Steel S355J2G3-M
Heat-treated state
ASTM A572 Grade 50 · EN 1.0570, S355J2 · GB Q355B
M = thermomechanically controlled processed
TMCP plate with lower carbon equivalent: same strength with better low-temperature toughness and easier welding of thick sections.
Values for the M condition
Other S355J2G3 tempers and conditions
S355J2G3 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at S355J2G3.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
as-rolled (hot rolled, no specified delivery condition) | Cheapest hot-rolled sections and plate where mill chooses delivery condition (S355J2+AR / J2G4); slightly coarser grain and lower typical toughness than +N. | 380 | 520 | 23 | 150 HB | 10 % IACS |
NDefault Normalized | Standard stock condition: fine ferrite-pearlite grain, guaranteed 27 J at −20 °C, best choice for welded structures and thicker plate. | 390 | 520 | 24 | 150 HB | — |
MThis page Thermomechanically controlled processed | TMCP plate with lower carbon equivalent: same strength with better low-temperature toughness and easier welding of thick sections. | 400 | 510 | 25 | 155 HB | 10 % IACS |
Quenched and tempered | Occasionally supplied for heavy forgings/bars needing uniform through-thickness properties and improved sub-zero toughness. | 430 | 570 | 22 | 175 HB | 10 % IACS |
cold drawn / cold finished bar | Cold-drawn bar for shafts and machined parts: higher yield and better surface/tolerance, at the cost of ductility and residual stress. | 470 | 600 | 12 | 185 HB | 10 % IACS |
What is S355J2G3-M?
S355J2G3-M is S355J2G3 heat treated to M — tMCP plate with lower carbon equivalent: same strength with better low-temperature toughness and easier welding of thick sections. S355J2G3-M has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S355J2G3-M 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). N is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 135 MPa·√m (122.9 ksi·√in), better than 93% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 72/100, better than 88% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
S355J2G3-M properties
Typical room-temperature values for S355J2G3-M; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S355J2G3 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S355J2G3-M 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
S355J2G3-M has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S355J2G3-M is rated for continuous service to 380°C (716 °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
S355J2G3-M conducts electricity at 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S355J2G3-M takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
S355J2G3-M's machinability is good (58/100, better than 75% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability very good (72/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S355J2G3-M
Is S355J2G3 easy to machine?
Machines like a medium-carbon steel — use carbide at ~120–180 m/min with generous feed; gummy chips at low hardness, so avoid dull edges and consider stress relief before finish cuts on cold-drawn bar.
Can S355J2G3 be welded?
Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with matching low-hydrogen consumables (E7018 / G46); preheat 100–150 °C for thickness >30 mm or high restraint per EN 1011-2.
Can S355J2G3 be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bending (minimum bend radius ≈1–2.5 t depending on thickness/orientation); hot forming 900–1050 °C followed by normalizing to restore J2 toughness.
What surface finishes work on S355J2G3?
No natural corrosion resistance — hot-dip galvanize (watch Si in the 0.03–0.12 % 'Sandelin' band), metallize or shot-blast to Sa 2½ and paint; phosphating suits fasteners and machined parts.
S355J2G3 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 thicker (EN 10025-2) | ≤ 0.2 | 0.17 |
| Si | ≤ 0.55 | 0.25 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.6 | 1.4 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Nno limit if sufficient N-binding elements present | ≤ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | 0.2 |
| Nb+V+Timicro-alloying, optional | ≤ 0.15 | 0.03 |
| CEVcarbon equivalent, t ≤ 30 mm | ≤ 0.45 | 0.42 |
| Fe | balance | — |
S355J2G3-M — frequently asked
What is S355J2G3-M used for?
S355J2G3-M is typically used for structural beams, bridge girders, general fabrication and machinery frames. In short: workhorse 355 MPa structural steel; superseded name for S355J2; not for pressure equipment.
What is the yield strength of S355J2G3-M?
S355J2G3-M has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is S355J2G3-M easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (58/100, better than 75% of steel grades). Machines like a medium-carbon steel — use carbide at ~120–180 m/min with generous feed; gummy chips at low hardness, so avoid dull edges and consider stress relief before finish cuts on cold-drawn bar.
Can S355J2G3-M be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Excellent weldability by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with matching low-hydrogen consumables (E7018 / G46); preheat 100–150 °C for thickness >30 mm or high restraint per EN 1011-2.
What surface finishes work on S355J2G3-M?
No natural corrosion resistance — hot-dip galvanize (watch Si in the 0.03–0.12 % 'Sandelin' band), metallize or shot-blast to Sa 2½ and paint; phosphating suits fasteners and machined parts.
Can S355J2G3-M be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bending (minimum bend radius ≈1–2.5 t depending on thickness/orientation); hot forming 900–1050 °C followed by normalizing to restore J2 toughness.
What is the maximum service temperature of S355J2G3-M?
S355J2G3-M is rated for continuous use to about 380°C (716 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between S355J2G3-N and S355J2G3-C?
N is the default condition — standard stock condition: fine ferrite-pearlite grain, guaranteed 27 J at −20 °C, best choice for welded structures and thicker plate. C: cold-drawn bar for shafts and machined parts: higher yield and better surface/tolerance, at the cost of ductility and residual stress. Yield strength is 390 MPa in N versus 470 MPa in C.
Sources
- EN 10025-2 Hot rolled products of structural steels — Non-alloy structural steels — CEN (2019)
- EN 10027-1/-2 designation systems for steels (1.0570) — CEN (2016)
- ASTM A572/A572M Grade 50 HSLA structural steel — ASTM (2021)
- EN 1993-1-1 / EN 1993-1-2 Eurocode 3 material properties — CEN (2005)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- EN 1011-2 Welding — recommendations for arc welding of ferritic steels — CEN (2001)
- worldsteel Life Cycle Inventory for steel products — World Steel Association (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.