S960Q is a high-yield, ultra-high-strength structural steel grade defined by the European standard EN 10025-6. It is delivered in a quenched and tempered (Q+T) condition to achieve its superior mechanical properties.
Chemical composition
| Grade | C % | Si % | Mn % | P % | S % | N % | B % | Cr % |
| S960Q | 0.200 | 0.800 | 1.700 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.015 | 0.005 | 1.500 |
| Cu % | Mo % | Nb % | Ni % | Ti % | V % | Zr % | ||
| 0.500 | 0.700 | 0.060 | 2.000 | 0.050 | 0.120 | 0.150 |
mechanical properties
| Grade | Thickness(mm) | Min Yield (Mpa) | Tensile(MPa) | Elongation (%) | Min Impact Energy | |
| S960Q | 8mm-50mm | Min 960Mpa | 980-1150Mpa | 10% | -20 | Min 30J |
| 51mm-100mm | Min 910Mpa | 920-1000Mpa | 10% | -20 | Min 30J | |
| 101mm-150mm | Min 860Mpa | 870-980Mpa | 10% | -20 | Min 30J |
processing
1. Cutting
S960Q can be cut using several methods, but thermal management is critical:
Laser Cutting: Highly recommended for its precision and narrow Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ), which minimizes material distortion.
Plasma & Oxy-Fuel Cutting: Effective for thicker plates. It is recommended to stack cut parts while warm and cover them with insulating material to slow the cooling rate and prevent edge cracking.
Post-Heating: For thermally cut edges, heating to 100–200°C for 5 minutes per mm of thickness can help relieve stress.
2. Welding
While S960Q has good weldability due to a low carbon equivalent, strict controls are necessary:
Processes: Common methods include GMAW (MIG/MAG) and Laser Composite Welding. Laser welding is often preferred as it may eliminate the need for preheating.
Heat Control: High heat input must be avoided to prevent grain growth and softening in the HAZ.
Preheating: Preheating to 100–150°C is often required, especially for thicker sections, to reduce the risk of hydrogen-induced cold cracking.
Consumables: Use low-hydrogen filler materials with mechanical properties that match or slightly under-match the base metal to maintain toughness.
3. Forming and Bending
Bending: Due to its ultra-high yield strength, S960Q requires higher force for bending compared to standard structural steels.
Springback: Significant springback should be anticipated during cold forming.
Surface Prep: Ensure the material surface is clean and free of rust or oil before forming to prevent surface defects.
4. Machining
S960Q has a high hardness (typically around 414 HBW for the QL variant), requiring:
Rigid Tooling: High-quality carbide tools are necessary to handle the material's strength.
Low Speeds: Lower cutting speeds and consistent feed rates are essential to manage heat and tool wear.
applications
1. Lifting and Heavy Machinery
This is the most common application for S960Q due to its ability to handle immense stress while keeping equipment mobile:
Crane Technology: Used for telescopic booms and lattice structures in mobile, crawler, and tower cranes to increase reach and lifting capacity without adding dead weight.
Earthmoving Equipment: Vital for the high-stress components of excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, specifically dipper sticks, shovel buckets, and hydraulic supports.
2. Transport and Logistics
Manufacturers use S960Q to build lighter vehicles that can carry larger payloads, directly improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions:
Heavy-Duty Trailers: Chassis and frame rails for low loaders and semi-trailers.
Vehicle Safety: Side impact beams, bumpers, and cross members in heavy trucks and light commercial vehicles.
Railway Systems: Specialized lightweight railway components that maintain high structural integrity.
3. Civil Engineering and Construction
S960Q is a preferred material for complex architectural designs and sustainable urban development:
Skyscrapers: Used for columns and transfer beams in high-rise buildings to maximize interior floor space by reducing the required thickness of structural members.
Bridges: Ideal for long-span bridges and pedestrian walkways where weight reduction on the foundation is critical.
Seismic-Resistant Structures: Its combination of strength and ductility makes it suitable for modular framing in earthquake-prone regions.
4. Energy and Industrial Sectors
The steel's toughness at low temperatures (down to -20°C for S960Q) makes it reliable for harsh environments:
Renewable Energy: Structural framing for wind turbine towers and offshore platform supports.
Mining and Power Plants: Used in the fabrication of penstocks, turbine scroll cases, and unfired pressure vessels.
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What is S960Q?
S960Q is a high-strength quenched and tempered structural steel. It belongs to the EN 10025-6 standard, with a minimum yield strength of 960 MPa. Suitable for heavy-duty structures like cranes and bridges, offering excellent weldability and toughness.
What is the minimum yield strength of S960Q?
The minimum yield strength of S960Q is 960 megapascals (MPa). This high strength makes it ideal for load-bearing components in demanding engineering projects, ensuring structural stability under heavy loads.
Which standard does S960Q comply with?
S960Q complies with the European standard EN 10025-6, which specifies technical delivery conditions for high-strength structural steels in quenched and tempered conditions, covering chemical composition and mechanical properties.
What is the chemical composition range of S960Q?
S960Q's main components include C ≤ 0.20%, Si ≤ 0.60%, Mn ≤ 1.80%, P ≤ 0.025%, S ≤ 0.010%. It also contains alloying elements like Cr, Mo, Ni to enhance strength and toughness.
Is S960Q weldable?
Yes, S960Q is weldable, but requires proper procedures. Preheating and post-weld heat treatment are recommended to avoid cold cracking. Use low-hydrogen electrodes and control heat input to maintain its mechanical properties.
What is the typical application of S960Q?
S960Q is widely used in heavy machinery (cranes, excavators), offshore structures, bridge components, and high-load frames. Its high strength reduces weight while ensuring structural integrity.
What is the tensile strength range of S960Q?
The tensile strength of S960Q ranges from 1050 to 1250 MPa. This range ensures it can withstand high tensile forces, making it suitable for components subjected to extreme mechanical stress.
Does S960Q require heat treatment?
Yes, S960Q undergoes quenching and tempering (Q&T) as standard heat treatment. This process enhances its strength, hardness, and toughness, meeting the high-performance requirements of engineering applications.
What is the hardness of S960Q?
The typical Brinell hardness (HBW) of S960Q is 280-340. This hardness level balances strength and ductility, allowing it to resist wear and deformation in heavy-duty operations.
Can S960Q be used in cold environments?
Yes, S960Q has good low-temperature toughness. It meets impact energy requirements at -20℃ (some grades at -40℃), making it applicable in cold regions for structures like Arctic offshore platforms.