-3 S460NL is normalized and colder. EN 10025-4 S460ML is TMCP and closer to Q460ME. GB/T 16270 Q460E is quenched and tempered. In the United States, ASTM A572 Gr.65 is 65 ksi / 450 MPa. ASTM A36 is 36 ksi and is well below this yield. In Japan, JIS G3106 SM570 is lower. SHH STEEL will not stamp EN 10025-3 S460NL or ASTM A572 Gr.65 on a GB/T 1591 Q460E certificate unless the purchase order names both books and both tables are met.
| Designation | Country / region | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q460E | China | GB/T 1591-2018 | Name on this page |
| Q460C / Q460D | China | GB/T 1591-2018 | Warmer impact letters |
| Q460NE / Q460ME | China | GB/T 1591-2018 | Normalized / TMCP, not this page |
| GB/T 16270 Q460E | China | GB/T 16270 | QT, different book |
| EN 10025-3 S460NL | Europe | EN 10025-3 | Normalized, colder comparison |
| EN 10025-3 S460N | Europe | EN 10025-3 | −20°C, warmer comparison |
| ASTM A572 Gr.65 | USA | ASTM A572 | 65 ksi, lower yield |
| JIS G3106 SM570 | Japan | JIS G3106 | Lower yield |
Structural Service
Buyers pick Q460E when a bridge, building member, equipment frame or welded fabrication wants about 460 MPa yield, hot-rolled delivery and impact at −40°C. Search phrases such as Q460E steel plate and GB/T 1591 Q460E all point here after the book is checked.
It is the wrong plate for a 0°C file that can use Q460C. It is the wrong plate for a −20°C file that can use Q460D. It is the wrong plate when the drawing says normalized. That work is Q460NE, and the European file is often EN 10025-3 S460NL. It is the wrong plate when the drawing says TMCP. That work is Q460ME, and the European file is often EN 10025-4 S460ML. It is the wrong plate when the drawing says quenched and tempered. That work is GB/T 16270 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 and quality grade E at 460 MPa, hot rolled.
Weldability
Q460E is a weldable 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 Q460E. Carbon equivalent rises with thickness, and the standard caps CEV by band. A procedure qualified only at −20°C may miss the −40°C coupon. A procedure written for GB/T 16270 Q460E is a QT procedure and is not this page.
Typical consumables are matching 65 ksi / 460 MPa 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.65 is a useful strength reference after chemistry and the −40°C coupon are 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 Q460E procedure on Q460ME without checking the TMCP carbon equivalent.
Heat Treatment and Delivery Condition
Usual delivery from SHH STEEL for Q460E is hot rolled to GB/T 1591. The plate is not normalized and not thermomechanical rolled unless the order changes the grade to Q460NE or Q460ME. It is not quenched and tempered unless the order moves to GB/T 16270.
Stress relief after fabrication, if used, should be agreed before cutting, because a high temper can move yield on a controlled-rolled heat.
The certificate lists GB/T 1591 Q460E, heat number, heat analysis, product analysis when ordered, tensile by thickness band, and −40°C impact. Certificates may be EN 10204 3.1 or EN 10204 3.2. Dual marking to EN 10025-3 S460NL is available only when both books are fully met.
Dimensions
Usual supply range from SHH STEEL for Q460E steel plate:
- Thickness: commonly 8 mm – 50 mm, heavier plate to 60 mm by mill confirmation
- Width: 1500 mm – 2500 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 Q460E follow GB/T 709 unless the purchase order names EN 10029 or another table.
Typical thickness tolerance idea for Q460E 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 |
Width on 1500–2500 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 Q460E unless the order says so.
Supplementary Requirements
Q460E already defines 460 MPa yield, hot-rolled delivery and −40°C impact under GB/T 1591. Extra items still have to be written on the purchase order.
Book name. Write GB/T 1591 Q460E. Do not write only Q460E. If the file needs QT, write GB/T 16270 Q460E.
Impact. Grade E is −40°C. Write a higher energy if the owner requires it.
Delivery condition. Write hot rolled. Write Q460NE or Q460ME if normalized or TMCP is required.
