DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel

DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel

WStE355 High-Strength Structural Steel Plate – DIN 17102 Data, Equivalents and Applications

Complete material profile of WStE355 carbon and low-alloy high-strength steel plate under DIN 17102, including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidance.

Hot rolling, normalizing, welding, bending, cutting, machining

DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel Introduction

WStE355 is a weldable fine-grain structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa, supplied in the normalized condition according to the historical German standard DIN 17102. This grade is characterized by improved toughness and fine microstructure achieved through controlled rolling and normalizing heat treatment. It provides good weldability, high strength, and excellent resistance to brittle fracture, making it suitable for static and dynamically loaded welded structures. The steel is widely used in heavy steel construction, bridge engineering, pressure vessels, and crane manufacturing.

  • Yield strength ≥ 355 MPa (thickness ≤ 16 mm)
  • Good low-temperature impact properties (typically 40 J at -20°C)
  • Weldability guaranteed by low carbon equivalent

The standard DIN 17102 has been superseded by EN 10025-3, where the direct equivalent is S355N (or S355NL for lower temperature applications).

DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel Chemical Composition

Typical ladle analysis according to DIN 17102 for WStE355. The steel is aluminium-killed fine-grain treated, usually with controlled niobium, vanadium or titanium additions. The limits correspond to those of the modern equivalent EN 10025-3 S355N.

ElementStandard Value (%)Remarks
C≤ 0.20Ladle analysis
Si≤ 0.50
Mn0.90 – 1.65
P≤ 0.030Max.
S≤ 0.025Max.
Al (total)≥ 0.020Fine grain practice
N≤ 0.015Max.
Cu≤ 0.55Max. if specified
Nb≤ 0.05Optional grain refiner
V≤ 0.12Optional
Ti≤ 0.05Optional
Ni≤ 0.50Residual
Cr≤ 0.30Residual
Mo≤ 0.10Residual
CEV*≤ 0.43Typical for thickness ≤ 40 mm

DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Average physical properties for WStE355 at room temperature and elevated temperatures. Data based on low-alloy structural steel with similar composition. Exact values may slightly vary depending on the actual heat analysis.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Temperature
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Elastic modulus (E)210GPa20°C
Shear modulus (G)81GPa20°C
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.320°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.510⁻⁶/K20 – 100°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.010⁻⁶/K20 – 200°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.510⁻⁶/K20 – 300°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)13.010⁻⁶/K20 – 400°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)52W/(m·K)20°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)49W/(m·K)100°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)46W/(m·K)200°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)42W/(m·K)300°C
Specific heat capacity460J/(kg·K)20°C
Specific heat capacity480J/(kg·K)100°C
Specific heat capacity500J/(kg·K)200°C
Specific heat capacity530J/(kg·K)300°C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.25Ω·mm²/m20°C

DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel Mechanical Properties

Minimum tensile and impact properties for WStE355 in normalized condition as per DIN 17102 (compatible with EN 10025-3 S355N). Values are valid for transverse test pieces unless otherwise stated.

PropertyStandard ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 355MPat ≤ 16 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 345MPa16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 335MPa40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 325MPa63 mm < t ≤ 80 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 315MPa80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)490 – 630MPat ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 22%t ≤ 16 mm, gauge length 5.65√So
Elongation (A)≥ 21%16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 20%40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 19%63 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Impact Energy (KV, -20°C, longitudinal)≥ 40JKT 20; S355N equivalent, t ≤ 150 mm
Impact Energy (KV, -50°C, longitudinal)≥ 27JOnly if ordered as S355NL substitute (optional)
Bending test (mandrel diameter)d = 3t (t ≤ 16 mm)180° bend, no cracks

DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel Fully Equivalent Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-3S355NDirect equivalent; normalized fine-grain steel
InternationalISO 630-3E355CEquivalent normalized structural steel
ChinaGB/T 1591Q355NENormalized fine-grain steel, similar requirements
Germany (superseded)DIN 17102WStE355Original designation
FranceNF EN 10025-3S355NEuropean adoption
ItalyUNI EN 10025-3S355NEuropean adoption
SwedenSS-EN 10025-3S355NEuropean adoption
JapanJIS G3106SM490YA*Comparable strength (min YS 365 MPa) but different composition philosophy; verify suitability

DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel Application Introduction

WStE355 (S355N) is designed for welded, highly stressed structures where good low-temperature toughness and resistance to brittle fracture are essential. It can be formed, bent, and welded with standard procedures, provided suitable preheating and heat input are followed. Typical fields of use are listed below.

Product Applications: Welded I-beams and box girders, Bridge decks and trusses, Penstocks and spiral cases for hydroelectric plants, Pressure vessels (e.g., air receivers, storage tanks), Offshore platform components, Chassis frames for heavy vehicles, Tower sections for wind turbines

Processed into products: Flanges and webs of welded girders, Crane booms and arms, Excavator arms and buckets, Ship hull reinforcements, Support frames for heavy machinery, Pipe arches and structural nodes, Load-bearing brackets and brackets in buildings

Application industries: Steel construction and civil engineering, Bridge building, Offshore and marine engineering, Pressure vessel and boiler fabrication, Crane and heavy lifting equipment, Mining and earthmoving machinery, Renewable energy (wind tower components, hydropower penstocks)

DIN 17102 WStE355 Weldable Fine Grain Structural Steel Close / Similar Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-2S355J2+NNon fine-grain but similar strength; may be used where toughness requirements are less severe
United StatesASTM A572 / A572MGrade 50 [345]Slightly lower yield strength (345 MPa); not fine-grain treated, different chemistry approach
United StatesASTM A633 / A633MGrade CNormalized high-strength low-alloy steel, YS 345 MPa, good toughness
ChinaGB/T 1591Q355DLow-temperature toughness (D) but not necessarily fine-grain normalized; check delivery condition
JapanJIS G3106SM490BYield strength ≥ 325 MPa, lower strength level; often used in welded structures
IndiaIS 2062E350CSimilar strength level, BIS grade with normalizing option

Notes:

  • DIN 17102 has been officially replaced by EN 10025-3. New projects should use S355N or S355NL.
  • WStE355 may be ordered with additional testing, e.g., ultrasonic testing (UT) according to EN 10160, or improved Z-grade through-thickness properties.
  • For welding, consulting the steel manufacturer for a recommended preheat temperature based on CEV and thickness is advised.
  • When supplied according to EN 10025-3, the designation becomes S355N with the same technical requirements.
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