Steel S460M ML-16-63
Grade
EN S460M
Thick low-temperature TMCP plate for cold-service heavy fabrication.
Values for the ML-16-63 condition
Other S460M tempers and conditions
S460M is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at S460M.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M | Very heavy TMCP plate (special order); yield falls to 410–400 MPa minimum. | 440 | 570 | 23 | 8 HRC | 8.2 % IACS |
M | Heavy TMCP plate for thick welded girders; 430 MPa minimum yield. | 460 | 590 | 23 | 9 HRC | 8.2 % IACS |
ML-16-63This page ML | Thick low-temperature TMCP plate for cold-service heavy fabrication. | 465 | 595 | 24 | 10 HRC | 8.2 % IACS |
M | Medium-thickness TMCP plate; minimum yield drops to 440 MPa per EN 10025-4. | 470 | 600 | 24 | 10 HRC | 8.2 % IACS |
MDefault Thermomechanically controlled processed | Standard stocked TMCP plate for welded structures served down to −20 °C. | 490 | 610 | 24 | 185 HB | 8.2 % IACS |
M with Z35 through-thickness quality | Order this when heavy T-joints load the plate through its thickness and lamellar tearing must be avoided. | 490 | 610 | 24 | 11 HRC | 8.2 % IACS |
Thermomechanically rolled, low-temperature toughness (27 J @ −50 °C), t… | Choose when service or test temperature reaches −50 °C (offshore, cold-climate cranes and bridges). | 495 | 610 | 25 | 11 HRC | 8.2 % IACS |
What is S460M ML-16-63?
S460M ML-16-63 is S460M in the ML-16-63 grade — thick low-temperature TMCP plate for cold-service heavy fabrication. S460M ML-16-63 has a yield strength of 465 MPa (67.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 595 MPa (86.3 ksi) — stronger than 56% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S460M ML-16-63 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). M is the default condition FabDigit quotes; ML-16-63 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 138 MPa·√m (125.6 ksi·√in), better than 93% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 81/100, better than 81% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 96% of steel grades
S460M ML-16-63 properties
Typical room-temperature values for S460M ML-16-63; 24 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S460M reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S460M ML-16-63 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
S460M ML-16-63 has a yield strength of 465 MPa (67.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 595 MPa (86.3 ksi) — stronger than 56% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S460M ML-16-63 is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °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
S460M ML-16-63 conducts electricity at 8.2 % IACS, better than 61% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S460M ML-16-63 takes about 27 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 59% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 28%.
Manufacturability7
S460M ML-16-63's machinability is fair (48/100, worse than 57% of steel grades); weldability very good (81/100); formability fair (54/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S460M ML-16-63
Is S460M easy to machine?
Machines like a 500 MPa-class HSLA steel — use rigid setups, coated carbide at ~120–180 m/min, positive rake and firm feeds to cut through the tough fine-grained bainitic skin.
Can S460M be welded?
Excellent weldability at CEV ≤0.45: use low-hydrogen consumables (matching 460-class wire), limit heat input (typ. 1.0–2.5 kJ/mm) and interpass ≤250 °C so the TMCP HAZ keeps its toughness; preheat 50–100 °C only for thick sections or restraint.
Can S460M be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-form with minimum bend radius ≈2–3 t transverse to rolling; avoid hot forming or post-weld normalizing above ~580 °C, which destroys the thermomechanical strengthening.
What surface finishes work on S460M?
Not anodizable — shot-blast to Sa 2½ then epoxy/PU paint, metallize or hot-dip galvanize; keep Si+2.5P in mind for galvanizing coat thickness.
S460M 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C0.16 max for t ≤ 63 mm | ≤ 0.16 | 0.1 |
| Si | ≤ 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.7 | 1.5 |
| PML grade: 0.025 max | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| SML grade: 0.020 max | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Altotal Al, or other N-binding elements | ≥ 0.02 | 0.04 |
| NbNb+V+Ti ≤ 0.22 | ≤ 0.05 | 0.04 |
| V | ≤ 0.12 | 0.05 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.8 | 0.2 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.2 | 0.06 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | 0.15 |
| N | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| FeCEV ≤ 0.45 for t ≤ 16 mm (EN 10025-4) | balance | — |
S460M ML-16-63 — frequently asked
What is S460M ML-16-63 used for?
S460M ML-16-63 is typically used for offshore platforms, heavy crane structures and large welded fabrications. In short: weight-saving heavy plate; weldable 490 MPa structural steel; tough TMCP alternative to S355M.
What is the yield strength of S460M ML-16-63?
S460M ML-16-63 has a typical yield strength of 465 MPa (67.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 595 MPa (86.3 ksi) — stronger than 56% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is S460M ML-16-63 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (48/100, worse than 57% of steel grades). Machines like a 500 MPa-class HSLA steel — use rigid setups, coated carbide at ~120–180 m/min, positive rake and firm feeds to cut through the tough fine-grained bainitic skin.
Can S460M ML-16-63 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (81/100). Excellent weldability at CEV ≤0.45: use low-hydrogen consumables (matching 460-class wire), limit heat input (typ. 1.0–2.5 kJ/mm) and interpass ≤250 °C so the TMCP HAZ keeps its toughness; preheat 50–100 °C only for thick sections or restraint.
What surface finishes work on S460M ML-16-63?
Not anodizable — shot-blast to Sa 2½ then epoxy/PU paint, metallize or hot-dip galvanize; keep Si+2.5P in mind for galvanizing coat thickness.
Can S460M ML-16-63 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-form with minimum bend radius ≈2–3 t transverse to rolling; avoid hot forming or post-weld normalizing above ~580 °C, which destroys the thermomechanical strengthening.
What is the maximum service temperature of S460M ML-16-63?
S460M ML-16-63 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 S460M-M and S460M M-40-63?
M is the default condition — standard stocked TMCP plate for welded structures served down to −20 °C. M-40-63: heavy TMCP plate for thick welded girders; 430 MPa minimum yield. Yield strength is 490 MPa in M versus 460 MPa in M-40-63.
Sources
- EN 10025-4 Hot rolled products of structural steels — Thermomechanical rolled weldable fine grain steels — CEN (2019)
- GB/T 1591 (Q460M/Q460ME) — SAC (2018)
- EN 10164 Steel products with improved deformation properties perpendicular to the surface — CEN (2018)
- EN 1993-1-1 Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures — CEN (2005)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- EN 1011-2 Welding — Recommendations for arc welding of ferritic steels — CEN (2001)
- TMCP structural plate S460M/ML datasheets — Dillinger / SSAB / voestalpine (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.