What is S460NL steel?
S460NL is the highest-strength grade in EN 10025-3, the European standard for normalized and normalized-rolled weldable fine-grain structural steels. The standard has four strength levels (S275, S355, S420 and S460). Each comes as an N version, impact-tested down to −20 °C, and an NL version, impact-tested down to −50 °C. S460NL is the top strength level in its low-temperature version.
Under EN 10020, S460NL is classified as an alloy special steel. EN 10025-3 requires it to be fully killed and fine-grained, with a ferritic grain size of 6 or finer to EN ISO 643. Nitrogen is bound by aluminium (at least 0.020 % total Al) or by niobium, vanadium and titanium. These microalloying elements let a normalized steel reach 460 MPa without losing toughness.
S460NL replaced the German grade TStE 460 of DIN 17102 and the grade of the same name in EN 10113-2:1993 when EN 10025-3 was published in 2004.
Why order S460NL as a forging?
EN 10025-3 is a delivery standard for hot-rolled plates, sections and bars; it does not cover forgings. Heavy parts such as girth flanges, thick-walled rings, nozzles and shafts are forged instead, because forging closes internal porosity and makes the grain flow follow the shape of the part. The forging is ordered with the chemical composition and mechanical properties of S460NL, and the purchase order defines what the rolled-product standard cannot: the ruling section, the test location and the ultrasonic acceptance class.
S460NL chemical composition
The limits below are heat (cast) analysis values from EN 10025-3 for flat products, in weight %. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. checks the heat analysis of incoming S460NL forging stock against every line of this table, including the combined limits and the carbon equivalent.
| Element | Limit | Role in S460NL |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.20 | Strength; kept low for weldability |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.60 | Deoxidation |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00–1.70 | Main strengthening element |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025 | Impurity; restricted for low-temperature toughness |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.020 | Impurity; restricted for toughness and ductility |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤ 0.05 | Grain refinement |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤ 0.20 | Precipitation strengthening in the normalized condition |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.05 | Binds nitrogen; limits grain growth during heating |
| Aluminium (Al), total | ≥ 0.020 | Deoxidation and nitrogen binding (note 3) |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.30 | Residual element |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.80 | Improves toughness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 0.10 | Residual element |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.55 | Residual element (note 4) |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.025 | Must be bound by Al, Nb, V or Ti |
| V + Nb + Ti | ≤ 0.22 | Combined microalloy limit |
| Cr + Mo | ≤ 0.30 | Combined limit |
- For long products such as bars and sections, P and S may each be 0.005 % higher (P ≤ 0.030 %, S ≤ 0.025 %). Forging stock is often bar, so state on the order whether the flat-product limits above apply.
- For railway applications, a maximum S content of 0.010 % may be agreed at enquiry and order.
- The minimum total Al does not apply if enough other nitrogen-binding elements are present.
- Copper above 0.40 % may cause hot shortness during hot forming, so the Cu value on the mill certificate matters for forging stock.
Maximum carbon equivalent (CEV)
EN 10025-3 limits the carbon equivalent calculated from the heat analysis with the IIW formula:
CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15
| Nominal thickness t (mm) | CEV max (%) |
|---|---|
| t ≤ 63 | 0.53 |
| 63 < t ≤ 100 | 0.54 |
| 100 < t ≤ 200 | 0.55 |
Check a heat analysis against S460NL
Enter values from the mill certificate in weight %. The example below is a typical S460NL heat; replace it with your own numbers.
- Carbon equivalent CEV
- 0.51
- CEV limit at this thickness
- 0.54
Within the S460NL CEV limit for 63 < t ≤ 100 mm.
All entered elements are within the EN 10025-3 heat analysis limits for S460NL. P, S, Si, Al and N are not checked here.
