Steel S500MC-M
Heat-treated state · default condition
EN S500MC · GB Q500M
M = thermomechanically controlled processed
Standard EN 10149-2 delivery condition for cold-formed structural parts, typically 2–12 mm strip/sheet.
Values for the M condition
Other S500MC tempers and conditions
S500MC is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at S500MC.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M heavy plate / cut-to-length | For thicker structural members; strength sits toward the lower part of the band and bend radii are larger. | 525 | 580 | 22 | 180 HB | 8 % IACS |
MDefaultThis page Thermomechanically controlled processed | Standard EN 10149-2 delivery condition for cold-formed structural parts, typically 2–12 mm strip/sheet. | 545 | 600 | 20 | 11 HRC | 8 % IACS |
M pickled and oiled | Choose when a clean, scale-free surface is needed for direct painting, laser cutting or tight-radius roll forming. | 545 | 600 | 21 | 185 HB | 8 % IACS |
M black | Lowest-cost delivery for parts that will be shot-blasted, welded and painted afterwards. | 545 | 600 | 20 | 185 HB | 8 % IACS |
What is S500MC-M?
S500MC-M is S500MC heat treated to M — standard EN 10149-2 delivery condition for cold-formed structural parts, typically 2–12 mm strip/sheet. S500MC-M has a yield strength of 545 MPa (79 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — stronger than 70% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S500MC-M 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).
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 72/100, better than 88% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 83% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 78% of steel grades
S500MC-M properties
Typical room-temperature values for S500MC-M; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S500MC reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
S500MC-M 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).
Mechanical17
S500MC-M has a yield strength of 545 MPa (79 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — stronger than 70% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
S500MC-M is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 45 W/m·K (26 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 66% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.5 µm/m·K (6.94 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S500MC-M 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 S500MC-M takes about 28 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
S500MC-M's machinability is fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability very good (72/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S500MC-M
Is S500MC easy to machine?
Machines like a tough medium-strength structural steel: use rigid setups, sharp coated carbide and moderate speeds; expect stringy chips from the low sulfur content.
Can S500MC be welded?
Excellent weldability with low CEV (~0.35); use low-hydrogen consumables and control heat input (typically <1.5 kJ/mm) to avoid HAZ softening of the TM structure.
Can S500MC be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form with bend radius ≥1.0 × t transverse to rolling direction, allow for higher springback than S355 and avoid hot forming above ~580 °C which destroys the TM strength.
What surface finishes work on S500MC?
Not anodizable — protect by shot-blast plus zinc-rich primer, e-coat, powder coat or hot-dip galvanizing (check thin-gauge distortion).
S500MC 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 10149-2 | ≤ 0.12 | 0.08 |
| Si | ≤ 0.6 | 0.25 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.7 | 1.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Altotal Al | ≥ 0.02 | 0.03 |
| Nbmicro-alloying | ≤ 0.09 | 0.05 |
| Vmicro-alloying | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Timicro-alloying | ≤ 0.15 | 0.05 |
| Mooptional | ≤ 0.5 | 0.05 |
| Boptional | ≤ 0.01 | 5×10⁻⁴ |
| Fe | balance | — |
S500MC-M — frequently asked
What is S500MC-M used for?
S500MC-M is typically used for trailer beams, load-bearing brackets and lifting equipment. In short: weight-saving structural sheet; highly weldable at 545 MPa yield; cold-formable HSLA strip.
What is the yield strength of S500MC-M?
S500MC-M has a typical yield strength of 545 MPa (79 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — stronger than 70% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is S500MC-M easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades). Machines like a tough medium-strength structural steel: use rigid setups, sharp coated carbide and moderate speeds; expect stringy chips from the low sulfur content.
Can S500MC-M be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Excellent weldability with low CEV (~0.35); use low-hydrogen consumables and control heat input (typically <1.5 kJ/mm) to avoid HAZ softening of the TM structure.
What surface finishes work on S500MC-M?
Not anodizable — protect by shot-blast plus zinc-rich primer, e-coat, powder coat or hot-dip galvanizing (check thin-gauge distortion).
Can S500MC-M be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form with bend radius ≥1.0 × t transverse to rolling direction, allow for higher springback than S355 and avoid hot forming above ~580 °C which destroys the TM strength.
What is the maximum service temperature of S500MC-M?
S500MC-M is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between S500MC-M and S500MC M-PLT?
M is the default condition — standard EN 10149-2 delivery condition for cold-formed structural parts, typically 2–12 mm strip/sheet. M-PLT: for thicker structural members; strength sits toward the lower part of the band and bend radii are larger. Yield strength is 545 MPa in M versus 525 MPa in M-PLT.
Sources
- EN 10149-2 Hot-rolled flat products made of high yield strength steels for cold forming — Thermomechanically rolled steels — CEN (2013)
- EN 1011-2 Welding — Recommendations for welding of metallic materials, Part 2: Arc welding of ferritic steels — CEN (2001)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Hot-rolled high-strength cold-forming steel datasheets (S500MC class) — SSAB / voestalpine / ArcelorMittal (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.