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Steel P275NL1 N-16-40

Heat-treated state

EN 1.0488, 10028-3

Medium plate for vessel shells and heads; yield derated to 265 MPa minimum.

Budget cost $

Values for the N-16-40 condition

Other P275NL1 tempers and conditions

P275NL1 is listed in 9 conditions; see the grade overview at P275NL1.

Compare all 9 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
N
Maximum thickness covered by EN 10028-3; specify centre-of-thickness impact testing.25041026128 HB10.8 % IACS
N
Very heavy sections where through-thickness normalizing response limits strength.26041526130 HB10.8 % IACS
N
Thick plate for nozzles/forged-equivalent sections; tensile band drops to 370–490 MPa.27042527132 HB10.8 % IACS
N
Heavy shell plate and tubesheet blanks; 255 MPa minimum yield.29044027136 HB10.8 % IACS
Normalized then stress relieved / simulated PWHT
Order when the fabricated vessel will see PWHT; properties verified after simulated heat-treatment cycles.29544029135 HB10.8 % IACS
N-16-40This page
N
Medium plate for vessel shells and heads; yield derated to 265 MPa minimum.30044528138 HB10.8 % IACS
N + HIC/SSC tested
Low-S, calcium-treated melt with NACE TM0284 HIC testing for wet H2S separators and knock-out drums.30544528135 HB10.8 % IACS
NDefault
Normalized
Standard stocked condition for thin plate and shell courses; full 275 MPa yield with −40 °C impact guarantee.31045028140 HB10.8 % IACS
normalized with through-thickness (Z-quality) ductility per EN 10164
Pick for nozzle-to-shell or T-joint welds loaded in the thickness direction to avoid lamellar tearing.31045028140 HB10.8 % IACS

What is P275NL1 N-16-40?

P275NL1 N-16-40 is P275NL1 heat treated to N-16-40 — medium plate for vessel shells and heads; yield derated to 265 MPa minimum. P275NL1 N-16-40 has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 445 MPa (64.5 ksi) — weaker than 86% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). P275NL1 N-16-40 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). N is the default condition FabDigit quotes; N-16-40 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High electrical conductivity — 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 28%, better than 89% of steel grades
  • Easy to machine — 62/100, better than 89% of steel grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 72/100, better than 88% of steel grades
  • Readily welded — 88/100, better than 87% of steel grades

Limitations

  • Low strength — 300 MPa (43.5 ksi), worse than 86% of steel grades
  • Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades

P275NL1 N-16-40 properties

Typical room-temperature values for P275NL1 N-16-40; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are P275NL1 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

P275NL1 N-16-40 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).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,460°C2,660 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,520°C2,768 °F

Mechanical16

P275NL1 N-16-40 has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 445 MPa (64.5 ksi) — weaker than 86% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus210 GPa30.5 Msi
Shear Modulus81 GPa11.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)445 MPa64.5 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)300 MPa43.5 ksi
Elongation at Break28%
Reduction in Area58%
Compressive Strength300 MPa43.5 ksi
Shear Strength285 MPa41.3 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)198 MPa28.7 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)140 J103 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell138 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B76 HRB
Hardness, Vickers145 HV

Thermal6

P275NL1 N-16-40 is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 49 W/m·K (28.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity49 W/m·K28.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity461 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion247 J/g106 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)400°C752 °F
Min Service Temperature-40°C-40 °F

Electrical3

P275NL1 N-16-40 conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity10.8 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.61 V
Corrosion ResistanceNot recommended12/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryRusts freely in humid air, seawater and dilute acids; acceptable in dry hydrocarbons, alkaline media and inert cryogenic gases; needs paint, galvanizing or corrosion allowance. Not for wet H2S service unless HIC-tested variants are ordered.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of P275NL1 N-16-40 takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability7

P275NL1 N-16-40's machinability is good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability very good (72/100).