S460NL mechanical properties
EN 10025-3 sets a minimum yield strength, a tensile strength range and a minimum elongation that depend on nominal thickness, because thicker sections cool more slowly after normalizing. For a forging, read the table at the ruling section of the test location, not at the overall size of the part.
| Nominal thickness t (mm) | ReH min (MPa) | Rm (MPa) | A min (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| t ≤ 16 | 460 | 540–720 | 17 |
| 16 < t ≤ 40 | 440 | 540–720 | 17 |
| 40 < t ≤ 63 | 430 | 540–720 | 17 |
| 63 < t ≤ 80 | 410 | 540–720 | 17 |
| 80 < t ≤ 100 | 400 | 540–720 | 17 |
| 100 < t ≤ 150 | 380 | 530–710 | 17 |
| 150 < t ≤ 200 | 370 | 530–710 | 17 |
ReH is the upper yield strength (Rp0.2 if there is no marked yield point); A is elongation on a gauge length of 5.65 √S0; testing to EN ISO 6892-1. These values are identical in the 2004 and 2019 editions. For sections thicker than 200 mm, agree the minimum properties on the order.
Minimum properties for your ruling section
Enter the thickness at the test location. The matching row of Table 3 is highlighted.
- Yield strength ReH, min
- 380 MPa
- Tensile strength Rm
- 530–710 MPa
- Elongation A, min
- 17 %
- CEV, max
- 0.55
Values for 100 < t ≤ 150 mm.
Physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 210 GPa |
| Shear modulus G | 81 GPa |
| Poisson’s ratio ν | 0.3 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion α | 12 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
EN 10025-3 uses the same density, 7850 kg/m³, to calculate nominal mass.
Low-temperature impact toughness of S460NL
The L in S460NL means the steel is impact-tested at low temperature. EN 10025-3 guarantees a minimum Charpy V-notch energy of 27 J at −50 °C on longitudinal test pieces, and 16 J at −50 °C on transverse test pieces when transverse testing is ordered. S460N is only specified down to −20 °C.
| Test temperature | S460NL longitudinal | S460NL transverse | S460N longitudinal | S460N transverse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| +20 °C | 63 | 40 | 55 | 31 |
| 0 °C | 55 | 34 | 47 | 27 |
| −10 °C | 51 | 30 | 43 | 24 |
| −20 °C | 47 | 27 | 40 | 20 |
| −30 °C | 40 | 23 | not specified | not specified |
| −40 °C | 31 | 20 | not specified | not specified |
| −50 °C | 27 | 16 | not specified | not specified |
V-notch test pieces to EN ISO 148-1. The average of three test pieces must meet the table value; one individual value may be lower, but not below 70 % of it. Transverse values apply only when transverse testing is specified on the order.
Test piece direction in a forging
EN 10025-3 defines longitudinal and transverse relative to the rolling direction of a plate or bar. A forging has no rolling direction, so the order should state which orientation counts as longitudinal. For seamless rolled rings this is normally tangential, following the circumferential grain flow; for shafts it is axial.
S460N vs S460NL: what is the difference?
S460N and S460NL have the same strength, the same carbon equivalent limits and nearly the same chemistry. S460NL has tighter phosphorus and sulfur limits and is impact-tested down to −50 °C instead of −20 °C. Choose S460NL when the lowest design or test temperature is below −20 °C.
| Requirement | S460N (1.8901) | S460NL (1.8903) |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus, max | 0.030 % | 0.025 % |
| Sulfur, max | 0.025 % | 0.020 % |
| Lowest specified impact temperature | −20 °C | −50 °C |
| KV longitudinal at −20 °C, min | 40 J | 47 J |
| KV longitudinal at −50 °C, min | not specified | 27 J |
| Yield, tensile, elongation and CEV | identical | identical |
| Former DIN 17102 grade | StE 460 | TStE 460 |
S460NL equivalent grades
S460NL has no exact equivalent outside the European system. The table lists its material number, the national grades it replaced and the closest grades in other standards. Grades marked as comparable are not interchangeable: check chemistry, thickness limits and impact temperature before substituting one for another.
