Steel S235J2 +C (Cold drawn)
Supply condition
EN S235J2
Pick for bright bar to close tolerance with higher strength and better surface, at the cost of ductility and residual stress.
Values for the +C condition
Other S235J2 tempers and conditions
S235J2 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at S235J2.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest condition, used for bar/tube that must be deep drawn, heavily bent or cold headed. | 220 | 380 | 33 | 105 HB | 10.8 % IACS |
Normalized | Choose for heavy sections or where a fine, uniform grain and the most reliable sub-zero toughness is required. | 255 | 420 | 30 | 115 HB | 10.8 % IACS |
+ARDefault Hot rolled | Standard stocked condition for plate, sections and merchant bar in general welded steelwork. | 260 | 430 | 28 | 120 HB | — |
Thermomechanically controlled processed | Optional delivery condition for plate where the lowest carbon equivalent and best low-temperature toughness/weldability are wanted. | 275 | 420 | 30 | 120 HB | 10.8 % IACS |
+CThis page Cold drawn | Pick for bright bar to close tolerance with higher strength and better surface, at the cost of ductility and residual stress. | 400 | 500 | 10 | 160 HB | — |
What is S235J2 +C?
S235J2 +C is S235J2 supplied in the +C condition — pick for bright bar to close tolerance with higher strength and better surface, at the cost of ductility and residual stress. S235J2 +C has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S235J2 +C has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). +AR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; +C is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 52 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of steel grades
- Easy to machine — 72/100, better than 97% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 90% of steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 130 MPa·√m (118.3 ksi·√in), better than 89% of steel grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 10%, worse than 91% of steel grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
S235J2 +C properties
Typical room-temperature values for S235J2 +C; 12 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S235J2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S235J2 +C has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).
Mechanical16
S235J2 +C has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S235J2 +C is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 52 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S235J2 +C conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S235J2 +C takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
S235J2 +C's machinability is very good (72/100, better than 97% of steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability good (55/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S235J2 +C
Is S235J2 easy to machine?
Machines easily but gummy — use positive-rake, sharp tools, generous feed and coolant to avoid built-up edge; cold-drawn bar gives better chip control and finish.
Can S235J2 be welded?
Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with no preheat below ~30 mm (CEV ≈ 0.35); use low-hydrogen consumables and 100–150 °C preheat for thick, restrained joints.
Can S235J2 be formed, bent or molded?
Readily cold bent, rolled and press-braked; recommended minimum bend radius ≈ 1×t transverse and 1.5×t parallel to rolling direction, hot forming at 900–1050 °C followed by normalizing.
What surface finishes work on S235J2?
Not anodizable — protect by hot-dip galvanizing, zinc-rich epoxy primer, metallizing or phosphate + powder coat; shot-blast to Sa 2½ before painting.
S235J2 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 (EN 10025-2) | ≤ 0.17 | 0.14 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.4 | 0.6 |
| Sinot specified in EN 10025-2; typically ≤0.35 for killed steel | ≈ 0.2 | 0.2 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | 0.15 |
| Nno limit for J2 quality — steel is fully killed with sufficient nitrogen-binding elements | — | — |
| Febalance; CEV ≤ 0.35 (t ≤ 30 mm) | balance | — |
S235J2 +C — frequently asked
What is S235J2 +C used for?
S235J2 +C is typically used for structural beams and plates, bridges, cranes, machine frames and general construction. In short: standard cold-climate structural steel; 27 J toughness at -20 °C; excellent weldability and forming.
What is the yield strength of S235J2 +C?
S235J2 +C has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is S235J2 +C easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (72/100, better than 97% of steel grades). Machines easily but gummy — use positive-rake, sharp tools, generous feed and coolant to avoid built-up edge; cold-drawn bar gives better chip control and finish.
Can S235J2 +C be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with no preheat below ~30 mm (CEV ≈ 0.35); use low-hydrogen consumables and 100–150 °C preheat for thick, restrained joints.
What surface finishes work on S235J2 +C?
Not anodizable — protect by hot-dip galvanizing, zinc-rich epoxy primer, metallizing or phosphate + powder coat; shot-blast to Sa 2½ before painting.
Can S235J2 +C be formed, bent or molded?
Readily cold bent, rolled and press-braked; recommended minimum bend radius ≈ 1×t transverse and 1.5×t parallel to rolling direction, hot forming at 900–1050 °C followed by normalizing.
What is the maximum service temperature of S235J2 +C?
S235J2 +C 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.
Sources
- EN 10025-2 Hot rolled products of structural steels — Part 2: Non-alloy structural steels — CEN (2019)
- EN 10277 Bright steel products — technical delivery conditions — CEN (2018)
- GB/T 700 (Q235D) — SAC (2006)
- EN 1993-1-1 / EN 1993-1-2 Eurocode 3 design of steel structures (physical properties) — CEN (2005)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Structural steel plate S235JR/J0/J2 datasheets — Various European 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.