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Steel S235J2W-CR (Cold rolled)

Supply condition

EN 1.8961

Thin weathering strip cold rolled or roll-formed for façade cassettes, cladding and profiles; higher strength, lower ductility.

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Request a quote in S235J2W-CRS235J2W overview

Values for the CR 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 datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
ANN
Annealed
Sub-critical stress relief or full anneal after heavy cold forming or welding; softest, most ductile condition.24539034115 HB8.6 % IACS
+ARDefault
Hot rolled
Standard stocked condition for weathering-steel plate, sheet, sections and bar to EN 10025-5.26542030125 HB8.6 % IACS
+N
Normalized
Pick for thicker plate or where finer, more uniform grain and more reliable low-temperature toughness through-thickness is required.27041032125 HB8.6 % IACS
CRThis page
Cold rolled
Thin weathering strip cold rolled or roll-formed for façade cassettes, cladding and profiles; higher strength, lower ductility.38048018150 HB8.6 % IACS

What is S235J2W-CR?

S235J2W-CR is S235J2W supplied in the CR condition — thin weathering strip cold rolled or roll-formed for façade cassettes, cladding and profiles; higher strength, lower ductility. S235J2W-CR has a yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 68% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S235J2W-CR 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). +AR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Good corrosion resistance — 30/100, better than 95% of steel grades
  • Easy to machine — 66/100, better than 95% of steel grades
  • Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
  • Readily welded — 85/100, better than 83% of steel grades
  • Conducts heat well — 48 W/m·K (27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of steel grades

Limitations

  • Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
  • Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 78% of steel grades

S235J2W-CR properties

Typical room-temperature values for S235J2W-CR; 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-CR 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).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,470°C2,678 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,520°C2,768 °F

Mechanical16

S235J2W-CR has a yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 68% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 18% 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)480 MPa69.6 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)380 MPa55.1 ksi
Elongation at Break18%
Reduction in Area40%
Compressive Strength380 MPa55.1 ksi
Shear Strength310 MPa45 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)210 MPa30.5 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)35 J25.8 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell150 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B80 HRB
Hardness, Vickers158 HV

Thermal6

S235J2W-CR is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °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).

Thermal Conductivity48 W/m·K27.7 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)300°C572 °F
Min Service Temperature-20°C-4 °F

Electrical3

S235J2W-CR conducts electricity at 8.6 % IACS, better than 66% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity8.6 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 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 SummaryForms a stable protective patina only under alternating wet/dry atmospheric exposure; corrodes like mild steel in constant wetness, marine chloride spray, de-icing salt or acidic/industrial SO₂-rich condensate.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of S235J2W-CR takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)1.9 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content30%

Manufacturability7

S235J2W-CR's machinability is good (66/100, better than 95% of steel grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability good (60/100).

MachinabilityGood66/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)64%
WeldabilityExcellent85/100
Formability (cold)Good60/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityFair45/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use paint, metallizing or leave bare to weather

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

Working with S235J2W-CR

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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CEN 10025-5, product analysis slightly wider≤ 0.130.1
Si≤ 0.40.25
Mn0.2 – 0.60.45
Plower than J0W grade for J2 toughness≤ 0.030.02
S≤ 0.030.02
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—

S235J2W-CR — frequently asked

What is S235J2W-CR used for?

S235J2W-CR 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-CR?

S235J2W-CR has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 68% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is S235J2W-CR easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (66/100, better than 95% 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-CR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). 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-CR?

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-CR 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-CR?

S235J2W-CR is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °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

  1. EN 10025-5: Hot rolled products of structural steels — Technical delivery conditions for structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance — CEN (2019)
  2. EN 10025-1: General technical delivery conditions — CEN (2004)
  3. ASTM A242/A606 — High-strength low-alloy structural steel — ASTM (2021)
  4. EN 1993-1-1 Eurocode 3 (elastic constants) — CEN (2005)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  6. ASM Handbook Vol.13 — Corrosion (atmospheric corrosion of weathering steels) — ASM International (2005)
  7. 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.