Difference between ABS FQ56 and ABS FQ70 steel plate

Mar 26, 2026 Leave a message

ABS FQ56 is an ultra-high-strength marine steel plate certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) . The "FQ" designation signifies it is a quenched and tempered steel with impact toughness tested at -60°C , ensuring exceptional performance in polar and Arctic environments . It has a minimum yield strength of 550 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 670 to 830 MPa , with a minimum elongation of 16% . This grade is designed for demanding structural components such as jack-up rig legs, self-elevating drilling platforms, and ice-class vessels requiring superior strength-to-weight ratio.

 

ABS FQ70 is an ultra-high-strength marine steel plate also certified by ABS , manufactured through quenching and tempering (QT) processes . Like FQ56, it is impact tested at -60°C , with minimum impact energy requirements of 41J (transverse) and 62J (longitudinal) . The "70" denotes a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 770 to 940 MPa , with a minimum elongation of 14% . Its chemical composition features carbon ≤0.18%, manganese ≤1.60%, and strict control of phosphorus and sulfur . This grade is designed for the most critical fire-resistant structural components, including offshore drilling platforms, passenger ship escape routes, and naval vessel command centers where structural integrity during fire exposure is paramount.

 

Both ABS FQ56 and ABS FQ70 are ABS-certified quenched and tempered marine steels with exceptional low-temperature toughness tested at -60°C , ensuring reliable performance in the most extreme Arctic and harsh marine environments . Their primary difference lies in strength level: FQ56 offers a minimum yield strength of 550 MPa with tensile strength of 670-830 MPa, suitable for high-strength offshore platforms and ice-class vessels, while FQ70 provides a substantially higher minimum yield strength of 690 MPa with tensile strength reaching 770-940 MPa, designed for the most demanding load-bearing applications requiring maximum weight reduction and fire resistance . Both grades feature strictly controlled chemical composition (carbon ≤0.18%) and maintain good weldability for critical marine service, with FQ70 specifically engineered to retain strength at elevated fire temperatures.

 

Chemical Composition

 

ABS FQ56 Extra high Strength Chemical Composition in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

N

ABS FQ56

0.18

0.55

1.6

0.025

0.025

0.02

 

ABS FQ70 Extra high Strength Chemical Composition in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

N

ABS FQ70

0.18

0.55

1.60

0.025

0.025

0.02

 

Mechanical Property

 

ABS FQ56 Extra high strength property in tempering and quenching

Grade

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-60

J

J

ABS FQ56

550

670-835

16

37

55

Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal

 

ABS FQ70 Extra high strength property in tempering and quenching

Grade

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-60

J

J

ABS FQ70

690

770-940

14

41

62

Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal