RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil - High Strength Hull Structural Steel

Detailed material data for RINA E550 shipbuilding steel: chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, international equivalents and application guide.

Welding, hot/cold forming, cutting, bending, edge preparation, shot blasting

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Introduction

RINA E550 is a high-strength shipbuilding structural steel certified by the Italian Naval Register (RINA). It belongs to the grade with a minimum yield strength of 550 MPa and is classified as a fine-grain, low-alloy steel suitable for cold-climate service due to its "E" designation (impact tested at -40°C). This steel is typically supplied in normalized, controlled-rolled or thermo-mechanically controlled processed (TMCP) condition. It offers excellent weldability, high toughness, and good formability for heavy ship components. RINA E550 is widely used in the construction of ship hulls, decks, bulkheads and offshore structures.

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Chemical Composition

Chemical composition limits according to RINA Rules, Part D, Ch. 3, Sec. 1 for grade E550. The steel is fully killed and fine-grain treated with aluminium and/or other grain-refining elements. Maximum carbon equivalent (CEV) may also be specified, typically CEV ≤ 0.42% for thickness up to 50 mm.

Chemical ElementStandard ValueUnitRemarks
C (Carbon)≤ 0.20%Ladle analysis
Si (Silicon)0.10 – 0.50%Ladle analysis
Mn (Manganese)0.90 – 1.60%Ladle analysis
P (Phosphorus)≤ 0.025%Ladle analysis
S (Sulfur)≤ 0.025%Ladle analysis
Al (Aluminium) total≥ 0.015%Minimum for grain refinement; or sufficient Nb, V, Ti combination
Nb (Niobium)≤ 0.05%Optional grain refiner, if added
V (Vanadium)≤ 0.10%Optional grain refiner, if added
Ti (Titanium)≤ 0.02%Optional grain refiner, if added
Cu (Copper)≤ 0.35%Residual element
Cr (Chromium)≤ 0.20%Residual element
Ni (Nickel)≤ 0.40%Residual element
Mo (Molybdenum)≤ 0.08%Residual element
CEV (Carbon Equivalent)≤ 0.42%Typical requirement for thickness ≤50 mm, CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Typical physical properties for similar high-strength shipbuilding steel at room temperature. These values are not mandatory but are useful for design calculations. Variation may occur depending on exact composition and processing.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)~7850kg/m³At 20°C
Elastic Modulus (E)~206GPaAt 20°C, static
Shear Modulus (G)~80GPaAt 20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)~0.3At 20°C, elastic range
Thermal Expansion (α, 20–100°C)~12.0 × 10-6K-1From 20°C to 100°C
Thermal Expansion (α, 20–200°C)~12.5 × 10-6K-1From 20°C to 200°C
Thermal Expansion (α, 20–300°C)~13.0 × 10-6K-1From 20°C to 300°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)~50W/m·KAt 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)~480J/kg·KAt 20°C
Electric Resistivity (ρe)~0.22 × 10-6Ω·mAt 20°C

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties as specified in RINA Rules for plates and wide flats of grade E550. The yield strength (ReH), tensile strength (Rm), elongation (A) and impact energy (KV) are mandatory. Bending test is required. Impact tests are performed at -40°C (E-grade). Values depend on product thickness; multiple rows are shown for thickness ranges ≤50 mm and >50–100 mm.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 550MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 530MPaThickness > 50–100 mm, transverse
Tensile Strength (Rm)670 – 830MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)670 – 830MPaThickness > 50–100 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 16%Gauge length 5.65√So; thickness ≤ 50 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 16%Thickness > 50–100 mm
Bend Test (180°)No cracksMandrel diameter 3a, thickness ≤ 50 mm; a = specimen thickness
Bend Test (180°)No cracksMandrel diameter 4a, thickness > 50–100 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2, longitudinal)≥ 50JAt -40°C, thickness ≤ 50 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2, longitudinal)≥ 44JAt -40°C, thickness > 50–70 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2, longitudinal)≥ 38JAt -40°C, thickness > 70–100 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2, transverse)≥ 34JAt -40°C, thickness ≤ 50 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2, transverse)≥ 28JAt -40°C, thickness > 50–70 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2, transverse)≥ 24JAt -40°C, thickness > 70–100 mm

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandard / Classification SocietyGradeRemarks
Italy (Original)RINA RulesE550Base standard
ChinaCCS Rules for ShipsEH550Direct equivalent
Norway / InternationalDNV RulesE550Direct equivalent
United KingdomLR RulesEH550Direct equivalent
USAABS RulesEH550Direct equivalent
FranceBV RulesEH550Direct equivalent
JapanNK RulesKE550Equivalent grade
South KoreaKR RulesREH550Equivalent grade
Germany (historical)GL (now DNV)E550DNV-GL unification equivalent

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Application Introduction

RINA E550 steel is designed for critical structural components in modern shipbuilding and offshore engineering where high strength and excellent low-temperature toughness are required. Its fine-grain structure ensures good weldability and resistance to brittle fracture, making it suitable for hulls exposed to cold sea environments.

Main features:

  • High strength reduces plate thickness and vessel weight, improving payload and fuel efficiency.
  • Excellent Charpy impact properties at -40°C guarantee safety in Arctic and sub-Arctic operations.
  • Good formability and weldability with standard procedures (preheating may be needed for thick sections).
  • Available in various thicknesses and as coil, plate, or profile.

Product Applications: Hull plating (side shells, bottom shells, decks), Transverse and longitudinal bulkheads, Stiffeners and frames, Deckhouses, Jack-up rig legs and spudcans, Offshore structure nodes and bracings, Ice-strengthened structures

Processed into products: Rolled ship plates (flat and tapered), Flame-cut shaped parts (brackets, gusset plates), Welded stiffened panels, Built-up beams and girders, Angle, bulb-flat and T-bar profiles, Formed cold-bent sections (stringers), Welded tubular sections for offshore jackets

Application industries: Shipbuilding, Offshore engineering, Marine construction, Heavy lifting equipment (marine cranes, A-frames), Polar/ice-class vessel structures

RINA E550 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Similar / Comparable Steel Grades

Country/RegionStandard / Classification SocietyGradeRemarks
InternationalRINA RulesE500 / EH500Lower yield strength (min 500 MPa), similar toughness class
InternationalRINA RulesE620 / EH620Higher yield strength (min 620 MPa), similar weldability and toughness
InternationalEN 10025-6S690Q / S690QLQuenched & tempered structural steel, similar strength but not specifically ship class unless certified
InternationalAPI 2WGrade 60Offshore structural plate, TMCP, comparable to EH550 in strength and toughness

Notes:

This steel is certified according to the RINA Register and must be ordered with RINA inspection and stamping. The CEV (carbon equivalent) is normally limited to 0.42% for thickness up to 50 mm, but can be relaxed if the manufacturer demonstrates adequate weldability. For heavy sections, TMCP or QT conditions are often used to guarantee uniform properties. Surface quality and dimensional tolerances comply with RINA or EN 10029. All data are derived from official RINA Rules and are for general reference; for actual construction, the latest edition of the rules and the specific mill test certificate should be consulted.

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