Steel S460N
EN S460N · GB Q460C
S460N (1.8901, comparable to Q460C) is a normalized fine-grain high-strength structural steel supplied as plate and sections in +N by thickness range, NL for sub-zero service, annealed and +N +Z25 with through-thickness testing.
Reference datasheet — S460N 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 +N condition
S460N tempers and conditions
S460N is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. +N is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed / soft-annealed (special order) | Non-standard delivery for heavy cold forming or machining; mechanical properties fall below EN 10025-3 minima until re-normalized. | 320 | 500 | 28 | 150 HB | 9 % IACS |
+N | Maximum standard normalized thickness; 400 MPa minimum yield, preheat mandatory for welding. | 430 | 575 | 20 | 170 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
+N | Thick plate for heavy welded fabrication; 410 MPa minimum yield. | 440 | 580 | 21 | 172 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
+N | Heavy plate band with 430 MPa minimum yield; check through-thickness toughness for welded joints. | 460 | 585 | 21 | 175 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
+N | Medium plate thickness band; yield drops to 440 MPa minimum per EN 10025-3. | 470 | 595 | 22 | 178 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
+NDefault Normalized | Standard stocked condition for plate and section up to 16 mm with full 460 MPa yield and −20 °C toughness. | 490 | 600 | 22 | 180 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
S460NL | Choose when 27 J impact energy is required at −50 °C (offshore, arctic, cryo-adjacent structures). | 490 | 600 | 22 | 180 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways S460N is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
+N +Z25 | +N with Z25 through-thickness quality | Certification |
What is S460N?
S460N (1.8901, comparable to Q460C) is a normalized fine-grain high-strength structural steel supplied as plate and sections in +N by thickness range, NL for sub-zero service, annealed and +N +Z25 with through-thickness testing. It is chosen for welded structures needing 460 MPa yield with guaranteed low-temperature toughness; typical +N values are 490 MPa yield, 600 MPa tensile, 22 % elongation and 180 HB. Welding requires low-hydrogen consumables and preheat of about 100–150 °C above 30 mm thickness, and hot forming above 580 °C requires re-normalizing. S420N is the alternative where slightly lower strength eases fabrication. S460N 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). S460N 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 S460N used for?
- pressure vessels
- heavy structural steelwork
- cranes
- bridges
- welded frames
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 120 MPa·√m (109.2 ksi·√in), better than 81% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 75/100, better than 76% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
S460N properties
Typical room-temperature values for S460N-+N; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S460N 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
S460N 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
S460N 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
S460N conducts electricity at 8.5 % IACS, better than 63% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S460N takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
S460N's machinability is good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability good (55/100).
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. S460N is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with S460N
Is S460N easy to machine?
Machines like a tough HSLA steel at ~55 % of AISI 1212; use rigid setups, positive-rake coated carbide and generous feed to break the stringy chip.
Can S460N be welded?
Readily weldable by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with matching 46-50 kJ-class low-hydrogen consumables; control hydrogen and preheat (≈100–150 °C above ~30 mm, per EN 1011-2 CEV ≤0.53) and limit heat input to protect HAZ toughness.
Can S460N be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends with radii of roughly 2–3× thickness transverse; hot forming above 580 °C requires re-normalizing to restore the 460 MPa fine-grain properties.
S460N 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 ≤ 63 mm (EN 10025-3) | ≤ 0.2 | 0.16 |
| Si | ≤ 0.6 | 0.35 |
| Mn | 1 – 1.7 | 1.45 |
| P≤0.025 for S460NL | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S≤0.020 for S460NL | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Nlimit may be exceeded if sufficient N-binding elements present | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Altotal Al, minimum | ≥ 0.02 | 0.03 |
| Nb | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| V | ≤ 0.2 | 0.1 |
| TiNb+V+Ti ≤ 0.26 % | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.8 | 0.2 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.7 | 0.2 |
| FeCEV ≤ 0.53 for t ≤ 63 mm | balance |
What surface finishes work on S460N?
No natural corrosion resistance — shot blast to Sa 2½ then paint, metallize or hot-dip galvanize (use low-Si chemistry to avoid excess zinc growth).
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 S460N in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.8901
- GB (China)
- Q460C
How much does S460N cost?
S460N 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.
S460N — frequently asked
What is S460N used for?
S460N is typically used for pressure vessels, heavy structural steelwork, cranes, bridges and welded frames. In short: highest-yield normalized grade; sub-zero toughness with NL; weldable 460 MPa plate.
What is the yield strength of S460N?
S460N 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 7 listed tempers.
Is S460N easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades). Machines like a tough HSLA steel at ~55 % of AISI 1212; use rigid setups, positive-rake coated carbide and generous feed to break the stringy chip.
Can S460N be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). Readily weldable by SMAW/GMAW/SAW with matching 46-50 kJ-class low-hydrogen consumables; control hydrogen and preheat (≈100–150 °C above ~30 mm, per EN 1011-2 CEV ≤0.53) and limit heat input to protect HAZ toughness.
What surface finishes work on S460N?
No natural corrosion resistance — shot blast to Sa 2½ then paint, metallize or hot-dip galvanize (use low-Si chemistry to avoid excess zinc growth).
Can S460N be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends with radii of roughly 2–3× thickness transverse; hot forming above 580 °C requires re-normalizing to restore the 460 MPa fine-grain properties.
What is the maximum service temperature of S460N?
S460N 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 S460N +N and S460N-NL?
+N is the default condition — standard stocked condition for plate and section up to 16 mm with full 460 MPa yield and −20 °C toughness. NL: choose when 27 J impact energy is required at −50 °C (offshore, arctic, cryo-adjacent structures). Yield strength is 490 MPa in +N versus 490 MPa in NL.
How much does S460N cost?
S460N 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 10025-3: Hot rolled products of structural steels — normalized/normalized rolled weldable fine grain steels — CEN (2019)
- EN 10027-2 material number 1.8901 / 1.8903 — CEN (2015)
- GB/T 1591 Q460C/Q460E high strength low alloy structural steel — SAC (2018)
- EN 1011-2 Welding — arc welding of ferritic steels — CEN (2001)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Structural steel plate S460N/NL datasheets — Dillinger / voestalpine (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.