Steel S235J2W +AR (Hot rolled)
Heat-treated state · default condition
EN 1.8961
Standard stocked condition for weathering-steel plate, sheet, sections and bar to EN 10025-5.
Values for the +AR condition
Other S235J2W tempers and conditions
S235J2W is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at S235J2W.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Sub-critical stress relief or full anneal after heavy cold forming or welding; softest, most ductile condition. | 245 | 390 | 34 | 115 HB | 8.6 % IACS |
+ARDefaultThis page Hot rolled | Standard stocked condition for weathering-steel plate, sheet, sections and bar to EN 10025-5. | 265 | 420 | 30 | 125 HB | 8.6 % IACS |
Normalized | Pick for thicker plate or where finer, more uniform grain and more reliable low-temperature toughness through-thickness is required. | 270 | 410 | 32 | 125 HB | 8.6 % IACS |
Cold rolled | Thin weathering strip cold rolled or roll-formed for façade cassettes, cladding and profiles; higher strength, lower ductility. | 380 | 480 | 18 | 150 HB | 8.6 % IACS |
What is S235J2W +AR?
S235J2W +AR is S235J2W heat treated to +AR — standard stocked condition for weathering-steel plate, sheet, sections and bar to EN 10025-5. S235J2W +AR 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). S235J2W +AR has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,470°C (2,678 °F).
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 30/100, better than 95% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 30%, better than 93% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 80/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
- Easy to machine — 62/100, better than 89% 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
S235J2W +AR properties
Typical room-temperature values for S235J2W +AR; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S235J2W reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S235J2W +AR has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,470°C (2,678 °F).
Mechanical16
S235J2W +AR 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).
Thermal6
S235J2W +AR is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 48 W/m·K (27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S235J2W +AR conducts electricity at 8.6 % IACS, better than 66% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 95% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S235J2W +AR takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
S235J2W +AR'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. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S235J2W +AR
Is S235J2W easy to machine?
Machines like S235JR with slightly gummy chips from the Cu content; use sharp positive-rake carbide, generous feed and coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can S235J2W be welded?
Readily weldable by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with weathering-matched consumables (e.g. Ni-Cu-Cr filler) for bare exposure; low CEV means little or no preheat below ~30 mm, keep interpass moderate to preserve −20 °C toughness.
Can S235J2W be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold formability — bend radii of 2–3 t typical; hot forming 900–1050 °C followed by normalizing recovers toughness.
What surface finishes work on S235J2W?
Usually left bare to develop the patina (allow free drainage and drying, protect adjacent concrete/glass from run-off); can be blast-cleaned and painted, hot-dip galvanizing is possible but negates the weathering benefit.
S235J2W 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, product analysis slightly wider | ≤ 0.13 | 0.1 |
| Si | ≤ 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mn | 0.2 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Plower than J0W grade for J2 toughness | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 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 | — |
S235J2W +AR — frequently asked
What is S235J2W +AR used for?
S235J2W +AR is typically used for outdoor light structures, agricultural equipment and guard rails. In short: −20 °C toughness at S235; highly weldable weathering steel; good cold formability.
What is the yield strength of S235J2W +AR?
S235J2W +AR 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 S235J2W +AR easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Machines like S235JR with slightly gummy chips from the Cu content; use sharp positive-rake carbide, generous feed and coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can S235J2W +AR be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Readily weldable by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with weathering-matched consumables (e.g. Ni-Cu-Cr filler) for bare exposure; low CEV means little or no preheat below ~30 mm, keep interpass moderate to preserve −20 °C toughness.
What surface finishes work on S235J2W +AR?
Usually left bare to develop the patina (allow free drainage and drying, protect adjacent concrete/glass from run-off); can be blast-cleaned and painted, hot-dip galvanizing is possible but negates the weathering benefit.
Can S235J2W +AR be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold formability — bend radii of 2–3 t typical; hot forming 900–1050 °C followed by normalizing recovers toughness.
What is the maximum service temperature of S235J2W +AR?
S235J2W +AR 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 S235J2W +AR and S235J2W-CR?
+AR is the default condition — standard stocked condition for weathering-steel plate, sheet, sections and bar to EN 10025-5. CR: thin weathering strip cold rolled or roll-formed for façade cassettes, cladding and profiles; higher strength, lower ductility. Yield strength is 265 MPa in +AR versus 380 MPa in CR.
Sources
- EN 10025-5: Hot rolled products of structural steels — Technical delivery conditions for structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance — CEN (2019)
- EN 10025-1: General technical delivery conditions — CEN (2004)
- ASTM A242/A606 — High-strength low-alloy structural steel — ASTM (2021)
- EN 1993-1-1 Eurocode 3 (elastic constants) — CEN (2005)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13 — Corrosion (atmospheric corrosion of weathering steels) — ASM International (2005)
- Weathering steel plate datasheets (S235J0W/S235J2W, Corten A/B equivalents) — European plate 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.