| Standard | Grade | Relationship to S460NL |
|---|---|---|
| EN 10027-2 | 1.8903 | Material number of S460NL |
| EN 10113-2:1993 | S460NL | Same grade in the predecessor standard |
| DIN 17102:1983 | TStE 460 | Former German grade |
| NF A 36-201 | E 460 FP | Former French grade |
| UNE 36081 | AE 460 KT | Former Spanish grade |
| BS 4360:1990 | 55EE | Former British grade |
| EN 10025-4 | S460ML | Comparable: thermomechanically rolled, also tested at −50 °C |
| EN 10210-1 | S460NLH | Comparable: hot-finished hollow sections |
| EN 10028-3 | P460NL1, P460NL2 | Comparable: normalized pressure-vessel steels at the same strength level |
| GB/T 1591-2018 | Q460NE | Comparable: closest Chinese normalized grade, impact-tested at −40 °C |
| ASTM A633 | Grade E | Comparable: closest US normalized plate grade, lower minimum yield strength (415 MPa) |
What S460NL forgings does Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal produce?
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. is an open-die forging factory at No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China. It forges S460NL to customer drawings in the forms below, for welded structures and equipment that must stay tough in cold service.
| Product form | Typical S460NL parts |
|---|---|
| Seamless rolled rings and forged rings | Girth flanges, body flanges, stiffening rings, tower and foundation flange rings |
| Forged flanges and nozzles | Weld neck and long weld neck (LWN) flanges, FVC-type self-reinforced nozzles, cover flanges, channel covers |
| Forged shafts and bars | Shafts, round bars, hollow bars, cylinders |
| Forged discs and tube sheets | Discs, tube sheets (tube plates), hubs |
| Forged sleeves and hollows | Sleeves, bushings, barrels, casings, shells, housings |
| Blocks and valve parts | Forged blocks, valve bodies, bonnets, stems, closures, seat rings |
Forging range
| Parameter | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 100–6000 mm | All grades worked at the plant |
| Length | 100–12000 mm | Shafts and drawn sections |
| Unit weight | 10–15000 kg | Single-piece forging weight |
| Hydraulic press | 4500 t | Main open-die press |
| Forging hammers | 1 t, 3 t, 6 t, 9 t | Smaller sections |
| Ring rolling mills | 3 m and 6 m | Seamless rolled rings |
| Heat treatment | Normalizing, annealing, hardening and tempering | In-house |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 | 3.2 witnessed by a third party on request |
These are plant-wide figures. For S460NL the practical limit is usually the ruling section, not the press: the thicker the section at the test location, the lower the guaranteed yield strength (Table 3). The size envelope is therefore confirmed for each enquiry.
The delivery condition is normalized (+N). For S460 grades, EN 10025-3 also allows delayed cooling or tempering after normalizing, provided it is recorded on the inspection certificate. Forgings are supplied as forged, rough machined with an agreed allowance, or finish machined to drawing.
How is an S460NL forging produced?
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. makes S460NL forgings in eight operations, numbered as on a works route card. Normalizing comes after all hot work, because it is the step that gives the part its fine grain and its toughness at −50 °C.
- Stock selection and heat check
Fully killed, fine-grain treated S460NL ingot or bloom arrives with its mill certificate. The heat analysis is checked against Table 1, including CEV, V + Nb + Ti and copper.
- Heating
The stock is heated through to forging temperature, around 1200 °C, and soaked until core and surface are even.
- Upsetting and drawing
The 4500 t press breaks down the cast structure, targeting a forging ratio of at least 3:1 to close internal porosity.
- Shaping
Rings are punched and rolled on the 3 m or 6 m ring rolling mill, shafts are drawn, and discs and tube sheets are upset. Deformation finishes above about 850 °C; the piece is reheated rather than worked cold.
- Normalizing
The forging is reheated above Ac3, typically to around 900 °C, held for its section thickness and cooled in still air. This restores a fine ferrite–pearlite structure.
- Rough machining and ultrasonic testing
The part is machined to a testable surface and examined volumetrically to EN 10228-3 or ASTM A388, against the acceptance class stated on the order.
- Mechanical testing
Test pieces from a prolongation or test ring at the agreed location are tensile tested to EN ISO 6892-1 and Charpy V-notch tested at −50 °C to EN ISO 148-1.
- Final machining and certification
The forging is machined to drawing, inspected for dimensions, marked with grade and heat number, and released with an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate.
