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
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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The standard DIN 17102 has been superseded by EN 10025-3, where the direct equivalent is S355N (or S355NL for lower temperature applications).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.
| Element | Standard Value (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.20 | Ladle analysis |
| Si | ≤ 0.50 | |
| Mn | 0.90 – 1.65 | |
| P | ≤ 0.030 | Max. |
| S | ≤ 0.025 | Max. |
| Al (total) | ≥ 0.020 | Fine grain practice |
| N | ≤ 0.015 | Max. |
| Cu | ≤ 0.55 | Max. if specified |
| Nb | ≤ 0.05 | Optional grain refiner |
| V | ≤ 0.12 | Optional |
| Ti | ≤ 0.05 | Optional |
| Ni | ≤ 0.50 | Residual |
| Cr | ≤ 0.30 | Residual |
| Mo | ≤ 0.10 | Residual |
| CEV* | ≤ 0.43 | Typical 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.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition / Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | 20°C |
| Elastic modulus (E) | 210 | GPa | 20°C |
| Shear modulus (G) | 81 | GPa | 20°C |
| Poisson's ratio (ν) | 0.3 | – | 20°C |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 11.5 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20 – 100°C |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 12.0 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20 – 200°C |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 12.5 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20 – 300°C |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | 13.0 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20 – 400°C |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 52 | W/(m·K) | 20°C |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 49 | W/(m·K) | 100°C |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 46 | W/(m·K) | 200°C |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 42 | W/(m·K) | 300°C |
| Specific heat capacity | 460 | J/(kg·K) | 20°C |
| Specific heat capacity | 480 | J/(kg·K) | 100°C |
| Specific heat capacity | 500 | J/(kg·K) | 200°C |
| Specific heat capacity | 530 | J/(kg·K) | 300°C |
| Electrical resistivity (ρ_e) | 0.25 | Ω·mm²/m | 20°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.
| Property | Standard Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 355 | MPa | t ≤ 16 mm, transverse |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 345 | MPa | 16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 335 | MPa | 40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 325 | MPa | 63 mm < t ≤ 80 mm |
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 315 | MPa | 80 mm < t ≤ 100 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 490 – 630 | MPa | t ≤ 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) | ≥ 40 | J | KT 20; S355N equivalent, t ≤ 150 mm |
| Impact Energy (KV, -50°C, longitudinal) | ≥ 27 | J | Only 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/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10025-3 | S355N | Direct equivalent; normalized fine-grain steel |
| International | ISO 630-3 | E355C | Equivalent normalized structural steel |
| China | GB/T 1591 | Q355NE | Normalized fine-grain steel, similar requirements |
| Germany (superseded) | DIN 17102 | WStE355 | Original designation |
| France | NF EN 10025-3 | S355N | European adoption |
| Italy | UNI EN 10025-3 | S355N | European adoption |
| Sweden | SS-EN 10025-3 | S355N | European adoption |
| Japan | JIS G3106 | SM490YA* | 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/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10025-2 | S355J2+N | Non fine-grain but similar strength; may be used where toughness requirements are less severe |
| United States | ASTM A572 / A572M | Grade 50 [345] | Slightly lower yield strength (345 MPa); not fine-grain treated, different chemistry approach |
| United States | ASTM A633 / A633M | Grade C | Normalized high-strength low-alloy steel, YS 345 MPa, good toughness |
| China | GB/T 1591 | Q355D | Low-temperature toughness (D) but not necessarily fine-grain normalized; check delivery condition |
| Japan | JIS G3106 | SM490B | Yield strength ≥ 325 MPa, lower strength level; often used in welded structures |
| India | IS 2062 | E350C | Similar 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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