S960QL is a high-strength quenched and tempered structural steel under the European standard EN 10025 - 6. It is particularly outstanding in low-temperature toughness compared with S960Q, and is an important material in high-end equipment manufacturing that needs to cope with harsh low-temperature environments.
The detailed introduction is as follows:
Grade Interpretation:
Each part of the grade has a clear meaning. "S" stands for structural steel, specifying its main application field in structural parts manufacturing. "960" means the minimum yield strength of the steel plate can reach 960MPa. "Q" represents that the delivery state is quenched and tempered, which is the key to ensuring its high strength and toughness. The letter "L" is the core feature that distinguishes it from S960Q, indicating that it can meet the specified minimum impact energy requirement even in a low-temperature environment of -40°C.
Core Performance Indicators:
In terms of mechanical properties, its tensile strength is stably maintained between 980 - 1150MPa, the elongation after fracture is not less than 10%, and the impact energy at -40°C is not less than 30J. Some actual test data show that the V-notch impact energy of its weld and fusion line at -40°C can even exceed 60J. In terms of chemical composition, it adopts a low-carbon design, strictly controls the content of harmful impurities such as phosphorus and sulfur, and adds alloy elements such as molybdenum, niobium, and titanium. These elements not only improve the hardenability of the steel but also optimize its corrosion resistance and structural stability.
| Grade : | S960QL | ||
| Number: | 1.8933 | ||
| Classification: | Alloy special steel with specified minimum values of impact energy at temperatures not lower than -40 °C | ||
| Standard: |
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| Equivalent grades: | Go here |
Chemical composition % of steel S960QL (1.8933): EN 10025-6-2004
| Depending on the thickness of the product and the manufacturing conditions, the manufacturer may add to the steel one or several alloying elements up to the maximum values given in order to obtain the specified properties Nb, Ti, V, Zr: There shall be at least 0.015% of a grain-refining element present. AL is also one of these elements. The minimum content of 0.015% applies to soluble aluminium, this value is regarded as attained if the total aluminium content is at least 0.018%; in case of dispute the soluble aluminium content shall be determined |
| C | Si | Mn | Ni | P | S | Cr | Mo | V | N | Nb | Ti | Cu | Zr | B | CEV |
| max 0.2 | max 0.8 | max 1.7 | max 2 | max 0.02 | max 0.01 | max 1.5 | max 0.7 | max 0.12 | max 0.015 | max 0.06 | max 0.05 | max 0.5 | max 0.15 | max 0.005 | max 0.82 |
Mechanical properties of steel S960QL (1.8933)
| Nominal thickness (mm): | 3 - 50 |
| Rm - Tensile strength (MPa) | 980-1150 |
| Nominal thickness (mm): | 3 - 50 |
| ReH - Minimum yield strength (MPa) | 960 |
| KV - Impact energy (J) longitud., | 0° 50 |
-20° 40 |
-40° 30 |
| A - Min. elongation Lo = 5,65 √ So (%) | 10 |
Equivalent grades of steel S960QL (1.8933)
Warning! Only for reference
| EU EN |
Germany DIN,WNr |
France AFNOR |
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| S960QL |
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What is the difference between S960Q and S960QL, and how to choose between them?
The core gap is low-temperature toughness: S960Q only guarantees performance at -20°C, while S960QL (with "L" for low temperature) meets ≥30J impact energy at -40°C . Choose S960Q for temperate high-load scenarios (e.g., temperate-region construction machinery) and S960QL for frigid environments (e.g., cold-sea offshore platforms) .
Does S960Q have equivalent grades in Chinese standards, and what are the correlations?
Yes, it aligns with China's Q960C/D grades. Both share a 960MPa-level yield strength and quenched-tempered delivery state; S960Q's -20°C impact requirement matches the -20°C guarantee of Q960D, reflecting consistent performance positioning in European and Chinese high-strength steel systems .
Why is S960Q favored in heavy machinery and infrastructure, and what advantages does it offer?
Its 960MPa yield strength allows reducing structural weight by 20–30% compared to lower-strength steels like S690Q, improving equipment load capacity and energy efficiency SSAB. Meanwhile, its good weldability and low-temperature toughness avoid brittle failure risks in complex working conditions, ensuring long-term operational safety .