DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine

DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine

DIN 17102 WStE315: Normalized Fine-Grain High-Strength Structural Steel Coil

Complete material data for WStE315 steel coil under DIN 17102, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, equivalent grades, and application guide.

Welding, cold forming, hot forming, normalizing, cutting, machining

DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine Introduction

WStE315 is a normalized fine-grain structural steel defined in the now-withdrawn German standard DIN 17102. It offers a minimum yield strength of 315 MPa and is designed for welded, dynamically loaded structures at low ambient temperatures. The steel features excellent weldability, good toughness, and uniform through-thickness properties due to its fine-grain microstructure achieved by normalizing. Typical applications include:

  • Heavy steel construction
  • Bridge building
  • Offshore and marine engineering
  • Pressure vessels and storage tanks

The steel is supplied in coil form for further processing, usually in the normalized or normalized-rolled condition.

DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of WStE315 per DIN 17102 is designed to ensure fine-grain structure and good weldability. Carbon equivalent (CEV) is controlled to guarantee toughness and avoid cold cracking. The steel is fully killed and fine-grain treated with aluminum, often supplemented by microalloying elements such as niobium, vanadium, or titanium. Maximum limits for phosphorus and sulfur are set low to improve ductility and cleanliness.

ElementStandard Value (max, unless range given)Remarks
C≤ 0.20
Si≤ 0.50
Mn1.00 – 1.60
P≤ 0.030
S≤ 0.025
Al (total)≥ 0.020Fine-grain practice
Nb≤ 0.05Optional microalloy
V≤ 0.10Optional microalloy
Ti≤ 0.03Optional microalloy
N≤ 0.020
CEV≤ 0.45For thickness ≤ 40 mm; CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15

DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The physical properties of WStE315 are representative of low-carbon fine-grain structural steels. These data are based on published literature for similar steel grades and are suitable for engineering calculations such as thermal stress analysis and electrical resistance estimation. Values are provided at room temperature unless otherwise stated; temperature-dependent properties are given for a common service range.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density ρ7.85g/cm³20 °C
Modulus of elasticity E210GPa20 °C
Shear modulus G81GPa20 °C
Poisson's ratio ν0.3020 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient α11.510⁻⁶/K20 – 100 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient α12.110⁻⁶/K20 – 200 °C
Thermal expansion coefficient α12.910⁻⁶/K20 – 300 °C
Thermal conductivity λ42W/(m·K)20 °C
Thermal conductivity λ39W/(m·K)100 °C
Specific heat capacity cp460J/(kg·K)20 °C
Electrical resistivity ρe0.23Ω·mm²/m20 °C

DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of WStE315 are guaranteed in the normalized condition. The yield strength varies with product thickness, while tensile strength and elongation are specified up to 100 mm thickness. Charpy V-notch impact energy is tested at -20°C, with a minimum average of 27 J for standard grades. These values ensure reliable performance in low-temperature structural applications.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition / Thickness (mm)
Yield strength ReH≥ 315MPat ≤ 16
Yield strength ReH≥ 305MPa16 < t ≤ 35
Yield strength ReH≥ 285MPa35 < t ≤ 50
Yield strength ReH≥ 265MPa50 < t ≤ 100
Tensile strength Rm440 – 560MPat ≤ 100
Elongation A (L=5.65√So)≥ 22%t ≤ 25, longitudinal
Elongation A (L=5.65√So)≥ 20%t ≤ 25, transverse
Elongation A (L=5.65√So)≥ 22%25 < t ≤ 50, longitudinal
Elongation A (L=5.65√So)≥ 20%25 < t ≤ 50, transverse
Charpy impact energy KV≥ 27 (average)JTest temperature -20 °C, longitudinal, 10x10 mm specimen
Charpy impact energy KV≥ 20 (single value)JTest temperature -20 °C, longitudinal

DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine Directly Equivalent Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
GermanyDIN 17102 (withdrawn)WStE315Original specification
European UnionEN 10025-3S315NModern equivalent, normalized fine-grain steel, with impact test at -20°C
InternationalISO 630-3E315Structural steel – Part 3: Fine-grain normalized steels

DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine Application Introduction

WStE315 steel coil is ideal for demanding structural applications where high strength, good weldability, and reliable low-temperature toughness are required. The normalized delivery condition guarantees uniform mechanical properties, making the material suitable for critical welded fabrications. Typical processing includes cutting, cold forming, welding, and machining. It is not recommended for high-temperature (>400°C) service without evaluation of mechanical property changes.

Product Applications: Steel bridge girders and box sections, Offshore platform decks and legs, Storage tanks and silos, Wind turbine towers, Crane booms and mobile crane frames, Heavy-duty vehicle chassis, Welded beams and columns for high-rise buildings

Processed into products: Web and flange plates for welded beams, Penstock and spiral casing components, Boiler and pressure vessel shell plates, Drilling rig mast sections, Excavator arms and booms, Railway wagon frames, Structural nodes and gusset plates

Application industries: Civil engineering and infrastructure, Offshore oil & gas platforms, Shipbuilding and marine structures, Mechanical engineering and heavy machinery, Transport and lifting equipment, Energy and pressure vessel fabrication

DIN 17102 WStE315 Weldable Fine Similar / Close-Match Alternative Materials

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 50 [345 MPa]Higher yield strength, but similar weldable structural applications; may require additional toughness verification.
JapanJIS G3106SM490BComparable tensile range and toughness at 0°C; widely used for welded structures.
ChinaGB/T 1591Q345BSlightly higher yield strength; similar chemistry and usage; check impact test temperature.
RussiaGOST 1928117G1SLow-alloy structural steel with comparable strength and weldability.
European UnionEN 10025-3S355NHigher strength variant (355 MPa); fully compatible as an upgrade in most designs.

Notes:

Additional information:

  • DIN 17102 was withdrawn and replaced by EN 10025-3; however, WStE315 coils may still be available from distributors with certification to the former standard.
  • Formability is good for a high-strength steel; minimum bending radius approximately 2.5t (transverse bending) for thicknesses up to 20 mm.
  • Preheating for welding is generally not required for thicknesses below 40 mm at ambient temperatures above +5°C, but consult welding guidelines (e.g., EN 1011).
  • Post-weld heat treatment (stress relieving) can be performed at 530–580°C.
  • CEV limit ensures excellent hot and cold forming properties.
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