S960Q is a high-yield, ultra-high-strength structural steel plate produced according to the EN 10025-6 European standard. It is delivered in a quenched and tempered (Q+T) state, which provides a unique combination of exceptional mechanical strength and toughness.
Key Specifications & Meaning
The designation "S960Q" provides specific details about the material's properties:
S: Denotes structural steel.
960: Indicates the minimum yield strength of 960 MPa (megapascals).
Q: Signifies the delivery condition as Quenched and Tempered. It also indicates that the material has specified minimum impact energy values at temperatures not lower than -20°C.
Steel Number: 1.8941.
Notable Features
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Allows for thinner, lighter plates to be used in structures that previously required heavier materials.
Fabrication: Despite its high strength, it maintains good weldability, though it requires careful heat input control and preheating to prevent cracking.
Durability: Offers excellent resistance to wear, fatigue, and atmospheric corrosion when treated with protective coatings.
What are the main applications of S960Q?
S960Q is an ultra-high-strength quenched and tempered steel primarily used in extreme, weight-critical applications where maximizing strength-to-weight ratio is essential, and where design and fabrication are carefully controlled to manage its limited toughness and weldability. Its main applications are in high-performance engineering sectors:
1. Heavy Lifting & Advanced Material Handling
Ultra-High-Capacity Mobile Crane Booms: Critical sections of telescopic and lattice booms for the world's largest mobile cranes, where weight reduction directly increases lifting capacity and reach.
Advanced Offshore Cranes: Boom arms and structural components on installation vessels and platforms.
High-Performance Forklift Masts: For maximum reach and capacity in port and heavy industry.
2. Mining, Quarrying & Heavy Earthmoving
Drill Rig Masts & Shovel Arms: High-stress components in the largest mining equipment, where reduced weight improves mobility and payload.
Haul Truck Chassis & Body Frames: Critical structural elements in ultra-class trucks to minimize dead weight and maximize payload.
3. Specialized Transport & Defense
Military Vehicle Chassis & Armor Support Structures: For lightweight, high-mobility tactical vehicles requiring blast resistance and minimal weight.
Aerospace Ground Support Equipment: Such as heavy-duty aircraft towbars and lifting frames.
High-Performance Racing Car Chassis & Roll Cages (in top-tier motorsports).
4. Advanced Engineering & Offshore Structures
Offshore Mooring & Lifting Components: Critical links, pins, and connectors in deep-water oil & gas platforms.
Specialized Bridge Components: For movable parts (e.g., lift or swing sections) where weight reduction is crucial for mechanical systems.
High-Stress Parts in Offshore Wind Turbines: Such as specialized flanges or transition pieces in demanding environments.
Why S960Q is Selected:
Maximum Weight Reduction: Its 960 MPa yield strength allows for the thinnest possible sections while maintaining load capacity, crucial for mobile equipment where weight directly translates into performance (payload, reach, fuel efficiency).
Space Efficiency: Enables more compact, higher-capacity designs.
Technical data
EN10025-6 S960Q quenched and tempered steel plate 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 |
EN10025-6 S960Q quenched and tempered steel plate 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 |
For more information in EN10025-6 S960Q quenched and tempered steel plate MTC or consult us to get a competitive price, please contact us soon
1. What is S960Q steel?
S960Q is an ultra-high-strength quenched and tempered structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 960 MPa, offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratio but requiring strict fabrication controls.
2. What are the main applications of S960Q?
It is used in extreme weight-critical components like advanced crane booms, high-performance military vehicles, specialized mining equipment, and heavy-duty offshore lifting systems.
3. How does S960Q differ from S690Q?
S960Q has significantly higher yield strength (960 MPa vs. 690 MPa) but lower toughness and weldability, making it suitable only for the most demanding lightweight designs.
4. Can S960Q be welded easily?
No, welding S960Q is very difficult and requires strict procedures: low-hydrogen consumables, high preheat (often 150-200°C+), controlled heat input, and usually post-weld heat treatment.
5. What is the chemical composition of S960Q?
It contains low carbon with micro-alloys like niobium, vanadium, titanium, and boron, plus alloying elements such as nickel, chromium, and molybdenum for hardenability and strength.
6. What standards apply to S960Q steel?
It is primarily governed by the European standard EN 10025-6 for quenched and tempered high-strength structural steels.
7. Is S960Q corrosion resistant?
No, S960Q is not corrosion-resistant and requires protective coatings (e.g., painting, galvanizing) for use in exposed or corrosive environments.
8. How to machine S960Q steel?
Machining S960Q is extremely challenging due to its high hardness; it requires premium carbide tools, high-pressure coolant, rigid setups, and optimized cutting parameters.
9. What is the price of S960Q steel plate?
S960Q is among the most expensive structural steels, typically ranging from €4,000 to €8,000+ per ton, depending on thickness, quantity, and certification requirements.
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff.
