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.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value/Condition |
|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.8925 |
| Standard | EN 10025-6 |
| Min. Yield Strength | 890 N/mm² (up to 50mm thickness) |
| Tensile Strength | 940 – 1100 MPa |
| Min. Impact Temp. | -60°C |
| Delivery Condition | Quenched and Tempered (+QT) |
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 standards apply to S890QL1 steel?
S890QL1 steel is primarily governed by the European standard EN 10025-6, which defines its chemical, mechanical, and toughness requirements. Below are the key standards and specifications applicable to S890QL1:
1. Core Material Standard
EN 10025-6: Hot rolled products of structural steels – Part 6: Technical delivery conditions for flat products of high yield strength structural steels in the quenched and tempered condition.
This standard specifies:
Minimum yield strength (890 MPa), tensile strength (940–1100 MPa), and elongation.
Impact toughness: Charpy V‑notch test at ‑60 °C with a minimum average energy of ≥40 J (for thicknesses ≤50 mm; higher values for thinner plates).
Permissible chemical composition (C, Si, Mn, P, S, and micro‑alloys like Nb, V, Ti, plus optional Ni, Cr, Mo, B).
The "QL1" designation is explicitly defined here for ‑60 °C service.
2. Supporting Testing & Certification Standards
EN 10204: Defines inspection documents. S890QL1 typically requires a Type 3.1 Certificate, which validates compliance through independent inspection by the manufacturer's quality department.
EN ISO 148‑1: Charpy pendulum impact test method.
EN ISO 6892‑1: Tensile test method at room temperature.
EN ISO 6506‑1: Brinell hardness test method.
3. Design & Fabrication Standards (Application‑Specific)
EN 1993‑1‑10 (Eurocode 3): Provides guidelines for selecting steel grades based on toughness requirements (temperature, stress, thickness).
EN 1993‑1‑12: Extends Eurocode rules to steels up to S700; for S890QL1, performance‑based design or special approval is often needed.
EN ISO 15614‑1: Qualification of welding procedures.
EN 1011‑2: Recommendations for welding steel structures.
4. Industry‑Specific Standards
Offshore/Marine: Standards like EN 10225 (welded steel offshore structures) or DNVGL/ABS rules may apply for certified components in polar/Arctic environments.
Cranes & Lifting Equipment: FEM 1.001 or ISO 8686 may reference high‑strength steels for critical parts.
Pressure Equipment: S890QL1 is rarely used in pressure vessels due to toughness constraints, but if applicable, EN 10028 might be referenced.
5. International Equivalents
ISO 4950‑3: Covers similar high‑strength quenched and tempered steels, though EN 10025‑6 is the dominant reference.
ASTM A514/A517 (USA): These are quenched and tempered alloy steels with similar strength levels (~690–890 MPa yield), but no direct ASTM equivalent exists for the exact "S890QL1" designation. A517 Grade 100 is the closest in mechanical performance.
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.
