DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel
DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel
Detailed material data for DIN 17102 WStE500 carbon and low-alloy high-strength steel coil, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidelines.
Hot rolling, normalizing, cold forming, welding, machining
- Phone : +8618037372205
- Email : [email protected]
- WhatsApp: Contact via Whtsapp
- WeChat: +8618037372205
DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel Introduction
WStE500 is a weldable, normalized fine-grain structural steel specified in the withdrawn German standard DIN 17102. It is designed for applications requiring high yield strength combined with good weldability and toughness. Typical delivery condition is normalized (N). The steel is microalloyed with elements such as niobium, vanadium, or titanium to achieve fine grain size and high strength. Minimum yield strength is 500 MPa for thicknesses up to 16 mm. Today, it is largely replaced by EN 10025-3 grade S500N, which offers equivalent mechanical properties and welding characteristics. WStE500 is used in heavy-duty steel structures, bridges, cranes, and pressure vessels where weight savings and high load-bearing capacity are critical.
DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of WStE500 is governed by DIN 17102. The steel is microalloyed with grain-refining elements to achieve the required strength and toughness. Typical values are provided based on the standard; exact ranges may vary slightly among producers. Elements like Al, Nb, V, and Ti are added to control grain size.
| Element | Standard Value (max unless range) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.20 | Carbon content; low to ensure good weldability |
| Si | ≤0.60 | Silicon |
| Mn | 1.00 – 1.70 | Manganese |
| P | ≤0.035 | Phosphorus |
| S | ≤0.030 | Sulfur |
| N | ≤0.020 | Nitrogen; may be bound by microalloys |
| Al (total) | ≥0.015 | Minimum aluminium for grain refinement when used alone |
| Nb | ≤0.05 | Niobium – grain refining element, typical addition |
| V | ≤0.12 | Vanadium – may be used with Nb or Ti |
| Ti | ≤0.05 | Titanium – grain refining element |
| Cr | ≤0.30 | Chromium – residual/trace |
| Cu | ≤0.20 | Copper – residual/trace |
| Mo | ≤0.10 | Molybdenum – residual/trace |
| Ni | ≤0.30 | Nickel – residual/trace |
DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
Physical properties are typical for low-alloy fine-grain structural steels. Values are not specified in the standard but are provided for design calculations. Density, modulus of elasticity, and thermal expansion are commonly used in structural analysis. Electrical resistivity is an approximate guide.
| Property | Standard Requirement (Typical) | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | ≈7.85 | g/cm³ | at 20°C |
| Modulus of elasticity (E) | ≈210 | GPa | at 20°C |
| Shear modulus (G) | ≈81 | GPa | at 20°C, calculated from E and ν |
| Poisson's ratio (ν) | ≈0.3 | – | at 20°C, elastic range |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | ≈11.1 | x10⁻⁶ /K | 20–100°C |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) | ≈12.1 | x10⁻⁶ /K | 20–200°C |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | ≈48 | W/(m·K) | at 20°C |
| Specific heat capacity (cp) | ≈460 | J/(kg·K) | at 20°C |
| Electrical resistivity (ρe) | ≈0.22 | μΩ·m | at 20°C |
DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel Mechanical Properties
Minimum mechanical properties according to DIN 17102 for thickness ≤16 mm. The impact energy values are typically specified at -20°C (E-quality). Values for thicker sections reduce; typical reduction factors are shown. Bending test requires no cracking after 180° bending with specified mandrel diameter.
