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Steel P355M M+SR

Heat-treated state

EN 1.8821, 10028-5

Use for thick-wall or code-mandated PWHT vessels; expect a small drop in yield and hardness after long soaks.

Budget cost $

Values for the M+SR condition

Other P355M tempers and conditions

P355M is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at P355M.

Compare all 7 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
M
Maximum standard thickness range; check mill capability, through-thickness properties often ordered with Z-quality.34549525148 HB9 % IACS
M
Heavy plate for thick-wall shells; slightly lower guaranteed yield and toughness scatter.36550525150 HB9 % IACS
M+SRThis page
thermomechanically rolled and post-weld stress relieved (~530–580 °C)
Use for thick-wall or code-mandated PWHT vessels; expect a small drop in yield and hardness after long soaks.37050527148 HB9 % IACS
M
Mid-thickness plate; yield drops one step per EN 10028-5 thickness table.37551526152 HB9 % IACS
MDefault
Thermomechanically controlled processed
Standard as-delivered TMCP plate for ambient/moderate-temperature welded vessels; impact tested at 0 °C.38552026155 HB9 % IACS
TMCP, low-temperature quality
Pick when the vessel design temperature reaches −20 °C; tighter P/S limits than P355M.38552027155 HB9 % IACS
TMCP, extra-low-temperature quality
Cryogenic-leaning option for LPG/ammonia and cold-climate tanks; lowest S/P and best CVN.39052528156 HB9 % IACS

What is P355M M+SR?

P355M M+SR is P355M heat treated to M+SR — use for thick-wall or code-mandated PWHT vessels; expect a small drop in yield and hardness after long soaks. P355M M+SR has a yield strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 505 MPa (73.2 ksi) — weaker than 70% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 27% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). P355M M+SR has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,490°C (2,714 °F). M is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M+SR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Tough — resists crack growth — 135 MPa·√m (122.9 ksi·√in), better than 93% of steel grades
  • Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
  • Readily welded — 90/100, better than 90% of steel grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 74/100, better than 89% of steel grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 27%, better than 86% of steel grades

Limitations

  • Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 96% of steel grades

P355M M+SR properties

Typical room-temperature values for P355M M+SR; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are P355M reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

P355M M+SR has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,490°C (2,714 °F).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,490°C2,714 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,520°C2,768 °F

Mechanical16

P355M M+SR has a yield strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 505 MPa (73.2 ksi) — weaker than 70% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 27% 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 Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)505 MPa73.2 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)370 MPa53.7 ksi
Elongation at Break27%
Reduction in Area57%
Compressive Strength370 MPa53.7 ksi
Shear Strength305 MPa44.2 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)230 MPa33.4 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)135 MPa·√m123 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)90 J66.4 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell148 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B79 HRB
Hardness, Vickers156 HV

Thermal6

P355M M+SR is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °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).

Thermal Conductivity45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)400°C752 °F
Min Service Temperature-20°C-4 °F

Electrical3

P355M M+SR conducts electricity at 9 % IACS, better than 71% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity9 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

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

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.65 V
Corrosion ResistanceNot recommended12/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryBare steel: rusts in humid air and chloride environments, resists dry hydrocarbons, alkalis and concentrated caustic (watch caustic SCC above ~50 °C); attacked by dilute acids, wet CO₂ and wet H₂S (HIC-resistant variants must be specified separately).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of P355M M+SR takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 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)1.9 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability6

P355M M+SR's machinability is good (60/100, better than 83% of steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability very good (74/100).

MachinabilityGood60/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)67%
WeldabilityExcellent90/100
Formability (cold)Very good74/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair50/100
PolishabilityFair40/100

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

Working with P355M M+SR

Is P355M easy to machine?

Machines like HSLA plate — moderate cutting speeds, positive-rake sharp carbide and good chip control; microalloy carbonitrides cause some abrasion and stringy chips.

Can P355M be welded?

Excellent weldability due to low carbon equivalent — SAW/GMAW/SMAW with matching 355-class consumables, low hydrogen, controlled heat input to avoid HAZ softening of the TMCP structure; preheat usually only for heavy sections.

Can P355M be formed, bent or molded?

Good cold formability (press-braking, rolling of shells); avoid hot forming above ~580 °C or re-normalizing, since that destroys the thermomechanical strengthening — re-qualify properties if done.

What surface finishes work on P355M?

No inherent corrosion resistance: blast to Sa 2½ and apply epoxy/zinc-rich primer systems, hot-dip galvanizing or internal lining; readily paintable and weld-seam ground for NDT.

P355M 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, EN 10028-5≤ 0.160.12
Si≤ 0.50.3
Mn1 – 1.71.4
PML1 ≤0.025, ML2 ≤0.020≤ 0.030.02
SML1 ≤0.015, ML2 ≤0.010≤ 0.030.01
Altotal Al; other grain-refining practice permitted≥ 0.020.04
Cr≤ 0.30.05
Ni≤ 0.50.1
Cu≤ 0.70.1
Mo≤ 0.10.02
Nbmicroalloy; Nb+Ti+V ≤ 0.12 total≤ 0.050.03
Ti≤ 0.050.02
V≤ 0.10.03
N≤ 0.020.01
Febalance—

P355M M+SR — frequently asked

What is P355M M+SR used for?

P355M M+SR is typically used for pressure vessels, boilers, storage tanks and piping. In short: workhorse TMCP vessel plate; low CEV, easy welding; 400 °C service ceiling.

What is the yield strength of P355M M+SR?

P355M M+SR has a typical yield strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 505 MPa (73.2 ksi) — weaker than 70% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is P355M M+SR easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, better than 83% of steel grades). Machines like HSLA plate — moderate cutting speeds, positive-rake sharp carbide and good chip control; microalloy carbonitrides cause some abrasion and stringy chips.

Can P355M M+SR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent weldability due to low carbon equivalent — SAW/GMAW/SMAW with matching 355-class consumables, low hydrogen, controlled heat input to avoid HAZ softening of the TMCP structure; preheat usually only for heavy sections.

What surface finishes work on P355M M+SR?

No inherent corrosion resistance: blast to Sa 2½ and apply epoxy/zinc-rich primer systems, hot-dip galvanizing or internal lining; readily paintable and weld-seam ground for NDT.

Can P355M M+SR be formed, bent or molded?

Good cold formability (press-braking, rolling of shells); avoid hot forming above ~580 °C or re-normalizing, since that destroys the thermomechanical strengthening — re-qualify properties if done.

What is the maximum service temperature of P355M M+SR?

P355M M+SR 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 P355M-M and P355M-ML2?

M is the default condition — standard as-delivered TMCP plate for ambient/moderate-temperature welded vessels; impact tested at 0 °C. ML2: cryogenic-leaning option for LPG/ammonia and cold-climate tanks; lowest S/P and best CVN. Yield strength is 385 MPa in M versus 390 MPa in ML2.

Sources

  1. EN 10028-5 — Flat products made of steels for pressure purposes: Weldable fine grain steels, thermomechanically rolled — CEN (2009)
  2. EN 10027-2 — Numerical designation system for steels (1.8821) — CEN (2015)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.19 — Fatigue and Fracture — ASM International (1996)
  5. Thermomechanically rolled pressure-vessel plate (P355M/ML1/ML2) mill datasheets — European plate mills (2022)

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.