Steel S890Q-QL
Heat-treated state
EN S890Q · GB Q890Q
QL = 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.
Values for the QL 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 datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Q | Pick for thick sections; the specified minimum yield drops with thickness because of slower quench rate through the plate. | 870 | 960 | 13 | 30 HRC | 5.7 % IACS |
QDefault Quenched & tempered, impact quality at −20 °C | Standard stocked condition for indoor/ambient crane and lifting structures where −20 °C toughness is sufficient. | 930 | 1,000 | 13 | 32 HRC | — |
QLThis page 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. | 930 | 1,000 | 13 | 32 HRC | 5.7 % 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. | 935 | 1,005 | 14 | 32 HRC | 5.7 % IACS |
What is S890Q-QL?
S890Q-QL is S890Q heat treated to QL — choose for cranes, trailers and mining equipment operating in cold climates down to about −40 °C. S890Q-QL 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-QL 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). Q is the default condition FabDigit quotes; QL is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 930 MPa (135 ksi), better than 90% of steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 115 MPa·√m (104.7 ksi·√in), better than 77% 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-QL properties
Typical room-temperature values for S890Q-QL; 23 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-QL 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).
Mechanical16
S890Q-QL 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).
Thermal6
S890Q-QL 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).
Electrical2
S890Q-QL has an electrical resistivity of 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S890Q-QL takes about 32 MJ of energy and emits 2.4 kg of CO₂ — more than 70% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability6
S890Q-QL's machinability is fair (35/100, worse than 84% of steel grades); weldability good (55/100); formability fair (35/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S890Q-QL
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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cmax, ladle analysis | ≤ 0.2 | 0.16 |
| Si | ≤ 0.8 | 0.3 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.7 | 1.2 |
| PQ 0.025; QL 0.020; QL1 0.020 max | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| SQ 0.012; QL 0.010; QL1 0.008 max | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| N | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Cr | ≤ 1.5 | 0.6 |
| Nihigher Ni used for QL/QL1 toughness | ≤ 2 | 1 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.7 | 0.4 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| V | ≤ 0.12 | 0.04 |
| Nb | ≤ 0.06 | 0.02 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Zr | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Bhardenability booster | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Altotal Al min for grain refinement | ≥ 0.02 | 0.04 |
| Fe | balance | — |
S890Q-QL — frequently asked
What is S890Q-QL used for?
S890Q-QL 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-QL?
S890Q-QL 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-QL 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-QL 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-QL?
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-QL 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-QL?
S890Q-QL 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
- 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)
- High-strength quenched and tempered plate data (S890Q/QL/QL1 class) — SSAB / Dillinger / Voestalpine (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 19: Fatigue and Fracture — ASM International (1996)
- 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.