DIN 17102 TStE500
TStE500 High-Strength Fine-Grain Structural Steel Coil – Weldable, Normalised, Low-Temp Tough
Complete material data for DIN 17102 TStE500 steel coil: chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical properties, equivalent grades and application guidelines for heavy welded structures.
Hot rolling, normalising, cold forming, welding, machining, flame cutting
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DIN 17102 TStE500 Introduction
TStE500 is a normalised, weldable fine-grain structural steel supplied in accordance with DIN 17102. It offers a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa in the as-delivered condition, combined with excellent low-temperature toughness and good formability for cold bending and welding. The fine-grain practice is achieved through controlled additions of microalloying elements (Nb, V, Ti and sufficient Al), which refine the ferrite-pearlite microstructure and significantly improve both strength and notch toughness.
This grade is primarily used for welded heavy-duty constructions in machinery, bridge building, offshore platforms, and crane manufacturing, where weight savings and high load-bearing capacity are essential. TStE500 is delivered in the normalised condition (symbol +N), guaranteeing consistent mechanical properties across the coil length and thickness. The designation 'T' emphasises guaranteed impact properties at low temperatures (typically -20 °C), making it suitable for dynamically stressed components operating in cold climates.
- Minimum yield strength of 500 MPa (thickness ≤ 16 mm)
- Excellent weldability, no pre-heating required up to moderate plate thickness
- High low-temperature toughness: ≥ 27 J at -20 °C
- Available as hot-rolled coils, cut-to-length plates, and sheets
- Certified to DIN 17102 with full traceability and 3.1/3.2 inspection certificates.
DIN 17102 TStE500 Chemical Composition
The chemical composition is designed for fine-grain strengthening with microalloying elements. Carbon equivalent is controlled to ensure excellent weldability. Residual elements are kept within strict limits to avoid hot shortness and temper embrittlement.
Key elements:
- Niobium (Nb) and Vanadium (V) form fine carbonitride precipitates that inhibit austenite grain growth during normalising.
- Aluminium (Al) is present as a grain refiner and deoxidiser.
- Low carbon content improves weldability and toughness.
| Element | Standard Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.20 | Ladle analysis, lower values improve weldability |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.50 | Deoxidation residual, maximum limit |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00 – 1.60 | Strength and toughness enhancer |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035 | Maximum for low-temperature toughness |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 | Maximum to avoid hot cracking |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.020 | Bound as nitrides of Al, Nb, V, Ti |
| Aluminium (Al, total) | ≥ 0.020 | Minimum for fine-grain practice |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤ 0.05 | Grain refiner and precipitation strengthening |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤ 0.10 | Contributes to precipitation hardening |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.05 | Optional grain refiner |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.30 | Residual element, maximum permitted |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.55 | Residual element, may enhance atmospheric corrosion resistance |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 0.10 | Residual element, maximum |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.30 | Residual element, maximum |
| Cr+Cu+Mo+Ni | ≤ 0.70 | Sum of residual elements, to avoid hardenability inconsistencies |
DIN 17102 TStE500 Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
These are typical physical properties for fine-grain structural steel with approximately 0.18% C and 1.4% Mn. Slight variations may occur depending on exact composition and heat treatment. Values are provided for engineering calculations.
Key notes:
- Density used for weight calculations and structural modelling.
- Thermal expansion coefficient is essential for welding design and thermal stress analysis.
- Electrical resistivity influences eddy-current losses in magnetic applications.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Reference Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | kg/dm³ (g/cm³) | 20 °C, ambient |
| Elastic modulus (E) | 210 | GPa | 20 °C, static tension |
| Shear modulus (G) | 81 | GPa | Calculated from E and ν |
| Poisson ratio (ν) | 0.3 | – | Elastic range |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 12.0 | 10⁻⁶·K⁻¹ | 20–100 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 12.5 | 10⁻⁶·K⁻¹ | 20–200 °C |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 45 | W/(m·K) | 20 °C, typical for low-alloy steel |
| Specific heat capacity (cp) | 460 | J/(kg·K) | 20–100 °C, average |
| Electrical resistivity (ρe) | 0.20 | µΩ·m | 20 °C |
DIN 17102 TStE500 Mechanical Properties
The following properties are guaranteed in the normalised (+N) condition at room temperature, unless otherwise specified. Values vary with product thickness. The impact energy is verified on longitudinal Charpy V-notch specimens.
Note:
- Bending test mandatory for verification of formability (bend angle 180°, crack-free).
