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Steel S890Q-Q

Heat-treated state · default condition

EN S890Q · GB Q890Q

Q = quenched & tempered, impact quality at −20 °C

Standard stocked condition for indoor/ambient crane and lifting structures where −20 °C toughness is sufficient.

Budget cost $

Values for the Q condition

Other S890Q tempers and conditions

S890Q is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at S890Q.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Q
Pick for thick sections; the specified minimum yield drops with thickness because of slower quench rate through the plate.8709601330 HRC5.7 % IACS
QDefaultThis page
Quenched & tempered, impact quality at −20 °C
Standard stocked condition for indoor/ambient crane and lifting structures where −20 °C toughness is sufficient.9301,0001332 HRC—
Quenched & tempered, low-temperature impact quality at −40 °C
Choose for cranes, trailers and mining equipment operating in cold climates down to about −40 °C.9301,0001332 HRC5.7 % IACS
Quenched & tempered, extra-low-temperature impact quality at −60 °C
Highest-toughness sub-grade with tightest P/S limits, for arctic or offshore lifting structures qualified to −60 °C.9351,0051432 HRC5.7 % IACS

What is S890Q-Q?

S890Q-Q is S890Q heat treated to Q — standard stocked condition for indoor/ambient crane and lifting structures where −20 °C toughness is sufficient. S890Q-Q has a yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) — stronger than 90% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). S890Q-Q has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).

Advantages

  • High strength — 930 MPa (135 ksi), better than 90% of steel grades

Limitations

  • Difficult to machine — 35/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
  • Limited ductility — 13%, worse than 78% of steel grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 35 W/m·K (20.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 75% of steel grades

S890Q-Q properties

Typical room-temperature values for S890Q-Q; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S890Q reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

S890Q-Q has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,420°C2,588 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,500°C2,732 °F

Mechanical16

S890Q-Q has a yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) — stronger than 90% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus210 GPa30.5 Msi
Shear Modulus81 GPa11.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus166 GPa24.1 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)1,000 MPa145 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)930 MPa135 ksi
Elongation at Break13%
Reduction in Area50%
Compressive Strength930 MPa135 ksi
Shear Strength620 MPa89.9 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)470 MPa68.2 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)105 MPa·√m95.6 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)80 J59 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell310 HB
Hardness, Rockwell C32 HRC
Hardness, Vickers325 HV

Thermal6

S890Q-Q is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 35 W/m·K (20.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 75% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity35 W/m·K20.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)350°C662 °F
Min Service Temperature-20°C-4 °F

Electrical2

S890Q-Q has an electrical resistivity of 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.8 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.6 V
Corrosion ResistanceNot recommended12/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryNo inherent corrosion resistance: rusts in humid air, salt spray and water; must be shop-primed, painted or metallised. Susceptible to hydrogen-assisted and stress-corrosion cracking at this strength level — avoid acid pickling, uncontrolled electroplating and wet H2S service.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of S890Q-Q takes about 32 MJ of energy and emits 2.4 kg of CO₂ — more than 70% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.4 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability6

S890Q-Q's machinability is fair (35/100, worse than 84% of steel grades); weldability good (55/100); formability fair (35/100).

MachinabilityFair35/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)40%
WeldabilityGood55/100
Formability (cold)Fair35/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; protect by paint, zinc-rich primer or thermal spray rather than anodising

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated127 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated26.8 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated2,059 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated9.5 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated14

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with S890Q-Q

Is S890Q easy to machine?

Machinable with rigid setups and coated carbide at reduced speed/feed like any ~300 HB Q&T alloy steel; avoid dwelling, keep tools sharp, and expect some distortion release when heavy material is removed from as-rolled plate.

Can S890Q be welded?

Weld with low-hydrogen basic or metal-cored consumables (undermatched or matched 890 MPa filler), preheat 100–150 °C depending on thickness and CET, keep heat input and interpass temperature controlled to protect HAZ toughness, and stress-relieve below ~550 °C only if unavoidable.

Can S890Q be formed, bent or molded?

Cold-bend transverse to rolling direction with inner radius about 3–4 × thickness and generous die clearance; hot forming above the tempering temperature is not allowed as it destroys the Q&T properties.

What surface finishes work on S890Q?

Blast to SA 2.5 and apply zinc-rich or epoxy primer plus topcoat; avoid acid pickling and uncontrolled electroplating because hydrogen embrittlement risk is real at 890 MPa yield.

S890Q 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cmax, ladle analysis≤ 0.20.16
Si≤ 0.80.3
Mn≤ 1.71.2
PQ 0.025; QL 0.020; QL1 0.020 max≤ 0.030.01
SQ 0.012; QL 0.010; QL1 0.008 max≤ 0.010
N≤ 0.020.01
Cr≤ 1.50.6
Nihigher Ni used for QL/QL1 toughness≤ 21
Mo≤ 0.70.4
Cu≤ 0.50.1
V≤ 0.120.04
Nb≤ 0.060.02
Ti≤ 0.050.02
Zr≤ 0.05—
Bhardenability booster≤ 0.010
Altotal Al min for grain refinement≥ 0.020.04
Febalance—

S890Q-Q — frequently asked

What is S890Q-Q used for?

S890Q-Q is typically used for crane structures, lifting equipment and heavy machinery frames. In short: 890 MPa EN Q&T plate; strength step above S690Q; crane and boom plate.

What is the yield strength of S890Q-Q?

S890Q-Q has a typical yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) — stronger than 90% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is S890Q-Q easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, worse than 84% of steel grades). Machinable with rigid setups and coated carbide at reduced speed/feed like any ~300 HB Q&T alloy steel; avoid dwelling, keep tools sharp, and expect some distortion release when heavy material is removed from as-rolled plate.

Can S890Q-Q be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). Weld with low-hydrogen basic or metal-cored consumables (undermatched or matched 890 MPa filler), preheat 100–150 °C depending on thickness and CET, keep heat input and interpass temperature controlled to protect HAZ toughness, and stress-relieve below ~550 °C only if unavoidable.

What surface finishes work on S890Q-Q?

Blast to SA 2.5 and apply zinc-rich or epoxy primer plus topcoat; avoid acid pickling and uncontrolled electroplating because hydrogen embrittlement risk is real at 890 MPa yield.

Can S890Q-Q be formed, bent or molded?

Cold-bend transverse to rolling direction with inner radius about 3–4 × thickness and generous die clearance; hot forming above the tempering temperature is not allowed as it destroys the Q&T properties.

What is the maximum service temperature of S890Q-Q?

S890Q-Q 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 S890Q-Q and S890Q-QL1?

Q is the default condition — standard stocked condition for indoor/ambient crane and lifting structures where −20 °C toughness is sufficient. QL1: highest-toughness sub-grade with tightest P/S limits, for arctic or offshore lifting structures qualified to −60 °C. Yield strength is 930 MPa in Q versus 935 MPa in QL1.

Sources

  1. EN 10025-6: Hot rolled products of structural steels — Flat products of high yield strength structural steels in the quenched and tempered condition — CEN (2019)
  2. High-strength quenched and tempered plate data (S890Q/QL/QL1 class) — SSAB / Dillinger / Voestalpine (2023)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 19: Fatigue and Fracture — ASM International (1996)
  5. GB/T 16270 (Q890 grades) — SAC (2009)

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.