Steel S460ML
EN S460ML
S460ML (1.8838) is the highest-strength thermomechanically rolled structural steel in EN 10025-4, with a guaranteed low-temperature impact toughness (ML) level.
Reference datasheet — S460ML is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the TM t<=16 condition
S460ML tempers and conditions
S460ML is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. TM t<=16 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TM, thickness > 100 to 120 mm | Maximum standard thickness; minimum yield 385 MPa, order-only from few mills. | 415 | 555 | 21 | 175 HB | 8 % IACS |
TM, thickness > 80 to 100 mm | Very heavy plate, mill-dependent availability; minimum yield 400 MPa. | 430 | 575 | 21 | 180 HB | 8 % IACS |
TM, thickness > 63 to 80 mm | Thick TMCP plate for offshore/heavy bridge nodes; minimum yield 410 MPa. | 445 | 580 | 22 | 182 HB | 8 % IACS |
TM, thickness > 40 to 63 mm | Heavy plate; minimum yield 430 MPa, same 540–720 MPa tensile band. | 465 | 590 | 22 | 185 HB | 8 % IACS |
TM, thickness > 16 to 40 mm | Medium plate range; yield derated to 440 MPa minimum per EN 10025-4. | 475 | 595 | 22 | 188 HB | 8 % IACS |
TM t<=16Default TM (M/ML delivery condition), thickness ≤ 16 mm | Standard as-rolled TMCP plate/section up to 16 mm — full 460 MPa yield class. | 490 | 600 | 22 | 190 HB | 8 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways S460ML is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Coil/Strip TM | TM hot-rolled coil / strip | Supply form |
+Z35 | TM with EN 10164 Z35 through-thickness quality | Certification |
What is S460ML?
S460ML (1.8838) is the highest-strength thermomechanically rolled structural steel in EN 10025-4, with a guaranteed low-temperature impact toughness (ML) level. It is used in weight-critical welded structures for cold regions because CEV ≤ 0.47 permits welding with little or no preheat; forms include plate from t ≤ 16 mm up to 120 mm, through-thickness tested +Z35 plate and TM coil/strip. Default values are 490 MPa yield, 600 MPa tensile, 22 % elongation and about 190 HB, with machinability near 55 % of AISI 1212. Normalizing or hot forming above about 580 °C destroys the TMCP strength; use a quenched and tempered 460 MPa grade if hot work is unavoidable. S460ML 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). S460ML has a yield strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — stronger than 61% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
What is S460ML used for?
- offshore structures
- arctic heavy equipment
- high-strength welded frames
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 130 MPa·√m (118.3 ksi·√in), better than 89% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 87% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 62/100, better than 78% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
S460ML properties
Typical room-temperature values for S460ML-TM t<=16; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S460ML 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
S460ML has a yield strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — stronger than 61% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S460ML 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
S460ML conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S460ML takes about 29 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 53% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
S460ML's machinability is fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability good (62/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. S460ML is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with S460ML
Is S460ML easy to machine?
Machines like a tough HSLA steel at roughly 55 % of AISI 1212: use coated carbide, moderate speeds and positive rake; the fine bainitic structure gives good surface finish but gummy chips at low feeds.
Can S460ML be welded?
Excellent — CEV ≤0.47 allows most arc processes with little or no preheat, but keep heat input controlled (typically ≤2.5 kJ/mm) and avoid post-weld normalizing, which destroys the TMCP strength.
Can S460ML be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends readily (transverse bend radius ≈2t for thin gauge, 3t for heavy plate); hot forming above ~580 °C or any normalizing must be avoided or the plate must be re-qualified.
S460ML 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, EN 10025-4 | ≤ 0.16 | 0.09 |
| Si | ≤ 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.7 | 1.55 |
| PML quality, tighter than M | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| SML quality; ≤0.010 typical for Z-grades | ≤ 0.02 | 0 |
| 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 | 0.05 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.8 | 0.2 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | 0.1 |
| N | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| CEVIIW carbon equivalent: ≤0.45 (t≤16), ≤0.46 (16–63), ≤0.47 (>63 mm) | ≤ 0.47 | 0.43 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on S460ML?
No self-protection — shot blast to Sa 2½ then paint, metallize or hot-dip galvanize; for galvanizing keep Si and P low to control coating thickness.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel S460ML in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.883810025-4
How much does S460ML cost?
S460ML is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
S460ML — frequently asked
What is S460ML used for?
S460ML is typically used for offshore structures, arctic heavy equipment and high-strength welded frames. In short: highest-strength TMCP structural grade; low-temperature toughness guaranteed; weldable without heavy preheat.
What is the yield strength of S460ML?
S460ML has a typical yield strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — stronger than 61% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is S460ML easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades). Machines like a tough HSLA steel at roughly 55 % of AISI 1212: use coated carbide, moderate speeds and positive rake; the fine bainitic structure gives good surface finish but gummy chips at low feeds.
Can S460ML be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Excellent — CEV ≤0.47 allows most arc processes with little or no preheat, but keep heat input controlled (typically ≤2.5 kJ/mm) and avoid post-weld normalizing, which destroys the TMCP strength.
What surface finishes work on S460ML?
No self-protection — shot blast to Sa 2½ then paint, metallize or hot-dip galvanize; for galvanizing keep Si and P low to control coating thickness.
Can S460ML be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends readily (transverse bend radius ≈2t for thin gauge, 3t for heavy plate); hot forming above ~580 °C or any normalizing must be avoided or the plate must be re-qualified.
What is the maximum service temperature of S460ML?
S460ML is rated for continuous use to about 380°C (716 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does S460ML cost?
S460ML is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- EN 10025-4 Hot rolled products of structural steels — Part 4: Thermomechanical rolled weldable fine grain structural steels — CEN (2019)
- 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)
- GB/T 1591 (Q460 comparison grade) — SAC (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- TMCP structural plate datasheets (S460M/ML class) — European plate mills (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.