FabDigitFabDigit

Steel S355J2W +N (Normalized)

Heat-treated state

EN 1.8965 · also Corten B

Choose for heavier plate and for the most uniform, finest grain with best low-temperature toughness and flame-cutting behaviour.

Budget cost $

Values for the +N condition

Other S355J2W tempers and conditions

S355J2W is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at S355J2W.

Compare all 3 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
+NThis page
Normalized
Choose for heavier plate and for the most uniform, finest grain with best low-temperature toughness and flame-cutting behaviour.37551026155 HB—
+ARDefault
Hot rolled
Standard stocked condition for weathering plate, sections and coil up to moderate thickness; cheapest and most available.38052024160 HB—
Thermomechanically controlled processed
Pick when the lowest carbon equivalent and best weldability/toughness are needed in thinner weathering plate and coil; do not hot-form above ~580 °C.40052025165 HB8 % IACS

What is S355J2W +N?

S355J2W +N is S355J2W heat treated to +N — choose for heavier plate and for the most uniform, finest grain with best low-temperature toughness and flame-cutting behaviour. S355J2W +N has a yield strength of 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — weaker than 70% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 26% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S355J2W +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). +AR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; +N is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Good corrosion resistance — 30/100, better than 95% of steel grades
  • Tough — resists crack growth — 135 MPa·√m (122.9 ksi·√in), better than 93% of steel grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 74/100, better than 89% of steel grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 26%, better than 82% of steel grades
  • Readily welded — 80/100, better than 79% of steel grades

S355J2W +N properties

Typical room-temperature values for S355J2W +N; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S355J2W reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

S355J2W +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).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,425°C2,597 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,510°C2,750 °F

Mechanical16

S355J2W +N has a yield strength of 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — weaker than 70% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 26% 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)510 MPa74 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)375 MPa54.4 ksi
Elongation at Break26%
Reduction in Area55%
Compressive Strength380 MPa55.1 ksi
Shear Strength320 MPa46.4 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)240 MPa34.8 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)135 MPa·√m123 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)140 J103 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell155 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B82 HRB
Hardness, Vickers168 HV

Thermal6

S355J2W +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).

Thermal Conductivity45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion260 J/g112 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)400°C752 °F
Min Service Temperature-40°C-40 °F

Electrical3

S355J2W +N conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity8 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 95% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.58 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor30/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in alternating wet/dry rural, urban and mildly industrial atmospheres where a stable patina forms; not resistant to chlorides (marine spray, de-icing salt), permanent wetness, burial, immersion, or strong acids/alkalis.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of S355J2W +N takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.1 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability8

S355J2W +N's machinability is good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability very good (74/100).

MachinabilityGood55/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)60%
WeldabilityVery good80/100
Formability (cold)Very good74/100
CastabilityFair40/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood55/100
PolishabilityFair50/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use paint, metallising or natural patina instead

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

Working with S355J2W +N

Is S355J2W easy to machine?

Machines like a 355 MPa HSLA plate (~55–60 % of AISI 1212) — rigid setups, sharp carbide, moderate speeds; slightly gummy chips from the Cu/Cr content.

Can S355J2W be welded?

Readily welded by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with weathering-matched consumables (e.g. E8018-W2, ER80S-G, Ni-Cu wires); CEV ≈ 0.45–0.52 so preheat 50–150 °C for thick or restrained joints and control hydrogen.

Can S355J2W be formed, bent or molded?

Cold bends to about 2t inner radius transverse (3t longitudinal) in ≤16 mm plate; hot forming 900–1050 °C should be followed by normalizing, and +M material must not be heated above ~580 °C.

What surface finishes work on S355J2W?

Normally left bare to develop the patina (shot-blast mill scale off first and design for free drainage/run-off control); can also be painted after blasting or metallised where chlorides are present.

S355J2W 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 ladle analysis≤ 0.160.12
Si≤ 0.50.35
Mn0.5 – 1.51.1
PS355J2WP variant has 0.06–0.15 P≤ 0.030.02
S≤0.025 for J2 quality in many mill practices≤ 0.030.01
Crpatina former0.4 – 0.80.6
Cuprimary weathering element0.25 – 0.550.35
Ni≤ 0.650.2
Mooptional≤ 0.3—
Zroptional≤ 0.15—
Nhigher if N-binding elements present≤ 0.010.01
Nb+V+Timicro-alloy additions, total, mill option≤ 0.220.05
Febalance—

S355J2W +N — frequently asked

What is S355J2W +N used for?

S355J2W +N is typically used for bridges, towers and outdoor architectural steelwork. In short: paint-free weathering plate; corten B equivalent; J2 toughness outdoors.

What is the yield strength of S355J2W +N?

S355J2W +N has a typical yield strength of 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — weaker than 70% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.

Is S355J2W +N easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades). Machines like a 355 MPa HSLA plate (~55–60 % of AISI 1212) — rigid setups, sharp carbide, moderate speeds; slightly gummy chips from the Cu/Cr content.

Can S355J2W +N be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Readily welded by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with weathering-matched consumables (e.g. E8018-W2, ER80S-G, Ni-Cu wires); CEV ≈ 0.45–0.52 so preheat 50–150 °C for thick or restrained joints and control hydrogen.

What surface finishes work on S355J2W +N?

Normally left bare to develop the patina (shot-blast mill scale off first and design for free drainage/run-off control); can also be painted after blasting or metallised where chlorides are present.

Can S355J2W +N be formed, bent or molded?

Cold bends to about 2t inner radius transverse (3t longitudinal) in ≤16 mm plate; hot forming 900–1050 °C should be followed by normalizing, and +M material must not be heated above ~580 °C.

What is the maximum service temperature of S355J2W +N?

S355J2W +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.

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. ASTM A588/A588M — High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance — ASTM International (2019)
  3. GB/T 4171 (Q355NH / Q355GNH) — SAC (2008)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials (weathering steels) — ASM International (2005)
  6. EN 1993-1-1 Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures (physical constants) — CEN (2005)
  7. Weathering steel plate datasheets (COR-TEN A/B type products) — SSAB / ArcelorMittal / Baosteel (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.