Steel S235JR · finish state
Steel S235JR Galvanized
Properties of the Galvanized condition, compared with the other S235JR tempers.
Choose for outdoor or damp-service parts where painting is impractical; zinc gives sacrificial protection for decades in mild atmospheres.
What is S235JR Galvanized?
S235JR Galvanized is S235JR supplied in the Galvanized condition — choose for outdoor or damp-service parts where painting is impractical; zinc gives sacrificial protection for decades in mild atmospheres. S235JR Galvanized has a yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 91% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S235JR Galvanized 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). HR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Galvanized is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High electrical conductivity — 11 % IACS, better than 98% of steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 42/100, better than 98% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 85/100, better than 96% of steel grades
- Easy to machine — 68/100, better than 95% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), worse than 93% of steel grades
- Low strength — 265 MPa (38.4 ksi), worse than 91% of steel grades
S235JR Galvanized properties
Typical room-temperature values for S235JR Galvanized — 8 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every S235JR temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
S235JR Galvanized 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
S235JR Galvanized has a yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 91% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S235JR Galvanized is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S235JR Galvanized conducts electricity at 11 % IACS, better than 98% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (42/100), better than 98% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S235JR Galvanized takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
S235JR Galvanized's machinability is good (68/100, better than 95% of steel grades); weldability good (60/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other S235JR tempers and conditions
S235JR is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the S235JR overview.
- HRDefaultDefault stock condition for plate, sections, merchant bar and hot-rolled coil in welded structures.260 MPa yield · 120 HB
- CDUse for turned/shafting parts and machined components where straightness, size tolerance (h9/h11) and a higher yield are wanted.340 MPa yield · 150 HB
- CRChoose for thin sheet needing tight thickness tolerance, a clean bright surface and press-formed parts.290 MPa yield · 130 HB
- GalvanizedChoose for outdoor or damp-service parts where painting is impractical; zinc gives sacrificial protection for decades in mild atmospheres.265 MPa yield · 120 HB
Working with S235JR Galvanized
Is S235JR easy to machine?
Cuts easily but is gummy in the hot-rolled state — use positive rake, sharp coated carbide, high feed and coolant to avoid built-up edge; cold-drawn bar machines noticeably cleaner.
Can S235JR be welded?
Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/SAW with E70xx-class consumables; CEV ≈0.35 so no preheat is normally needed below ~30 mm, keep hydrogen low and mill scale ground off.
Can S235JR be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability — bends to 1–2 t inner radius, deep-draws in CR sheet; hot forming 850–1050 °C, avoid working in the 250–400 °C blue-brittle band.
What surface finishes work on S235JR?
Must be coated: blast to Sa 2½ then prime/paint, hot-dip galvanize (Si/P kept low for good coating), zinc-plate or phosphate-and-oil; bare surfaces flash-rust within hours.
S235JR 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C≤0.17 % for t ≤40 mm (long products ≤0.19 %), EN 10025-2 | ≤ 0.17 | 0.14 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.4 | 0.55 |
| Sinot specified by EN 10025-2; typical mill value | ≈ 0.15 | 0.15 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Nmay be exceeded if sufficient N-binding elements present | ≤ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | 0.15 |
| Fe | balance | — |
S235JR Galvanized — frequently asked
What is S235JR Galvanized used for?
S235JR Galvanized is typically used for building frames, bridge components, machine bases and weldments, base plates and gussets, laser-cut sheet metal enclosures and brackets and mounting plates. In short: workhorse mild-steel plate.
What is the yield strength of S235JR Galvanized?
S235JR Galvanized has a typical yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 91% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is S235JR Galvanized easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (68/100, better than 95% of steel grades). Cuts easily but is gummy in the hot-rolled state — use positive rake, sharp coated carbide, high feed and coolant to avoid built-up edge; cold-drawn bar machines noticeably cleaner.
Can S235JR Galvanized be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/SAW with E70xx-class consumables; CEV ≈0.35 so no preheat is normally needed below ~30 mm, keep hydrogen low and mill scale ground off.
What surface finishes work on S235JR Galvanized?
Must be coated: blast to Sa 2½ then prime/paint, hot-dip galvanize (Si/P kept low for good coating), zinc-plate or phosphate-and-oil; bare surfaces flash-rust within hours.
Can S235JR Galvanized be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability — bends to 1–2 t inner radius, deep-draws in CR sheet; hot forming 850–1050 °C, avoid working in the 250–400 °C blue-brittle band.
What is the maximum service temperature of S235JR Galvanized?
S235JR Galvanized is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between S235JR-HR and S235JR-CD?
HR is the default condition — default stock condition for plate, sections, merchant bar and hot-rolled coil in welded structures. CD: use for turned/shafting parts and machined components where straightness, size tolerance (h9/h11) and a higher yield are wanted. Yield strength is 260 MPa in HR versus 340 MPa in CD.
Can FabDigit make parts in S235JR Galvanized?
Yes — S235JR Galvanized is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 10025-2 Hot rolled products of structural steels — Part 2: Non-alloy structural steels — CEN (2019)
- GB/T 700 Carbon structural steels (Q195/Q235) — SAC (2006)
- EN 10346 Continuously hot-dip coated steel flat products — CEN (2015)
- EN 10277 Bright steel products — technical delivery conditions — CEN (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- EN 1993-1-1 Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures — CEN (2005)
- Mysteel hot-rolled plate price index — Mysteel (2025)
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.