Steel E420M ML-t16
Heat-treated state
EN 1.8897
ML-t16 = +ML, t ≤ 16 mm
Pick for arctic/offshore duty or thick weldments where -50 °C notch toughness is required.
Values for the ML-t16 condition
Other E420M tempers and conditions
E420M is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at E420M.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+M, t > 63–80 mm | Thickest standard TMCP delivery range; lowest guaranteed strength of the M family. | 410 | 530 | 23 | 163 HB | 9 % IACS |
+M, t > 40–63 mm | Heavy plate; use when section thickness governs and 385 MPa minimum yield is acceptable. | 425 | 545 | 24 | 168 HB | 9 % IACS |
+ML, t > 40–63 mm | Heavy low-temperature plate; often specified with Z-quality (through-thickness) testing. | 425 | 545 | 24 | 166 HB | 9 % IACS |
+M, t > 16–40 mm | Medium plate thickness; yield minimum drops to 400 MPa but toughness stays high. | 445 | 560 | 24 | 172 HB | 9 % IACS |
+ML, t > 16–40 mm | Low-temperature grade in medium plate thickness for offshore and crane structures. | 445 | 560 | 25 | 170 HB | 9 % IACS |
M-t16Default +M, t ≤ 16 mm | Standard TMCP delivery condition for thin plate and sections where -20 °C toughness suffices. | 465 | 570 | 24 | 178 HB | — |
ML-t16This page +ML, t ≤ 16 mm | Pick for arctic/offshore duty or thick weldments where -50 °C notch toughness is required. | 465 | 570 | 25 | 175 HB | 9 % IACS |
+M with Z35 through-thickness quality | Order this when cruciform/T-joints load the plate through its thickness and lamellar tearing must be avoided. | 465 | 570 | 24 | 175 HB | 9 % IACS |
What is E420M ML-t16?
E420M ML-t16 is E420M heat treated to ML-t16 — pick for arctic/offshore duty or thick weldments where -50 °C notch toughness is required. E420M ML-t16 has a yield strength of 465 MPa (67.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 56% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). E420M ML-t16 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,460°C (2,660 °F). M-t16 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; ML-t16 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 150 MPa·√m (136.5 ksi·√in), better than 96% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 72/100, better than 88% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 77% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
E420M ML-t16 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E420M ML-t16; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E420M reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
E420M ML-t16 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,460°C (2,660 °F).
Mechanical16
E420M ML-t16 has a yield strength of 465 MPa (67.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 56% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
E420M ML-t16 is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 45 W/m·K (26 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 66% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E420M ML-t16 conducts electricity at 9 % IACS, better than 71% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E420M ML-t16 takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
E420M ML-t16's machinability is good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability very good (72/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E420M ML-t16
Is E420M easy to machine?
Machines like a tough HSLA steel — sharp, rigid setups, moderate speeds and positive-rake coated carbide; gummy chips rather than hardness are the limiting factor.
Can E420M be welded?
Excellent weldability with low CEV (≈0.43); use low-hydrogen consumables matching 420 MPa, control heat input (typ. 1.0–2.5 kJ/mm) so the TMCP fine-grain HAZ is not softened.
Can E420M be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bending (inner radius ≈ 2×t transverse) and press-brake behaviour; avoid hot forming or normalizing above ~580 °C, which erases the thermomechanical strengthening.
What surface finishes work on E420M?
No inherent corrosion resistance — shot blast to Sa 2½ then paint, metallize or hot-dip galvanize; Si and P levels should be checked for galvanizing coating thickness control.
E420M chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cladle analysis, all thicknesses | ≤ 0.16 | 0.1 |
| Si | ≤ 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Mn | 0.9 – 1.7 | 1.5 |
| PM quality; ML ≤0.025 | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| SM quality; ML ≤0.020 | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Altotal Al, grain refinement | ≥ 0.02 | 0.04 |
| Nbmicro-alloy | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| Vmicro-alloy | ≤ 0.12 | 0.04 |
| TiNb+V+Ti ≤ 0.22 | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.3 | 0.05 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.8 | 0.1 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.2 | 0.03 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | 0.1 |
| N | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance | — |
E420M ML-t16 — frequently asked
What is E420M ML-t16 used for?
E420M ML-t16 is typically used for heavy machine parts, structural components, load-bearing frames and welded structures. In short: high strength, low CEV; best strength-to-weldability balance; TMCP 420 MPa plate.
What is the yield strength of E420M ML-t16?
E420M ML-t16 has a typical yield strength of 465 MPa (67.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 56% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is E420M ML-t16 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades). Machines like a tough HSLA steel — sharp, rigid setups, moderate speeds and positive-rake coated carbide; gummy chips rather than hardness are the limiting factor.
Can E420M ML-t16 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Excellent weldability with low CEV (≈0.43); use low-hydrogen consumables matching 420 MPa, control heat input (typ. 1.0–2.5 kJ/mm) so the TMCP fine-grain HAZ is not softened.
What surface finishes work on E420M ML-t16?
No inherent corrosion resistance — shot blast to Sa 2½ then paint, metallize or hot-dip galvanize; Si and P levels should be checked for galvanizing coating thickness control.
Can E420M ML-t16 be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bending (inner radius ≈ 2×t transverse) and press-brake behaviour; avoid hot forming or normalizing above ~580 °C, which erases the thermomechanical strengthening.
What is the maximum service temperature of E420M ML-t16?
E420M ML-t16 is rated for continuous use to about 350°C (662 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E420M M-t16 and E420M ML-t16?
M-t16 is the default condition — standard TMCP delivery condition for thin plate and sections where -20 °C toughness suffices. ML-t16: pick for arctic/offshore duty or thick weldments where -50 °C notch toughness is required. Yield strength is 465 MPa in M-t16 versus 465 MPa in ML-t16.
Sources
- EN 10025-4 — Hot rolled products of structural steels, Part 4: thermomechanical rolled weldable fine grain structural steels — CEN (2019)
- EN 10027-1/-2 — Designation systems for steels (names and numbers) — CEN (2016)
- EN 10164 — Steel products with improved deformation properties perpendicular to the surface — CEN (2018)
- EN 1993-1-1 — Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures (material constants) — CEN (2005)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- TMCP fine-grain structural plate datasheets (S420M/S420ML class) — European plate mills (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.