S890QL1 (Material Number 1.8925) is a European standard high-strength, fine-grained structural steel. It is a quenched and tempered (+QT) alloyed special steel governed by the EN 10025-6 standard.
Key Characteristics
High Strength: It features a minimum yield strength of 890 MPa (for thicknesses ≤ 50mm).
Extra Toughness: The "L1" suffix indicates exceptional low-temperature toughness, with guaranteed minimum impact energy (typically 30J–40J) at temperatures as low as -60°C (-76°F).
Weldability: Despite its high strength, it is designed for weldability in high-load steel constructions.
Typical Applications
S890QL1 is primarily used where weight reduction is critical and extreme operating conditions (cold climates or high stress) are expected:
Lifting Equipment: Mobile crane booms and heavy-duty lifting gear.
Infrastructure: Bridge components and highway construction.
Mining & Earthmoving: Chassis, dumper bodies, and roof supports.
Pressure Vessels: Storage tanks and penstocks.
What does "QL1" mean in S890QL1?
The "QL1" in the steel grade S890QL1 is a sub-grade designation defined by the European standard EN 10025-6. It specifies the required impact toughness (toughness class) at low temperatures. Here's the breakdown:
Q: Stands for "Quenched and Tempered" – the heat treatment process that gives the steel its high strength and toughness.
L: Stands for "Low Temperature" service, meaning the steel is guaranteed to maintain toughness in freezing conditions.
1: The number "1" indicates the specific temperature and minimum impact energy requirement for the Charpy V-notch test.
For S890QL1, this means:
Test Temperature: -60°C (-76°F)
Minimum Impact Energy: ≥ 40 Joules (average of 3 tests)
In summary:
S890QL1 is a quenched and tempered steel with 890 MPa yield strength, specially certified to deliver at least 40 Joules of impact energy at -60°C. This makes it suitable for the most extreme cold-region applications, such as Arctic offshore structures, critical components in polar exploration, or specialized machinery operating in deep cold where failure is not an option.
Comparison with other common sub-grades:
S890Q: Typically tested at 0°C.
S890QL: Tested at -40°C with a requirement of ≥ 27 J.
S890QL1: Tested at -60°C with a requirement of ≥ 40 J (higher toughness at a lower temperature).
Chemical composition % of steel S890QL1 (1.8925): EN 10025-6-2004
| 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 S890QL1 (1.8925)
| Nominal thickness (mm): | 3 - 50 | 50 - 100 |
| Rm - Tensile strength (MPa) | 940-1100 | 880-1100 |
| Nominal thickness (mm): | 3 - 50 | 50 - 100 |
| ReH - Minimum yield strength (MPa) | 890 | 830 |
| KV - Impact energy (J) longitud., | 0° 60 |
-20° 50 |
-40° 40 |
-60° 30 |
| A - Min. elongation Lo = 5,65 √ So (%) | 11 |
1. What is S890QL1 steel?
S890QL1 is an ultra-high-strength quenched and tempered structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 890 MPa, certified for exceptional impact toughness at temperatures as low as -60°C.
2. What does "QL1" mean in S890QL1?
"QL1" indicates the steel is qualified for low-temperature service down to -60°C, with a minimum Charpy impact energy of 40 J at that temperature.
3. Where is S890QL1 commonly used?
It is used in extreme Arctic engineering, offshore platforms in polar regions, critical components of ice-class vessels, and advanced military equipment designed for deep-cold operations.
4. How does S890QL1 differ from S890QL?
S890QL1 guarantees higher impact toughness (≥40 J) at a lower temperature (-60°C), while S890QL is typically tested at -40°C with ≥27 J requirement.
5. What welding procedures are required for S890QL1?
Welding requires strict preheating (150-200°C), low-hydrogen consumables, controlled heat input, and often post-weld heat treatment to prevent cracking and preserve toughness.
6. Is S890QL1 corrosion resistant?
No, S890QL1 is not corrosion-resistant and requires protective coatings (e.g., painting, galvanizing) for use in corrosive or exposed environments.
7. What standards apply to S890QL1 steel?
It is defined by the European standard EN 10025-6, with additional requirements for impact testing at -60°C and certification per EN 10204 Type 3.1.
8. Can S890QL1 be machined easily?
No, machining S890QL1 is extremely difficult due to its high hardness; it requires robust carbide tools, high-pressure coolant, and optimized cutting parameters.
9. What is the price range of S890QL1 steel plate?
S890QL1 is highly expensive, often ranging from €3,000 to €6,000+ 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.
