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Steel S235J0W +N (Normalized)

Heat-treated state

EN 1.8958

Choose for thicker plate or where a fine, uniform grain and more consistent through-thickness toughness are specified.

Budget cost $

Values for the +N condition

Other S235J0W tempers and conditions

S235J0W is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at S235J0W.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Thickness >40–100 mm
Heavy plate class, normally supplied +N; lowest guaranteed yield and slightly lower toughness.23040026120 HB8 % IACS
Thickness 16–40 mm
Use these values when the section thickness exceeds 16 mm — EN 10025-5 steps the guaranteed yield down.24542028126 HB8 % IACS
+ARDefault
Hot rolled
Standard stocked condition for weathering plate, coil and sections up to moderate thickness; cheapest and adequate for 0 °C toughness.26043028130 HB—
+NThis page
Normalized
Choose for thicker plate or where a fine, uniform grain and more consistent through-thickness toughness are specified.26542030125 HB8 % IACS

What is S235J0W +N?

S235J0W +N is S235J0W heat treated to +N — choose for thicker plate or where a fine, uniform grain and more consistent through-thickness toughness are specified. S235J0W +N has a yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S235J0W +N 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). +AR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; +N is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Good corrosion resistance — 30/100, better than 95% of steel grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 84/100, better than 94% of steel grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 30%, better than 93% of steel grades
  • Easy to machine — 64/100, better than 92% of steel grades
  • Readily welded — 90/100, better than 90% of steel grades

Limitations

  • Low strength — 265 MPa (38.4 ksi), worse than 92% of steel grades
  • Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades

S235J0W +N properties

Typical room-temperature values for S235J0W +N; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S235J0W reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

S235J0W +N 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

S235J0W +N has a yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% 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)420 MPa60.9 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)265 MPa38.4 ksi
Elongation at Break30%
Reduction in Area58%
Compressive Strength265 MPa38.4 ksi
Shear Strength265 MPa38.4 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)195 MPa28.3 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)80 J59 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell125 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B70 HRB
Hardness, Vickers131 HV

Thermal6

S235J0W +N 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).

Thermal Conductivity44 W/m·K25.4 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 Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)350°C662 °F
Min Service Temperature0°C32 °F

Electrical3

S235J0W +N conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity8 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 95% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.6 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor30/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood resistance to mild rural/urban/industrial atmospheres once the patina forms; poor in chlorides (marine spray, de-icing salt), constant wetness, buried or immersed service, and in acids or strong alkalis.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of S235J0W +N takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 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)2.1 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability8

S235J0W +N's machinability is good (64/100, better than 92% of steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability very good (84/100).

MachinabilityGood64/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)68%
WeldabilityExcellent90/100
Formability (cold)Very good84/100
CastabilityPoor30/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityFair45/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use patination, painting or metallizing instead

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

Working with S235J0W +N

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.

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.

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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CEN 10025-5, all thicknesses≤ 0.130.09
Si≤ 0.40.3
Mn0.2 – 0.60.45
Plong products slightly higher limit≤ 0.040.02
S≤ 0.040.02
Crpatina former0.4 – 0.80.6
Cupatina former0.25 – 0.550.35
Ni≤ 0.650.15
Nmay be exceeded if N-binding elements present≤ 0.010.01
Febalance—

S235J0W +N — frequently asked

What is S235J0W +N used for?

S235J0W +N 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 +N?

S235J0W +N has a typical yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 92% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is S235J0W +N easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (64/100, better than 92% 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 +N be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). 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 +N?

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 +N 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 +N?

S235J0W +N 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.

Sources

  1. EN 10025-5: Hot rolled products of structural steels — Technical delivery conditions for structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance — CEN (2019)
  2. ASTM A242/A606 — High-strength low-alloy structural steel with atmospheric corrosion resistance — ASTM (2022)
  3. GB/T 4171 (Q235NH) — SAC (2008)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.13C — Corrosion: Environments and Industries (weathering steels) — ASM International (2006)
  6. 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.