MachinabilityGood62/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)65%
WeldabilityExcellent88/100
Formability (cold)Very good72/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair50/100
PolishabilityFair45/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use paint, metallizing or hot-dip galvanizing instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with P275NL1 N-16-40

Is P275NL1 easy to machine?

Machines like normalized C-Mn steel (~65 % of AISI 1212); use sharp positive-rake carbide, moderate speeds, and expect gummy chips at low hardness.

Can P275NL1 be welded?

Excellent weldability with CEV ≤ 0.40 — SAW/SMAW/GMAW with low-hydrogen consumables; preheat 100–150 °C for thick sections and control heat input to protect the −40 °C toughness.

Can P275NL1 be formed, bent or molded?

Cold-rolls and dishes readily; hot forming above 950 °C requires re-normalizing, and heavy cold strains (>5 %) should be followed by normalizing or stress relief per EN 13445-4.

What surface finishes work on P275NL1?

No anodizing; shot-blast to Sa 2½ then epoxy/zinc primer, hot-dip galvanize or metallize — bare surfaces rust quickly in humid or marine air.

P275NL1 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cladle analysis, t ≤ 30 mm≤ 0.160.13
Si≤ 0.40.3
Mn0.5 – 1.41.1
Ptighter than P275NH≤ 0.030.01
Stighter than P275NH≤ 0.020.01
Altotal Al, grain refining≥ 0.020.04
N≤ 0.020.01
Cr≤ 0.30.08
Cu≤ 0.30.1
Ni≤ 0.50.15
Mo≤ 0.080.02
NbNb+Ti+V ≤ 0.05 combined limit applies≤ 0.050.02
Ti≤ 0.030.01
V≤ 0.050.01
Febalance—

P275NL1 N-16-40 — frequently asked

What is P275NL1 N-16-40 used for?

P275NL1 N-16-40 is typically used for low-temperature pressure vessels, cryogenic piping, offshore equipment and gas storage tanks. In short: cold-service P275 variant; impact-tested to −40 °C; A333 Grade 6 counterpart.

What is the yield strength of P275NL1 N-16-40?

P275NL1 N-16-40 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 445 MPa (64.5 ksi) — weaker than 86% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.

Is P275NL1 N-16-40 easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Machines like normalized C-Mn steel (~65 % of AISI 1212); use sharp positive-rake carbide, moderate speeds, and expect gummy chips at low hardness.

Can P275NL1 N-16-40 be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Excellent weldability with CEV ≤ 0.40 — SAW/SMAW/GMAW with low-hydrogen consumables; preheat 100–150 °C for thick sections and control heat input to protect the −40 °C toughness.

What surface finishes work on P275NL1 N-16-40?

No anodizing; shot-blast to Sa 2½ then epoxy/zinc primer, hot-dip galvanize or metallize — bare surfaces rust quickly in humid or marine air.

Can P275NL1 N-16-40 be formed, bent or molded?

Cold-rolls and dishes readily; hot forming above 950 °C requires re-normalizing, and heavy cold strains (>5 %) should be followed by normalizing or stress relief per EN 13445-4.

What is the maximum service temperature of P275NL1 N-16-40?

P275NL1 N-16-40 is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between P275NL1-N and P275NL1 N-40-60?

N is the default condition — standard stocked condition for thin plate and shell courses; full 275 MPa yield with −40 °C impact guarantee. N-40-60: heavy shell plate and tubesheet blanks; 255 MPa minimum yield. Yield strength is 310 MPa in N versus 290 MPa in N-40-60.

Sources

  1. EN 10028-3 Flat products made of steels for pressure purposes — Weldable fine grain steels, normalized — CEN (2017)
  2. EN 10164 Steel products with improved deformation properties perpendicular to the surface — CEN (2018)
  3. ASTM A333/A333M Grade 6 (low-temperature service pipe, comparable properties) — ASTM (2018)
  4. GB 3531 (16MnDR, domestic counterpart) — SAC (2014)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  6. EN 13445-3 Unfired pressure vessels — Design — CEN (2021)
  7. worldsteel LCI data for steel plate — World Steel Association (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.