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.
Where is S890QL1 commonly used?
S890QL1 is a highly specialized steel reserved for extreme, safety‑critical applications in the world's coldest environments. Its guaranteed high impact toughness at ‑60°C (‑76°F) makes it essential for engineering projects where structural failure is not an option. Here are its primary uses:
1. Arctic & Deep‑Cold Offshore Engineering
Offshore Oil & Gas Platforms: Critical jacket nodes, topside modules, and drilling structures in Arctic waters (e.g., Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea) where temperatures can plummet below ‑50°C.
Subsea Manifolds & Pipeline Components: For deep‑water Arctic fields where cold ambient temperatures and high pressure demand both strength and extreme toughness.
2. Polar Shipping & Ice‑Class Vessels
Icebreaker Hulls & Reinforcement Frames: High‑stress areas subjected to constant ice impact in polar navigation.
Offshore Support Vessels for Arctic Operations: Critical load‑bearing components on deck and in hull structures.
3. Advanced Cryogenic & Energy Infrastructure
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Terminals & Storage: Structural parts exposed to cryogenic spillage or prolonged sub‑‑60°C conditions in polar regions.
Specialized Components for Hydrogen Storage & Transport in extreme cold climates.
4. High‑Latitude Mining & Heavy Equipment
Mining Drill Rigs & Shovel Booms operating in Antarctic or permafrost regions.
Haul Truck Frames & Chassis for ultra‑class vehicles in Arctic mining sites (e.g., northern Canada, Siberia).
5. Specialized Defense & Aerospace Ground Systems
Military Vehicle Frames & Armor Supports designed for Arctic warfare or high‑altitude cold‑weather operations.
Launch Support Structures in polar or high‑altitude aerospace facilities.
6. Critical Renewable Energy Components
Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations in ice‑prone cold seas (e.g., Baltic Sea, Sea of Okhotsk), especially for transition pieces and monopile inserts subject to ice‑loading and low‑temperature fatigue.
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.