EN or US comparison. Write EN 10025-3 S460NL or ASTM A572 Gr.65 only if dual mark is required and both tables are met. Do not treat EN 10025-3 S460N as a −40°C grade.
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, Q460E, GB/T 1591, thickness and mill logo.
Third-party witness. EN 10204 3.2 with SGS, TÜV, BV, ABS or the inspector named.
Applications
| Industry | Typical components |
|---|---|
| Cold-region bridges | Q460E webs and flanges from SHH STEEL |
| Outdoor structures | Q460E columns and base plates tested at −40°C |
| Construction machinery | Q460E frames where −40°C impact is specified |
| General fabrication | Q460E gussets and connection plates |
| Comparison vs EN 10025-3 | Q460E next to EN 10025-3 S460NL |
| Comparison vs ASTM A572 | Q460E next to ASTM A572 Gr.65 |
| Not the QT grade | Different book: GB/T 16270 Q460E |
Q460E on this page is the plate for a 460 MPa hot-rolled file tested at −40°C. It is the wrong plate for a painted weathering facade that needs corten. It is the wrong plate for a QT boom under GB/T 16270.
Supply Capability
SHH STEEL sources Q460E 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. 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 E heat is in yard; standard rolling with −40°C test 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 Q460E that means mill-direct structural price, not a multi-layer stockist mark-up. We buy from mills that can actually test at −40°C, so the letter E 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 E 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 Q460E, keep the hot-rolled route, and do not ship Q460D or GB/T 16270 Q460E as this page. We will not change E to D on the certificate to save a cold test, and we will not treat Q460E as ASTM A36. If the drawing needs QT plate, we will move the inquiry to GB/T 16270 and keep the price on the right book.
FAQ
- What is Q460E steel plate in GB/T 1591?
- Q460E in GB/T 1591-2018 is hot-rolled high-strength low-alloy plate with 460 MPa minimum yield on thin plate and Charpy impact at −40°C. SHH STEEL supplies this plate worldwide as a global steel mill sourcing partner.
- Is GB/T 1591 Q460E the same as GB/T 16270 Q460E?
- No. GB/T 1591 Q460E is hot rolled. GB/T 16270 Q460E is quenched and tempered. Same yield number, different book and different weld procedure.
- Is Q460E the same as Q460D?
- No. Both are hot rolled under GB/T 1591 and both yield at 460 MPa. Q460D is tested at −20°C. Q460E is tested at −40°C.
- Is Q460E the same as Q460NE or Q460ME?
- No. Q460E is hot rolled. Q460NE is normalized. Q460ME is thermomechanical rolled. Impact letter E is the same temperature. The process is not.
- What is the European equivalent of Q460E?
- The nearest comparison is EN 10025-3 S460NL, which is normalized and tested colder than −20°C. EN 10025-3 S460N is only −20°C. Dual mark only when both books are fully met.
- What is the US equivalent of Q460E?
- There is no official ASTM twin. ASTM A572 Grade 65 is 65 ksi / 450 MPa, slightly lower, and it does not carry an E letter. SHH STEEL does not dual-mark ASTM A572 unless both books are met.
- What thickness can SHH STEEL supply?
- Common rolling is 8 mm to 50 mm. Plate to 60 mm is confirmed with the mill before order. Yield on plate over 16 mm is lower than the 460 MPa thin-plate number.
Conclusion
Q460E steel plate to GB/T 1591 is 460 MPa hot-rolled structural plate with impact at −40°C. It is not GB/T 16270 Q460E. The nearest European comparison is EN 10025-3 S460NL, and that grade is normalized. ASTM A572 Grade 65 is 450 MPa and is not a substitute. Q460NE and Q460ME are different processes. Whether the inquiry says Q460E, GB/T 1591 Q460E or Q460E steel plate, SHH STEEL as a global steel mill sourcing partner supplies plate with Q460E chemistry, heat and product analysis as ordered, GB/T 709 tolerances and EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification.
SHH STEEL supplies Q460E Steel Plate to the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas for work that actually names GB/T 1591.
Contact SHH STEEL for mill rolling, −40°C impact, cutting, UT, 3.2 inspection or a worldwide quotation.
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