Steel S355J2 · heat-treated state
Steel S355J2-N
Properties of the N condition, compared with the other S355J2 tempers.
Pick for thick plate, low-temperature service or where fine-grain, uniform through-thickness toughness and stable properties after hot forming are required.
What is S355J2-N?
S355J2-N is S355J2 heat treated to N — pick for thick plate, low-temperature service or where fine-grain, uniform through-thickness toughness and stable properties after hot forming are required. S355J2-N has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 26% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S355J2-N 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; N is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 90% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 70/100, better than 85% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 26%, better than 82% of steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 120 MPa·√m (109.2 ksi·√in), better than 80% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 96% of steel grades
S355J2-N properties
Typical room-temperature values for S355J2-N — 9 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every S355J2 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
S355J2-N 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
S355J2-N has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 26% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S355J2-N 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
S355J2-N conducts electricity at 9 % IACS, better than 70% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S355J2-N takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
S355J2-N's machinability is good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability very good (70/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other S355J2 tempers and conditions
S355J2 is also supplied in 3 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the S355J2 overview.
- HRDefaultDefault stock condition for plate, section, bar and hot-rolled coil; use for general welded structures at service temperatures down to −20 °C.390 MPa yield · 170 HB
- CRChoose for thin sheet and strip needing tight thickness tolerance and a smooth surface; strength is higher and ductility lower than hot rolled.440 MPa yield · 185 HB
- NPick for thick plate, low-temperature service or where fine-grain, uniform through-thickness toughness and stable properties after hot forming are required.400 MPa yield · 165 HB
- GalvanizedUse where the structure is exposed outdoors or is inaccessible for repainting; zinc coating gives long-term sacrificial protection with almost unchanged base mechanicals.385 MPa yield · 168 HB
Working with S355J2-N
Is S355J2 easy to machine?
Machines like a normal C-Mn structural steel — use coated carbide, 120–200 m/min turning; gummy chips and rolling-scale abrasion are the main nuisances.
Can S355J2 be welded?
Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/SAW with CEV ≤ 0.45; preheat 100–150 °C only for thick sections or restrained joints, and use hydrogen-controlled consumables (e.g. E7018 / G46 wire).
Can S355J2 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends at 2–3×t inner radius transverse to rolling direction; hot forming 850–1050 °C should be followed by normalizing to restore guaranteed toughness.
What surface finishes work on S355J2?
Blast to Sa 2½ then zinc-rich primer, metallize or hot-dip galvanize (watch Si+P levels for coating appearance); no anodizing possible.
S355J2 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≤0.20 % for t ≤ 30 mm, ≤0.22 % above (EN 10025-2) | ≤ 0.22 | 0.17 |
| Si | ≤ 0.55 | 0.25 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.6 | 1.4 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Nnot limited if sufficient N-binding elements are present | ≤ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | 0.2 |
| CEVcarbon equivalent (IIW), t ≤ 30 mm; 0.47 for thicker | ≤ 0.45 | 0.42 |
| Fe | balance | — |
S355J2-N — frequently asked
What is S355J2-N used for?
S355J2-N is typically used for bridges, crane jibs and building frames. In short: workhorse structural plate.
What is the yield strength of S355J2-N?
S355J2-N has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is S355J2-N easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades). Machines like a normal C-Mn structural steel — use coated carbide, 120–200 m/min turning; gummy chips and rolling-scale abrasion are the main nuisances.
Can S355J2-N be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/SAW with CEV ≤ 0.45; preheat 100–150 °C only for thick sections or restrained joints, and use hydrogen-controlled consumables (e.g. E7018 / G46 wire).
What surface finishes work on S355J2-N?
Blast to Sa 2½ then zinc-rich primer, metallize or hot-dip galvanize (watch Si+P levels for coating appearance); no anodizing possible.
Can S355J2-N be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends at 2–3×t inner radius transverse to rolling direction; hot forming 850–1050 °C should be followed by normalizing to restore guaranteed toughness.
What is the maximum service temperature of S355J2-N?
S355J2-N 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 S355J2-HR and S355J2-CR?
HR is the default condition — default stock condition for plate, section, bar and hot-rolled coil; use for general welded structures at service temperatures down to −20 °C. CR: choose for thin sheet and strip needing tight thickness tolerance and a smooth surface; strength is higher and ductility lower than hot rolled. Yield strength is 390 MPa in HR versus 440 MPa in CR.
Can FabDigit make parts in S355J2-N?
Yes — S355J2-N 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 10025-2:2019 Hot rolled products of structural steels — Non-alloy structural steels — CEN (2019)
- GB/T 1591 (Q345D comparison) — SAC (2018)
- EN 1993-1-1 / EN 1993-1-2 Eurocode 3 (physical properties of structural steel) — CEN (2005)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Structural steel S355J2 / S355J2+N plate datasheets — SSAB / Dillinger / ArcelorMittal (2023)
- EN ISO 1461 Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles — ISO (2022)
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.