European steel grades are available from the national standard organizations of European countries such as DIN in Germany, AFNOR and BSI in France, NF in Spain and ONORM in Austria.
European steel grade systems typically include a main designator, followed by either a sub-designator or a separate numerical designation.
The most commonly used steel grades in Europe are:
• S235 : structural steel (1.0038)
• S275 : structural steel (1.0044)
• S355 : structural steel (1.0577)
• P235 : pressure vessel steel (1.0352)
• P265 : pressure vessel steel (1.0425)
• P275 : pressure vessel steel (1.0486)
• P355 : pressure vessel steel (1.0566)
• RSt 37-2 : low-carbon steel (1.0038)
• RSt 44-2 : low-carbon steel (1.0044)
• RSt 52-3 : low-carbon steel (1.0577)
• S420 : carbon structural steel (1.0497)
• S460 : carbon structural steel (1.0576)
• S235 J0 : structural steel (1.0114)
• S275 J0 : structural steel (1.0143)
• S355 J0 : structural steel (1.0553)
• S275 H : structural steel (1.0215)
• P265 GH : pressure vessel steel (1.0425)
• P420 : pressure vessel steel (1.0545)
• C22 : low-carbon steel (1.0402)
• C45 : low-carbon steel (1.0503)
• C60 : low-carbon steel (1.0601)
• 13CrMo4-5 : low-alloyed steel (1.7335)
• 16Mo3 : low-alloyed steel (1.5415)
• 15NiCuMoNb5-6-4 : low-alloyed steel (1.6368)
• X2CrNiMo18-14-3 : stainless steel (1.4435)
• X5CrNiMo17-12-2 : stainless steel (1.4401)
• X8CrNiMoNb16-16 : stainless steel (1.4529)
These steel grades can be used for a broad range of applications in the engineering and construction industry. They are suitable for use in pressure vessels, bridges, shipping containers, storage tanks, and in machine parts.
European steel grades can also be customised to meet an individual project specification. By using a combination of materials from different grades, a designer can create products that meet the necessary strength and cost criteria. This helps to reduce the cost and manufacturing time of a product, as well as improving its safety and efficiency. Furthermore, customised steel allows for better fit and formability, making it more suitable for demanding applications.
Finally, European steel grades are highly recyclable and are often made up of recycled steel. This is particularly relevant when it comes to large-scale projects that make use of steel extensively. As such, the use of these grades is considered to be good for the environment.
