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What is S960Q steel?

Jan 13, 2026 Leave a message

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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.

 

Primary Applications

S960Q is used for demanding load-bearing structures where weight reduction is critical without sacrificing safety or durability.

Heavy Machinery: Cranes, excavators, and mining equipment.

Construction: High-rise buildings, highway bridges, and large-scale engineering projects.

Transportation: Truck chassis, trailers, and railway components to create lightweight yet robust systems.

Offshore & Marine: Oil rigs, shipbuilding, and offshore platforms.

 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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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.

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