- Lower yield strength (ReH) is used for delivery verification if a yield phenomenon is present.
| Property | Standard Requirement | Unit | Test Condition / Thickness Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 500 | MPa | t ≤ 16 mm, transverse |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 480 | MPa | 16 < t ≤ 35 mm, transverse |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 450 | MPa | 35 < t ≤ 50 mm, transverse |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 610 – 770 | MPa | t ≤ 35 mm, transverse |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 580 – 740 | MPa | 35 < t ≤ 50 mm, transverse |
| Elongation after fracture (A5) | ≥ 17 | % | t ≤ 16 mm, longitudinal, gauge length 5.65√So |
| Elongation after fracture (A5) | ≥ 17 | % | 16 < t ≤ 35 mm, longitudinal |
| Elongation after fracture (A5) | ≥ 16 | % | 35 < t ≤ 50 mm, longitudinal |
| Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV₂) | ≥ 27 | J | Longitudinal, -20 °C, average of 3 specimens |
| Bend test (mandrel diameter) | No cracks | – | 180° bend, mandrel diameter = 2a (a = specimen thickness) up to t ≤ 16 mm; larger for thicker gauges |
DIN 17102 TStE500 Directly Equivalent Standards and Substitutable Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany / Europe | DIN 17102 (withdrawn, superseded by EN 10113-2) | TStE500 | Original standard; normalised fine-grain structural steel, -20 °C impact guaranteed |
| Europe | EN 10113-2 (withdrawn, superseded by EN 10025-4) | S500M (1.0982) | Thermomechanical rolled fine-grain steel, minimum ReH 500 MPa, impact -20 °C; directly replaces TStE500 in modern specifications |
| Europe | EN 10113-2 | S500ML (1.0984) | Thermomechanical rolled with improved low-temperature toughness (-50 °C); can substitute TStE500 when stricter toughness required |
| United Kingdom | BS 4360 (withdrawn, superseded by BS EN 10025-3/-4) | WR 50C (approximate) | Old British grade, lower yield (~355 MPa), only approximate for strength comparison |
DIN 17102 TStE500 Application Introduction
TStE500 steel coil and plates are engineered for applications demanding high strength-to-weight ratios, excellent weldability, and reliable low-temperature performance. The fine-grain microstructure permits welding without preheating up to moderate thickness (typically ≤ 25 mm), reducing fabrication costs. Typical application sectors and products include:
Product Applications: Welded I-beams, box sections, and girders for bridges, Telescopic crane booms and outriggers, Offshore platform decks and substructures, Heavy-duty dump truck bodies and excavator arms, Tubular structures for conveyor systems, Large-diameter spiral-welded pipes for piling
Processed into products: Main boom and luffing jib sections of crawler cranes, Stiffened panels for ship hulls and offshore modules, Welded chassis frames for mobile harbour cranes, Load-carrying attachments (lugs, clevises, pin joints), Reinforced flanges and web stiffeners in composite bridges, Turret rings and slewing bearing seats in mining machines, Column bases and base plates in high-rise buildings
Application industries: Mobile crane and lifting equipment manufacturing, Bridge construction and heavy civil engineering, Offshore and marine structural components (jack-up legs, decks), Mining and earth-moving machinery, Wind turbine tower and foundation fabrication, Pressure vessel and storage tank manufacturing (non-creep range), Railway vehicle and heavy transport equipment
DIN 17102 TStE500 Comparable / Similar Alternative Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10025-4 (current) | S460M / S460ML | Thermomechanical rolled fine-grain steel, min. ReH 460 MPa; slightly lower strength, similar weldability and toughness, often used when 500 MPa not required. |
| Europe | EN 10025-6 (current) | S500Q / S500QL | Quenched and tempered steel, ReH min 500 MPa; higher carbon equivalent, limited cold formability, different delivery condition; may substitute TStE500 in static applications only after careful welding procedure qualification. |
| Japan | JIS G3106 | SM570 | High-strength rolled steel for welded structures, ReH min 460 MPa (t≤16mm), tensile strength 570–720 MPa; not an exact match but used for similar heavy fabrications; often ordered as SM570TMC for toughness. |
| USA | ASTM A572 / A572M | Grade 65 [450] | High-strength low-alloy niobium-vanadium structural steel, ReH min 450 MPa; lower strength level; requires thicker sections to achieve same load capacity; suitable for general structural use. |
| USA | ASTM A514 / A514M (quenched & tempered) | Grade E, Grade Q | Minimum yield strength 690 MPa; significantly higher strength than TStE500; not directly comparable but used in heavy lifting equipment; extensive welding precautions needed. |
Notes:
- Delivery condition: The steel is supplied in the normalised condition (+N). Coils are typically descaled and optionally pickled and oiled for surface protection during transit.
- Welding: This grade can be welded by all common arc processes (SMAW, GMAW, SAW, FCAW). Carbon equivalent (CEV) is typically around 0.42–0.45, providing excellent cold-cracking resistance without preheat for thicknesses up to approximately 25 mm. A qualified welding procedure specification (WPS) should be prepared according to EN ISO 15614.
- Forming: Suitable for cold forming, bending, and flanging with generous bending radii (≥ 2t) at ambient temperature. For severe forming, warm forming or post-forming normalising may be considered.
- Heat treatment: If welding stress relief is required, maintain temperature within 530–580 °C and hold for typical time; avoid temperatures above 600 °C to preserve fine-grain strengthening.
- Certification: The material can be supplied with inspection certificates 3.1 or 3.2 according to EN 10204, including chemical analysis, tensile and impact test results, and non-destructive testing records where specified.
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