Steel S355ML-AW (As-welded deposit)
Heat-treated state
EN S355ML
Use these as-welded values with matching low-hydrogen weld metal when assessing joints; the thermomechanically rolled structure softens in the HAZ, so design to the base metal minimum.
Values for the AW condition
Other S355ML tempers and conditions
S355ML is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at S355ML.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TM | Use only when 100–120 mm is unavoidable: this is the maximum thickness range of EN 10025-4, specified yield is 295 MPa and few mills can supply it. | 325 | 480 | 24 | 150 HB | 10 % IACS |
TM | Pick this extra-heavy TMCP plate in 80–100 mm only when the section demands it; yield falls to 345 MPa and delivery is long because material is normally rolled to order. | 345 | 490 | 24 | 152 HB | 10 % IACS |
TM | Choose for offshore and bridge plate over 63 up to 80 mm, and check through-thickness properties and lamellar tearing risk where joints load the plate in the Z direction. | 355 | 495 | 25 | 155 HB | 10 % IACS |
AWThis page As-welded deposit | Use these as-welded values with matching low-hydrogen weld metal when assessing joints; the thermomechanically rolled structure softens in the HAZ, so design to the base metal minimum. | 355 | 500 | 22 | 18 HRC | 10 % IACS |
TM | Use for heavy welded structures in the 40–63 mm range; as the thermomechanically rolled section thickens, yield drops to 335 MPa and the tensile lower limit to 450 MPa. | 365 | 500 | 25 | 157 HB | 10 % IACS |
TM | Choose for medium plate over 16 up to 40 mm; thermomechanical rolling keeps weldability identical to thin plate while specified yield steps down to 345 MPa. | 375 | 515 | 26 | 160 HB | 10 % IACS |
TM-16Default TM | Pick this thermomechanically rolled stock up to 16 mm for the most common thin plate and coil sizes; it carries the full 355 MPa yield with guaranteed impact toughness at −50 °C. | 390 | 520 | 26 | 162 HB | — |
What is S355ML-AW?
S355ML-AW is S355ML heat treated to AW — use these as-welded values with matching low-hydrogen weld metal when assessing joints; the thermomechanically rolled structure softens in the HAZ, so design to the base metal minimum. S355ML-AW has a yield strength of 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 73% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S355ML-AW has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,460°C (2,660 °F). TM-16 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; AW is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 87% 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
S355ML-AW properties
Typical room-temperature values for S355ML-AW; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S355ML reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S355ML-AW has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,460°C (2,660 °F).
Mechanical16
S355ML-AW has a yield strength of 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 73% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S355ML-AW is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 44 W/m·K (25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 57% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S355ML-AW conducts electricity at 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S355ML-AW takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
S355ML-AW's machinability is fair (50/100, worse than 53% of steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability fair (40/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S355ML-AW
Is S355ML easy to machine?
The low-carbon fine-grain structure is gummy, so use coated carbide with positive rake and ample coolant at roughly vc 120-180 m/min. Remove the hardened layer on flame-cut edges before drilling or machining.
Can S355ML be welded?
With CEV of 0.39 maximum, SAW, GMAW and SMAW are all suitable and thick plate normally needs only minimum preheat. Use low-hydrogen consumables and keep heat input generally at or below 3.5 kJ/mm to protect HAZ low-temperature toughness; do not normalize after welding.
Can S355ML be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bending, with roughly 2t to 3t bend radii on thin plate and slightly larger radii transverse to the rolling direction. Avoid hot forming above about 580 °C, which cancels the TMCP strengthening, and do not re-normalize.
What surface finishes work on S355ML?
Not anodizable. Standard practice is blasting to Sa 2½ followed by epoxy zinc-rich primer and polyurethane topcoat, or hot-dip galvanizing with attention to silicon content and galvanizing crack sensitivity.
S355ML 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cladle analysis, all thicknesses | ≤ 0.14 | 0.09 |
| Si | ≤ 0.5 | 0.25 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.6 | 1.35 |
| Ptighter limit for L quality | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S≤ 0.007 for Z quality | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Altotal Al, grain refiner; other nitride formers may substitute | ≥ 0.02 | 0.04 |
| NbNb+V+Ti ≤ 0.22 | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| V | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.3 | 0.05 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.5 | 0.06 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | 0.1 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| N | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| CEVcarbon equivalent (IIW), ≤ 16 mm; ≤ 0.45 for > 63 mm | ≤ 0.39 | 0.36 |
| Fe | balance | — |
S355ML-AW — frequently asked
What is S355ML-AW used for?
S355ML-AW is typically used for offshore structures, arctic construction and cranes in cold climates. In short: best weldability in family; cold-service structural plate; good cold formability, 78 score.
What is the yield strength of S355ML-AW?
S355ML-AW has a typical yield strength of 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 73% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is S355ML-AW easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, worse than 53% of steel grades). The low-carbon fine-grain structure is gummy, so use coated carbide with positive rake and ample coolant at roughly vc 120-180 m/min. Remove the hardened layer on flame-cut edges before drilling or machining.
Can S355ML-AW be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). With CEV of 0.39 maximum, SAW, GMAW and SMAW are all suitable and thick plate normally needs only minimum preheat. Use low-hydrogen consumables and keep heat input generally at or below 3.5 kJ/mm to protect HAZ low-temperature toughness; do not normalize after welding.
What surface finishes work on S355ML-AW?
Not anodizable. Standard practice is blasting to Sa 2½ followed by epoxy zinc-rich primer and polyurethane topcoat, or hot-dip galvanizing with attention to silicon content and galvanizing crack sensitivity.
Can S355ML-AW be formed, bent or molded?
Good cold bending, with roughly 2t to 3t bend radii on thin plate and slightly larger radii transverse to the rolling direction. Avoid hot forming above about 580 °C, which cancels the TMCP strengthening, and do not re-normalize.
What is the maximum service temperature of S355ML-AW?
S355ML-AW is rated for continuous use to about 350°C (662 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between S355ML TM-16 and S355ML TM-120?
TM-16 is the default condition — pick this thermomechanically rolled stock up to 16 mm for the most common thin plate and coil sizes; it carries the full 355 MPa yield with guaranteed impact toughness at −50 °C. TM-120: use only when 100–120 mm is unavoidable: this is the maximum thickness range of EN 10025-4, specified yield is 295 MPa and few mills can supply it. Yield strength is 390 MPa in TM-16 versus 325 MPa in TM-120.
Sources
- EN 10025-4: Hot rolled products of structural steels — Thermomechanical rolled weldable fine grain structural steels — CEN (2019)
- EN 10027-2 / material number 1.8834 — CEN (2015)
- EN 10164 — Steel products with improved deformation properties perpendicular to the surface — CEN (2018)
- EN 1993-1-1 / EN 1993-1-10 (Eurocode 3, material toughness selection) — CEN (2005)
- CEN ISO/TR 15608 & EN 1011-2 (welding of TMCP steels) — CEN (2001)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- TMCP structural plate datasheets (S355M/ML) — Dillinger / voestalpine / SSAB (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.