High Quality Steel Grade Cross Reference
Steel is one of the most versatile materials used in manufacturing and construction. High quality steel grades have a variety of mechanical and chemical properties that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. Depending on the type of product and its intended use, engineers may specify different grades of steel for manufacturing. However, localization of specific grades of steel to different markets can cause confusion for manufacturers, who need to ensure that the exact grade of steel is used in production.
One way to address this issue is by standardizing steel grades across different markets, creating a unified grade reference system that can overcome language barriers. This document provides cross-references between common continental European and American steel grades. It covers high quality steel grades (H-Q), such as those used in production of boiler plates and structural components.
Continental Steel Grades
Common continental European steel grades are defined according to the EN standards. These grades are classified in three main groups: structural, constructal and pressure-vessel steel grades.
Structural Steel Grades
Structural steel grades refer to those used for structural components in building and engineering projects. The most common are SM (Steels for Structural Purposes) and RM (Reinforcer Steels).
SM grades include the following:
S235JR, S235J0, S235J2, S275JR, S275J0, S275J2, S355JR, S355J0, S355J2, S355K2, S450J0
RM grades include the following:
S460N, S460NL, S420N, S420NL, S355M, S355ML
The EN symbol for these grades begins with an S or R, followed by an M or N to indicate mechanical properties (for example, S355J2 is a structural steel grade with 275 N/mm2 minimum yield strength, 360-510 N/mm2 minimum tensile strength, and 27J minimum impact energy).
Constructal Steel Grades
Constructal steel grades refer to those used for construction projects. They are typically designated using the prefix CT (Construction Steels). The most common are CT1, CT3 and CT4.
CT1 grades include the following:
S355J2G2, S355K2G2, S355K2G4, S405O, S355J2
CT3 grades include the following:
S355NL, S355N, S355ML, S415NL, S355J0
CT4 grades include the following:
S355M, S420ML, S355J2G3, S355J2G4
Pressure Vessel Steel Grades
Pressure vessel steel grades refer to those used for containing high pressure. The most common are PW (Pressure Vessel Steels) and PN (Pressure Vessel Steels with Improved Toughness).
PW grades include the following:
P235GH, P265GH, P275GH, P295GH, P355GH
PN grades include the following:
P355NL1, P355NL2, P460NL1, P460NL2
The EN symbol for these grades begins with a P, followed by a W or an N to indicate toughness (for example, P355GH is a pressure vessel steel grade with 235 N/mm2 minimum yield strength, 380-560 N/mm2 minimum tensile strength, and 27J minimum impact energy).
American Steel Grades
American steel grades are defined according to the ASTM standard. The most common are the A and A/B groups.
A group grades include the following:
A36, A373, A516, A602, A515
A/B group grades include the following:
A36/A341, A36/A441, A36/A441, A36/A551, A36/A572
The ASTM symbol for these grades begins with an A, followed by a numerical value to indicate mechanical properties (for example, A516 is a A-grade steel grade with 70 ksi minimum yield strength and 70 ksi minimum tensile strength).
Steel Grade Cross Reference
The table below provides a cross-reference between common continental European and American steel grades.
Continental European Steel Grade American Steel Grade
S235JR A36
S235J0 A36/A341
S235J2 A36/A441
S275JR A36/A441
S275J0 A36/A551
S275J2 A36/A572
S355JR A36/A551
S355J0 A36/A572
S355J2 A36/A571
S355K2 A373
S450J0 A602
S460N A515
S460NL A516
S420N A515
S420NL A516
S355M A502
S355ML A602
P235GH A36/A551
P265GH A36/A572
P275GH A36/A571
P295GH A36/A571
P355GH A373
P355NL1 A602
P355NL2 A602
P460NL1 A602
P460NL2 A602
Conclusion
High quality steel grades are essential for many industrial processes, and a unified grade reference system can help manufacturers ensure that the correct grade of steel is used for their products. This document provides a cross-reference between common continental European and American steel grades, which can be used as a starting point for engineers to select the most appropriate material for their applications. However, as exact grade requirements can vary, manufacturers should still exercise caution and verify with their suppliers if the grade they have specified is the most suitable steel for their application.