Welding and heat treatment of S460NL
S460NL is suitable for welding by all common arc welding processes, with EN 1011-2 giving the general rules. Because its carbon equivalent can reach 0.53–0.55 and its strength is high, the risk of hydrogen cold cracking rises with thickness. Set the preheat from CEV, combined joint thickness, heat input and weld-metal hydrogen content, as EN 1011-2 describes.
Stress relieving needs care. EN 10025-3 warns that stress relieving above 580 °C, or for longer than one hour, can lower the mechanical properties. If a forging will be post-weld heat treated (PWHT), agree a simulated PWHT test and the minimum properties after it when ordering.
Hot forming after delivery must be followed by normalizing to restore the specified properties. The same rule is why every S460NL forging is normalized after forging.
Where are S460NL forgings used?
S460NL is chosen where a welded structure carries high loads and may see temperatures below −20 °C.
| Industry | Why S460NL | Forged parts |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore and marine structures | High strength with toughness in cold seas | Flange rings, trunnions, connectors |
| Cranes and lifting equipment | Weight saving and winter operation | Hubs, rings, connecting flanges |
| Bridges and heavy steel structures | Welded nodes in cold climates | Bearing blocks, joint rings |
| Wind energy | Heavily loaded bolted flange joints | Tower and foundation flange rings |
| Heat exchangers and process equipment | Tough, weldable heavy sections | Tube sheets, girth flanges, channel covers, nozzles |
| Mining and heavy machinery | Impact loads at low ambient temperature | Housings, sleeves, hubs, shafts |
For pressure-retaining parts under the Pressure Equipment Directive or ASME rules, the design code usually requires a pressure-equipment grade such as P460NL1 or P460NL2 (EN 10028-3) instead of S460NL.
How to order S460NL forgings
A complete enquiry gets a faster and more accurate price. Send Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. the items below together with your drawing.
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Drawing or dimensions | Sets the input weight and the forging method |
| Specification and edition | For example EN 10025-3:2019 S460NL, or your company specification |
| Ruling section and test location | Decides the minimum yield strength and where test pieces are taken |
| Impact test requirement | Temperature, direction and energy; the default is 27 J at −50 °C, longitudinal |
| Delivery condition | Normalized or normalized and tempered; as forged, rough or finish machined |
| Non-destructive testing | Ultrasonic standard and class; magnetic particle or penetrant testing if needed |
| Inspection certificate | EN 10204 3.1, or 3.2 with the named inspection body |
| Quantity and delivery date | Affects stock sourcing and batching |
Frequently asked questions about S460NL
What is S460NL steel?
S460NL is a normalized, weldable fine-grain structural steel to EN 10025-3 with the material number 1.8903. It has a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa up to 16 mm, a tensile strength of 540–720 MPa up to 100 mm, and a minimum Charpy V-notch impact energy of 27 J at −50 °C.
What does NL mean in S460NL?
N means the steel is delivered normalized or normalized-rolled. L means it is the low-temperature version, with impact energy specified down to −50 °C. S stands for structural steel, and 460 is the minimum yield strength in MPa for thicknesses up to 16 mm.
What is the difference between S460N and S460NL?
Both grades have the same strength and carbon equivalent limits. S460NL is impact-tested down to −50 °C (27 J longitudinal), while S460N is specified only down to −20 °C (40 J longitudinal). S460NL also allows less phosphorus (0.025 % instead of 0.030 %) and less sulfur (0.020 % instead of 0.025 %).
What is the material number of S460NL?
The material number of S460NL under EN 10027-2 is 1.8903. Its former German designation in DIN 17102 was TStE 460. S460N, the version tested to −20 °C, has the material number 1.8901.
What is the equivalent of S460NL in ASTM or Chinese standards?
There is no exact equivalent. The closest Chinese grade is Q460NE to GB/T 1591-2018, which is normalized but impact-tested at −40 °C. The closest US grade is ASTM A633 Grade E, a normalized plate steel with a lower minimum yield strength of 415 MPa.
Is S460NL weldable, and what is its carbon equivalent?
