S960QL is a high-strength structural steel grade defined by the European standard EN 10025-6. It is a quenched and tempered material designed for load-bearing applications that require a combination of high yield strength and low-temperature toughness.
Naming Breakdown
S: Structural steel.
960: Minimum yield strength of 960 MPa (for thicknesses ≤ 50 mm).
Q: Quenched and tempered.
L: Low temperature impact testing, specifically at -40°C.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.8933 |
| Standard | EN 10025-6 |
| Mechanical Properties | High yield strength (min 960 MPa) and high impact toughness (minimum 40 J at -40°C) |
| Approximate Equivalents | ASTM A514 and IS 2062 (Indian Standard). |
| Common Trade Names | Strenx 960 (SSAB), Amstrong Ultra 960QL (ArcelorMittal), and Dillimax 960 (Dillinger). |
Primary Applications
Due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, it is used to reduce the weight of heavy structures while maintaining safety:
Lifting and Handling: Telescopic cranes, mobile cranes, and lifting equipment.
Transport: Trailer chassis, heavy-duty vehicle components, and bridge structures.
Mining and Earthmoving: Buckets for excavators, dump truck bodies, and mining supports.
Energy: Offshore structures and components for wind power.
Workshop Properties
Weldability: Good weldability, though sensitive to excessive heat input, which can soften the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).
Formability: Excellent bendability and surface quality, allowing for complex cold-forming operations.
What is the price range of S960QL steel plate?
The price range of S960QL steel plate is exceptionally high due to its ultra-high strength (960 MPa yield), specialized low-temperature toughness certification (‑40 °C), and complex manufacturing process. It is among the most expensive commercially available structural steels. Below is a realistic pricing framework:
Key Price Drivers:
Material Specifications:
Thickness: Price increases sharply with thickness. Plates >50 mm can be 60–120% more expensive per ton than plates <20 mm.
Dimensions & Quantity: Small, cut‑to‑size pieces carry a significant premium. Full mill orders or truckload quantities (e.g., 20+ tons) receive volume discounts.
Certification & Testing: The mandatory "QL" toughness certification (‑40 °C impact testing) and additional requirements (e.g., EN 10204 3.1, third‑party inspection, ultrasonic testing) add substantial cost.
Market & Supply Factors:
Limited Production: S960QL is produced by only a few specialized mills globally (e.g., Dillinger, SSAB, voestalpine), resulting in limited supply and high costs.
Alloying Elements: High contents of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and micro‑alloys (Nb, V, B) drive up raw material costs.
Energy‑Intensive Processing: Precise quenching and tempering require significant energy and advanced furnace controls.
Processing & Logistics:
Processing: Cutting, machining, or heat treatment add to the final cost.
Delivery & Location: Shipping, tariffs, and regional availability significantly impact pricing.
Estimated Price Range (Guideline Only):
S960QL typically costs 100–200% more than S690QL and 30–60% more than S890QL.
Base Price Per Metric Ton: Approximately €5,000 – €12,000+ (or equivalent in USD/GBP).
Lower end: Large-volume orders (>20 t) of standard medium-thickness plates (30–50 mm) with basic certification.
Upper end: Low-volume orders (<5 t), very thick plates (>80 mm), small cut pieces, or plates with extensive testing (e.g., additional impact tests, third‑party inspection, fracture‑toughness CTOD tests).
How to Obtain an Accurate Quote:
Provide suppliers with a detailed Request for Quotation (RFQ) including:
Material grade: EN 10025‑6 S960QL.
Dimensions: Thickness × Width × Length (in mm).
Quantity: Total weight or number of plates.
Required certifications: EN 10204 3.1, additional impact tests, NDT reports, etc.
Processing needs: Cutting, drilling, edge preparation.
Delivery destination and timeline.
1. What is S960QL steel?
S960QL is an ultra-high-strength quenched and tempered structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 960 MPa, certified for good impact toughness at low temperatures down to -40°C.
2. Where is S960QL commonly used?
It is used in extreme weight-critical applications like advanced mobile crane booms, high-performance military vehicles, offshore lifting components, and specialized mining equipment operating in cold climates.
3. How does S960QL differ from S960Q?
S960QL is a sub-grade with guaranteed impact toughness at -40°C, while standard S960Q is typically tested at higher temperatures (often -20°C or 0°C).
4. What welding procedures are required for S960QL?
Welding S960QL requires strict preheating (150-250°C), low-hydrogen consumables, controlled heat input, and often post-weld heat treatment to prevent cracking and preserve toughness.
5. What is the chemical composition of S960QL?
It contains low carbon with micro-alloys (niobium, vanadium, titanium, boron) and elements like nickel, chromium, and molybdenum for hardenability and low-temperature toughness.
6. Can S960QL be machined easily?
No, machining S960QL is extremely difficult due to its high hardness; it requires premium carbide tools, high-pressure coolant, rigid setups, and optimized parameters.
7. What standards apply to S960QL steel?
It is governed by the European standard EN 10025-6 for quenched and tempered high-strength structural steels, with additional toughness requirements for the "QL" sub-grade.
8. Is S960QL corrosion resistant?
No, S960QL is not corrosion-resistant and requires protective coatings (e.g., painting, galvanizing) for use in corrosive or exposed environments.
9. What is the price range of S960QL steel plate?
S960QL is very expensive, typically ranging from €4,500 to €9,000+ per ton, depending on thickness, quantity, and certification.
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.
