Difference between LR AH40 and LR AH69 steel plate

Apr 02, 2026 Leave a message

LR AH40 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel plate certified by Lloyd's Register (LR) . The "A" grade signifies it is impact tested at 0°C , ensuring reliable toughness for general marine environments . It has a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 510 to 650 MPa, with a minimum elongation of 20% . The chemical composition is strictly controlled with carbon ≤0.18% and manganese 0.90-1.60% . This grade is widely used for hull structures and offshore platforms requiring an excellent balance of strength and weldability .

 

LR AH69 is an ultra-high-strength marine steel plate also certified by Lloyd's Register (LR) , designed for the most demanding structural applications . It is impact tested at 0°C and has a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 770 to 940 MPa, with a minimum elongation of 16% . The chemical composition includes carbon ≤0.21%, manganese ≤1.70%, and microalloying elements such as Ni, Cr, and Mo to achieve superior mechanical properties . This grade is used for critical components in large vessels, offshore platforms, and ice-strengthened ships requiring maximum strength-to-weight ratio .

 

Both LR AH40 and LR AH69 are LR-certified high-strength marine steels with impact toughness tested at 0°C, ensuring reliable performance in general marine environments . Their primary difference lies in strength level: AH40 offers a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa with tensile strength of 510-650 MPa, suitable for general high-strength hull construction, while AH69 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 superior strength-to-weight ratio . Both grades feature controlled chemical composition and maintain good weldability for critical marine service, though AH69 requires more complex alloying and advanced processing like quenching and tempering to achieve its enhanced mechanical properties.

 

Chemical Composition

 

LR AH40 high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

LR AH40

0.18

0.05

0.9-1.6

0.035

0.035

0.015

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.03-0.10

0.02

0.35

0.20

0.40

0.08

 

LR AH69 extra high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

LR AH69

0.21

0.55

1.70

0.035

0.035

0.015

0.020

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.03-0.10

0.02

 

 

 

 

 

Mechanical Property

 

LR AH40 high strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

LR AH40

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

0

J

J

t≤50

390

510-650

20%

26

39

50<t≤70

390

510-650

20%

31

46

70<t≤100

390

510-650

20%

37

55

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

 

LR AH69 extra high strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

LR AH69

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

0

J

J

t≤50

690

770-940

16%

46

69

50<t≤70

690

770-940

16%

46

69

70<t≤100

690

770-940

16%

46

69

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