Steel S355J0W
EN 1.8959 · also Corten B
S355J0W (1.8959, Corten B, ASTM A588) is the standard-phosphorus weathering structural steel and the workhorse of the family, with impact toughness verified at 0 °C.
Reference datasheet — S355J0W is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the +AR condition
S355J0W tempers and conditions
S355J0W is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. +AR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cold rolled | Thin-gauge weathering sheet for façade cassettes, cladding and rolling-stock panels where a tight tolerance and smooth surface are needed. | 380 | 510 | 24 | 160 HB | 8 % IACS |
+ARDefault Hot rolled | Default stock condition for weathering plate, coil and sections up to ~40 mm; cheapest and most widely available. | 385 | 530 | 25 | 155 HB | 8 % IACS |
Normalized | Choose for heavier plate, uniform fine-grain structure and more reliable low-temperature toughness after hot forming. | 395 | 540 | 27 | 158 HB | 8 % IACS |
Thermomechanically controlled processed | Pick where lean chemistry (low CEV) and high toughness are wanted for welding-intensive fabrication; avoid re-heating above ~580 °C, which destroys the TMCP structure. | 405 | 520 | 26 | 155 HB | 8 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways S355J0W is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Pre-weathered | Pre-weathered / pre-rusted | Surface finish |
What is S355J0W?
S355J0W (1.8959, Corten B, ASTM A588) is the standard-phosphorus weathering structural steel and the workhorse of the family, with impact toughness verified at 0 °C. It provides 385 MPa yield, 530 MPa tensile strength, 25 % elongation and about 155 HB, and is available as +AR, +N and thermomechanically rolled (+M) plate, cold-rolled sheet and pre-weathered material. Unlike the high-phosphorus WP grades it welds readily in heavy sections, with CEV around 0.40–0.47. The patina requires free drainage and wet/dry cycling; for −20 °C notch toughness use S355J2W. S355J0W has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). S355J0W has a yield strength of 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 65% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
What is S355J0W used for?
- bridges
- exposed structural frames
- shipping containers
- outdoor structures
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 30/100, better than 95% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 78/100, better than 78% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 62/100, better than 78% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 77% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
S355J0W properties
Typical room-temperature values for S355J0W-+AR; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S355J0W has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical16
S355J0W has a yield strength of 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 65% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S355J0W is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 45 W/m·K (26 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 66% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S355J0W conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 95% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S355J0W takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability6
S355J0W's machinability is fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades); weldability very good (78/100); formability good (62/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. S355J0W is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with S355J0W
Is S355J0W easy to machine?
Machines like normalized C-Mn structural steel — moderately gummy, use positive-rake carbide, generous feed and coolant; expect ~55–60 % of AISI 1212 tool life and deburr well since edges rust first.
Can S355J0W be welded?
Readily weldable by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with CEV ≈ 0.40–0.47; for exposed unpainted work use weathering-matching consumables (e.g. E8018-W2, ER80S-Ni1/-W) so the weld patinates with the plate, and preheat 100–150 °C above ~30 mm or in restrained joints.
Can S355J0W be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends readily at ≥2t–3t radius transverse to rolling; hot form 900–1050 °C followed by normalizing (+N) for full toughness, and avoid finishing below ~750 °C.
S355J0W 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cmax, per EN 10025-5 | ≤ 0.16 | 0.12 |
| Si | ≤ 0.5 | 0.35 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 1.5 | 1 |
| Pstandard-phosphorus grade (cf. S355J0WP high-P variant) | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Smax; ≤0.030 typical mill practice | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Crpatina former | 0.4 – 0.8 | 0.55 |
| Cupatina former | 0.25 – 0.55 | 0.35 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.65 | 0.15 |
| Nmax; relaxed if N-binding elements present | ≤ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Nb+V+Ti+Zroptional grain refiners / micro-alloying, sum limit | ≤ 0.15 | 0.04 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on S355J0W?
Normally left bare to develop its own patina — blast-clean to remove mill scale, drain all water traps, and detail against rust run-off; if painting is required, treat as ordinary structural steel with an epoxy/PU system, and note that hot-dip galvanizing forfeits the weathering benefit.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel S355J0W in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.8959
- Trade names
- Corten B
- Similar grades
- A588
How much does S355J0W cost?
S355J0W is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
S355J0W — frequently asked
What is S355J0W used for?
S355J0W is typically used for bridges, exposed structural frames, shipping containers and outdoor structures. In short: corten B workhorse grade; weldable in heavy sections; standard-phosphorus weathering steel.
What is the yield strength of S355J0W?
S355J0W has a typical yield strength of 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 65% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is S355J0W easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades). Machines like normalized C-Mn structural steel — moderately gummy, use positive-rake carbide, generous feed and coolant; expect ~55–60 % of AISI 1212 tool life and deburr well since edges rust first.
Can S355J0W be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (78/100). Readily weldable by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with CEV ≈ 0.40–0.47; for exposed unpainted work use weathering-matching consumables (e.g. E8018-W2, ER80S-Ni1/-W) so the weld patinates with the plate, and preheat 100–150 °C above ~30 mm or in restrained joints.
What surface finishes work on S355J0W?
Normally left bare to develop its own patina — blast-clean to remove mill scale, drain all water traps, and detail against rust run-off; if painting is required, treat as ordinary structural steel with an epoxy/PU system, and note that hot-dip galvanizing forfeits the weathering benefit.
Can S355J0W be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends readily at ≥2t–3t radius transverse to rolling; hot form 900–1050 °C followed by normalizing (+N) for full toughness, and avoid finishing below ~750 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of S355J0W?
S355J0W is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between S355J0W +AR and S355J0W-CR?
+AR is the default condition — default stock condition for weathering plate, coil and sections up to ~40 mm; cheapest and most widely available. CR: thin-gauge weathering sheet for façade cassettes, cladding and rolling-stock panels where a tight tolerance and smooth surface are needed. Yield strength is 385 MPa in +AR versus 380 MPa in CR.
How much does S355J0W cost?
S355J0W is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- EN 10025-5: Hot rolled products of structural steels — Technical delivery conditions for structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance — CEN (2019)
- ASTM A588/A588M — High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance — ASTM International (2019)
- ASTM G101 — Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance of Low-Alloy Steels — ASTM International (2020)
- GB/T 4171 — Atmospheric corrosion resisting structural steel (Q355NH) — SAC (2008)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- EN 1993-1-1 / EN 1993-1-2 (Eurocode 3, elastic and thermal properties of structural steel) — CEN (2005)
- Weathering steel plate datasheets (Corten A/B, Patina, Indaten class products) — European plate mills (2023)
- (Q355NH/SPA-H) — Mysteel / 1688 (2026)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.