Yes, S460NL is designed for welding. EN 10025-3 limits its carbon equivalent (CEV) to 0.53 for thicknesses up to 63 mm, 0.54 for 63–100 mm and 0.55 for 100–200 mm. Preheat is set from CEV, thickness, heat input and hydrogen content following EN 1011-2.
What is the yield strength of S460NL at 100 mm thickness?
At a nominal thickness of 80–100 mm, S460NL has a minimum yield strength of 400 MPa. The minimum is 460 MPa up to 16 mm, 410 MPa at 63–80 mm, 380 MPa at 100–150 mm and 370 MPa at 150–200 mm.
Can S460NL be supplied as forgings?
Yes. EN 10025-3 covers rolled products, so S460NL forgings are ordered with the chemical composition and mechanical properties of EN 10025-3, and the order defines the ruling section, test location and ultrasonic class. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. forges S460NL rings, flanges, shafts, discs and tube sheets on this basis.
Can S460NL be stress relieved after welding?
Yes, within limits. EN 10025-3 warns that stress relieving above 580 °C or for longer than one hour may reduce the mechanical properties. If post-weld heat treatment is planned, agree a simulated PWHT test and the minimum values after it when ordering.
Who manufactures S460NL forgings in China?
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. is an open-die forging factory at No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China. It produces S460NL (1.8903) seamless rolled rings, flanges, shafts, discs and tube sheets to EN 10025-3 requirements. Contact sales@steelforgepieces.com or +86 189 2135 9659.
What certificate is supplied with S460NL forgings?
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. supplies S460NL forgings with an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate reporting heat analysis, CEV, tensile results, Charpy impact results at the ordered temperature, heat treatment and ultrasonic test results. An EN 10204 3.2 certificate is available with a third-party inspector on request.
What information is needed to quote an S460NL forging?
Send the drawing or dimensions, the quantity, the specification and its edition, the ruling section and test location, the impact test temperature and direction, the non-destructive testing requirement, the delivery condition and the certificate type. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. replies to complete enquiries sent to sales@steelforgepieces.com.
Glossary
- Normalizing
- Heating steel above its upper transformation temperature (Ac3) and cooling it in still air to produce a uniform, fine-grained structure. It is the N in S460NL.
- Fine-grain steel
- Steel with a ferritic grain size of 6 or finer to EN ISO 643, achieved with nitrogen-binding elements such as aluminium, niobium, vanadium and titanium.
- Ruling section
- The thickness that controls how fast a forging cools during heat treatment at the place where test pieces are taken. It decides which thickness row of the property tables applies.
- Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV)
- The energy in joules absorbed when a notched 10 mm square test piece is broken by a pendulum, tested to EN ISO 148-1. It measures toughness at a given temperature.
- Carbon equivalent (CEV)
- An index of hardenability and cold-cracking risk in welding, calculated as C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15.
- EN 10204 3.1
- An inspection certificate issued by the manufacturer’s inspection representative, independent of production, reporting actual test results for the material delivered.
Sources and reuse
Chemical and mechanical values on this page are taken from EN 10025-3:2004. Yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, longitudinal impact energy, CEV and chemical limits up to 200 mm were also checked against steelmakers’ CE declarations of performance under EN 10025-3:2019 and are unchanged. Where editions differ, the edition named on the purchase order governs. The page is published by Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. and reviewed by its metallurgy department. The technical data may be reused under CC BY 4.0 with attribution.
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. (2026). “S460NL (1.8903) Open-Die Forgings: Chemical Composition, Mechanical Properties and Equivalent Grades.” Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China. https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/S460NL.html. Last reviewed 15 September 2026.
Supply summary
- Manufacturer
- Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd., open-die forging factory, No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China
- Products
- S460NL (1.8903) seamless rolled rings, forged rings, flanges, nozzles, shafts, discs, tube sheets, sleeves and valve bodies, forged to drawing
- Material
- Chemical composition and mechanical properties to EN 10025-3, delivered normalized
- Minimum properties
- ReH ≥ 460 MPa up to 16 mm; KV ≥ 27 J at −50 °C, longitudinal
- Certificates
- EN 10204 3.1 as standard; 3.2 on request
- Sales contact
- sales@steelforgepieces.com, +86 189 2135 9659