| Property | Standard Requirement | Unit | Test Condition / Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield strength (ReH) | ≥500 | MPa | t ≤ 16 mm |
| Yield strength (ReH) | ≥480 | MPa | 16 < t ≤ 40 mm |
| Yield strength (ReH) | ≥460 | MPa | 40 < t ≤ 63 mm |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 610 – 770 | MPa | t ≤ 16 mm |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 590 – 750 | MPa | 16 < t ≤ 40 mm |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 570 – 730 | MPa | 40 < t ≤ 63 mm |
| Elongation (A, L0 = 5.65√S0) | ≥14 (long.) | % | t ≤ 16 mm |
| Elongation (A) | ≥13 (trans.) | % | t ≤ 16 mm |
| Impact energy (KV, longitudinal) | ≥40 | J | -20°C, 10x10 mm specimen |
| Impact energy (KV, transverse) | ≥27 | J | -20°C, 10x10 mm specimen |
| Bend test (180°) | d = 2a (no cracks) | – | a = specimen thickness, t ≤ 16 mm |
DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany/Europe | EN 10025-3:2004 | S500N | Direct successor; normalized fine-grain steel, identical mechanical and chemical concept |
| United Kingdom | BS EN 10025-3 | S500N | Adopted European standard; fully equivalent |
| France | NF EN 10025-3 | S500N | French adoption of EN standard |
| Italy | UNI EN 10025-3 | S500N | Italian adoption of EN standard |
| International | ISO 4950-2 | E500 DD | High yield strength flat products; DD denotes delivery condition at discretion of manufacturer (may require normalization, similar properties) |
DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel Application Introduction
WStE500 and its modern equivalent S500N are ideally suited for welded, highly stressed steel structures where weight savings and high strength are required. The fine-grain structure ensures good toughness at low temperatures, making it reliable in dynamic loading and cold environments. It is typically delivered in normalized condition, which guarantees uniform mechanical properties and excellent formability.
Key application areas include:
Product Applications: Bridges (girders, arches, box sections), Crane booms, jibs, and structural frames, Offshore platform topsides and substructures, Heavy industrial buildings (columns, trusses), Pressure vessels and storage tanks (non-cryogenic), Railway wagon bodies and bogies, Telescopic handlers and agricultural machinery frames
Processed into products: Welded I-beams and columns, Main girders and cross beams, Brake-pressed or rolled structural hollow sections, Machined pins, bushings, and heavy-duty shafts (when wear resistance not critical), Assembled welded box sections for high load applications, Base frames for heavy presses and machine tools
Application industries: Civil engineering and construction, Heavy machinery manufacturing, Shipbuilding and offshore engineering (non-marine certified grades), Transport and automotive (heavy-duty chassis), Mining and earth-moving equipment, Energy (wind turbine towers, pressure vessels)
DIN 17102 WStE500 High-Strength Weldable Fine-Grain Structural Steel Similar / Comparable Material Recommendations
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10025-4 | S500M | Thermomechanically rolled; similar strength range but different processing; may substitute if normalizing not essential |
| Europe | EN 10025-6 | S500Q | Quenched and tempered; higher strength-to-weight ratio, used in more demanding structural applications |
| USA | ASTM A572/A572M | Grade 65 | Yield strength 450 MPa; slightly lower strength but commonly used high-strength steel; not a direct match |
| USA | ASTM A709/A709M | Grade 50 (345 MPa)/50W | Lower strength; used in bridge construction; similar weldability concept |
| Japan | JIS G 3106 | SM570 | Tensile strength 570-720 MPa; yield ≥460 MPa; close but slightly lower yield; often used in welded structures |
Notes:
Weldability: WStE500/S500N is readily weldable using all common methods (SMAW, GMAW, SAW). Preheating is generally not required for moderate thicknesses (<30 mm), but low-hydrogen procedures are recommended.
Cold forming: The steel can be cold bent to tight radii (r ≥ 2t) in the normalized condition. For more severe forming, intermediate stress-relieving may be advised.
Corrosion resistance: This steel does not possess enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance. For outdoor applications, protective coating systems (painting, galvanizing) should be applied.
Note on standard status: DIN 17102 has been officially withdrawn and replaced by EN 10025-3. WStE500 is obsolete for new designs; S500N should be specified. However, existing stocks and legacy projects may still reference the old designation.
- Share
