What the HE140M Designation Covers
HE140M is a hot-rolled wide-flange H-section produced to EN 10365, the European standard that fixes the nominal dimensions and mass of hot-rolled channels, I-sections and H-sections. Within the HE family the letter suffix defines the weight class: HE A is the lightest series, HE B the intermediate series and HE M the heavy series, rolled with thicker webs and flanges at a comparable nominal height. That is why HE 140 M nominally weighs 63.2 kg/m against roughly 24.7 kg/m for HE 140 A and 33.7 kg/m for HE 140 B. Buyers looking for a light floor beam should read the section as a heavy column profile instead.
HE 140 M Nominal Dimensions and Mass
Nominal values follow EN 10365; shape and dimensional tolerances are governed by EN 10034.
| Parameter | Nominal value |
|---|---|
| Overall depth h | 160 mm |
| Flange width b | 146 mm |
| Web thickness tw | 13.0 mm |
| Flange thickness tf | 22.0 mm |
| Section area A | 80.5 cm2 |
| Mass per metre | 63.2 kg/m |
| Dimensional tolerance standard | EN 10034 |
S355JR Material Properties to EN 10025-2
S355JR is a weldable non-alloy structural steel for general structural and engineering use. EN 10025-2 sets a minimum yield strength ReH of 355 MPa for material up to 16 mm thick, reducing to 345 MPa in the 16-40 mm band, and a tensile strength Rm of 470-630 MPa. The JR suffix fixes Charpy V-notch impact testing at +20 C with a minimum average energy of 27 J, so the grade suits ambient-temperature structures rather than cold-service duty. Maximum phosphorus and sulphur content for the grade is 0.045 % each, and the maximum carbon content for the JR quality is 0.24 %, limits that keep the steel readily weldable with rutile, basic and metal-cored consumables.
Where a project calls for lower impact test temperature, the same property set is available as S355J0 (0 C), S355J2 (-20 C, 27 J) and S355K2 (-20 C, 40 J). The section dimensions are identical across all four qualities, so a grade change does not disturb connection design.
Applications and Fabrication Notes
The section is normally used as a column or a short, heavily loaded strut: machine bases, racking uprights, crane supports, temporary works and steel frames in industrial buildings. Because the flange is only 146 mm wide, lateral stability depends on the bracing layout rather than on flange width, and designers usually check buckling about the weak axis.
Heavy HE sections are rolled in a limited length range, commonly 6 m to 12 m, and cut to fixed lengths on request. Marking, inspection documents and the requirement for an inspection certificate to EN 10204 3.1 should be stated in the order. Welding can follow EN 1090-2 execution classes; preheat is normally not required for S355JR at these thicknesses provided the joint is dry and the consumables are stored and handled as specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is HE 140 M the same as HEB 140?
A: No. Both are hot-rolled H-sections to EN 10365, but HE 140 M is 160 mm deep with 22 mm flanges and a nominal mass of 63.2 kg/m, while HE 140 B belongs to the lighter 140 mm class at about 33.7 kg/m.
Q: At what temperature is S355JR impact tested?
A: The JR quality is impact tested at +20 C with a minimum average Charpy V-notch energy of 27 J per EN 10025-2. Grade S355J2 is the equivalent choice when testing at -20 C is required.
Q: What is the minimum yield strength of HE 140 M material?
A: For S355JR, the minimum yield strength is 355 MPa up to 16 mm thickness and 345 MPa between 16 mm and 40 mm, which covers all wall thicknesses of this section.
Q: Can HE 140 M be supplied galvanized?
A: Yes. The section is routinely hot-dip galvanized to ISO 1461. Because wall thickness is well above 6 mm, the coating requirement for that thickness band applies, and reaming of punched holes after galvanizing is avoided to protect the coating.
Q: Which documents should accompany a shipment?
A: A mill test certificate to EN 10204 3.1 showing heat number, chemical analysis, tensile and impact results, plus a dimensional report against EN 10034 tolerances is the usual minimum for structural use.