S460NL Normalized Fine-Grain High-Strength Steel
EN 10025-3:2019 · Published: 2026-06-01 · Updated: 2026-06-02
S460NL is a normalized fine-grain high-strength structural steel with 460 MPa minimum yield strength and guaranteed Charpy V-notch impact toughness of 27 Joules at -50°C—the most demanding low-temperature designation in the EN 10025-3 standard....
S460NL is a normalized fine-grain high-strength structural steel with 460 MPa minimum yield strength and guaranteed Charpy V-notch impact toughness of 27 Joules at -50°C—the most demanding low-temperature designation in the EN 10025-3 standard. The 'N' denotes normalized delivery condition; the 'L' suffix mandates longitudinal Charpy testing at -50°C. This is steel for the most demanding structural applications: Arctic offshore platforms, cryogenic storage tank shells, North Sea wind turbine foundations, and polar-class ship structures. The fine-grain practice (aluminum-killed with micro-alloying of niobium and vanadium) produces uniform through-thickness properties in plates up to 100 mm. CEV is controlled below 0.45-0.47 depending on thickness to ensure adequate field weldability despite the high strength level.
Quick Facts
| Category | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10025-3:2019 |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 460 MPa (67 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength | 540-720 MPa |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
| Alternative Standard / Grade | Action |
|---|---|
| ASTM A572 Gr 65 | Compare |
| Q460D | Compare |
| SM570 | Compare |
| E460 | Compare |
| S460N | Compare |
Related Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does S460NL compare to S690QL?
S690QL is a quenched and tempered grade with 690 MPa yield—50% higher than S460NL—but is limited to -40°C impact testing (vs S460NL's -50°C). For extreme low-temperature service (-40°C to -60°C) where strength above 460 MPa is not essential, S460NL is the correct choice. For ambient-temperature applications requiring maximum strength-to-weight ratio, S690QL is more efficient.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu