Steel S235J0W
EN 1.8958
S235J0W (1.8958, comparable to ASTM A242) is a lower-strength atmospheric-corrosion-resistant structural steel with impact toughness verified at 0 °C.
Reference datasheet — S235J0W is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the +AR condition
S235J0W tempers and conditions
S235J0W is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. +AR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thickness >40–100 mm | Heavy plate class, normally supplied +N; lowest guaranteed yield and slightly lower toughness. | 230 | 400 | 26 | 120 HB | 8 % IACS |
Thickness 16–40 mm | Use these values when the section thickness exceeds 16 mm — EN 10025-5 steps the guaranteed yield down. | 245 | 420 | 28 | 126 HB | 8 % IACS |
+ARDefault Hot rolled | Standard stocked condition for weathering plate, coil and sections up to moderate thickness; cheapest and adequate for 0 °C toughness. | 260 | 430 | 28 | 130 HB | — |
Normalized | Choose for thicker plate or where a fine, uniform grain and more consistent through-thickness toughness are specified. | 265 | 420 | 30 | 125 HB | 8 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways S235J0W is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
COIL-CR | Cold-reduced / cold-formed strip from hot band | Supply form |
What is S235J0W?
S235J0W (1.8958, comparable to ASTM A242) is a lower-strength atmospheric-corrosion-resistant structural steel with impact toughness verified at 0 °C. It delivers 260 MPa yield, 430 MPa tensile strength, 28 % elongation and about 130 HB, and its low carbon equivalent makes it one of the easiest weathering steels to weld and cold form; it is supplied as +AR and +N plate in 16–40 mm and 40–100 mm bands and as cold-rolled coil. Weathering performance depends on free wet/dry cycling and is not adequate for salt-laden or permanently damp exposure. S355J0W is the choice where higher strength is needed. S235J0W 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). S235J0W has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
What is S235J0W used for?
- light structural weathering applications
- fencing and guardrails
- outdoor equipment housings
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 30/100, better than 95% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 80/100, better than 93% 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
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 87% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 260 MPa (37.7 ksi), worse than 92% of steel grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
- Low fracture toughness — 65 MPa·√m (59.2 ksi·√in), worse than 75% of steel grades
S235J0W properties
Typical room-temperature values for S235J0W-+AR; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S235J0W 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
S235J0W has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S235J0W is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 44 W/m·K (25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 57% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S235J0W conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 95% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S235J0W takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
S235J0W's machinability is good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability very good (80/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. S235J0W is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with S235J0W
Is S235J0W easy to machine?
Machines like ordinary low-carbon structural steel (~65 % of AISI 1212); slightly gummy, so use sharp positive-rake tooling and generous feed to avoid built-up edge.
Can S235J0W be welded?
Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with low CEV; for unpainted work use a matching Cu-Cr weathering filler (e.g. EN ISO 14341 G 42 with Ni/Cu or Corten-type consumables) so the weld patinates at the same rate.
Can S235J0W be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bendability in +AR/+N (bend radius ≥ 2t for thin plate); hot form at 900–1050 °C and avoid finishing below ~850 °C, then normalize if toughness is critical.
S235J0W 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 10025-5, all thicknesses | ≤ 0.13 | 0.09 |
| Si | ≤ 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Mn | 0.2 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Plong products slightly higher limit | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Crpatina former | 0.4 – 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Cupatina former | 0.25 – 0.55 | 0.35 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.65 | 0.15 |
| Nmay be exceeded if N-binding elements present | ≤ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on S235J0W?
Usually left bare to develop the patina under wet/dry cycling (blast-clean and remove mill scale first for even colour); if coated, use standard blast + epoxy/polyurethane systems, and detail drainage so early rust run-off does not stain adjacent concrete or glass.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel S235J0W in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.8958
- Similar grades
- A242
How much does S235J0W cost?
S235J0W is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
S235J0W — frequently asked
What is S235J0W used for?
S235J0W is typically used for light structural weathering applications, fencing and guardrails and outdoor equipment housings. In short: easiest-welding weathering steel; lowest-cost weathering grade; S235 strength class.
What is the yield strength of S235J0W?
S235J0W has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is S235J0W easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Machines like ordinary low-carbon structural steel (~65 % of AISI 1212); slightly gummy, so use sharp positive-rake tooling and generous feed to avoid built-up edge.
Can S235J0W be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with low CEV; for unpainted work use a matching Cu-Cr weathering filler (e.g. EN ISO 14341 G 42 with Ni/Cu or Corten-type consumables) so the weld patinates at the same rate.
What surface finishes work on S235J0W?
Usually left bare to develop the patina under wet/dry cycling (blast-clean and remove mill scale first for even colour); if coated, use standard blast + epoxy/polyurethane systems, and detail drainage so early rust run-off does not stain adjacent concrete or glass.
Can S235J0W be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bendability in +AR/+N (bend radius ≥ 2t for thin plate); hot form at 900–1050 °C and avoid finishing below ~850 °C, then normalize if toughness is critical.
What is the maximum service temperature of S235J0W?
S235J0W 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 S235J0W +AR and S235J0W t40-100?
+AR is the default condition — standard stocked condition for weathering plate, coil and sections up to moderate thickness; cheapest and adequate for 0 °C toughness. t40-100: heavy plate class, normally supplied +N; lowest guaranteed yield and slightly lower toughness. Yield strength is 260 MPa in +AR versus 230 MPa in t40-100.
How much does S235J0W cost?
S235J0W is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- EN 10025-5: Hot rolled products of structural steels — Technical delivery conditions for structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance — CEN (2019)
- ASTM A242/A606 — High-strength low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance — ASTM (2022)
- GB/T 4171 (Q235NH) — SAC (2008)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13C — Corrosion: Environments and Industries (weathering steels) — ASM International (2006)
- EN 1993-1-1 Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures (elastic constants, CTE) — CEN (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.