Difference between LR AH42 and LR AH50 steel plate

Apr 02, 2026 Leave a message

LR AH42 is an extra-high-strength marine steel plate certified by Lloyd's Register (LR) for shipbuilding and offshore applications. The "A" grade signifies it is impact tested at 0°C, ensuring adequate toughness for general marine environments . It has a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 530 to 680 MPa, with a minimum elongation of 20% . The chemical composition is strictly controlled with carbon ≤0.21% and manganese ≤1.70%, and it is typically supplied in normalized or TMCP conditions .

 

LR AH50 is an extra-high-strength marine steel plate also certified by Lloyd's Register (LR), designed for more demanding structural applications. It is impact tested at 0°C and has a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 610 to 770 MPa, with a minimum elongation of 18% . The chemical composition features carbon ≤0.21% and manganese ≤1.70%, with microalloying elements such as Nb and V to enhance strength while maintaining weldability . This grade is used for critical components in large vessels and offshore platforms requiring superior strength-to-weight ratio .

 

Both LR AH42 and LR AH50 are LR-certified extra-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: AH42 offers a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa with tensile strength of 530-680 MPa, suitable for high-strength hull construction , while AH50 provides a higher minimum yield strength of 500 MPa with tensile strength reaching 610-770 MPa, designed for more demanding load-bearing applications requiring superior strength-to-weight ratio . Both grades feature controlled chemical composition with carbon ≤0.21% and maintain good weldability for critical marine service . The selection between them depends on whether the project requires the balanced strength of AH42 or the enhanced performance of AH50 for more extreme structural demands.

 

Chemical Composition

 

LR AH42 extra high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

LR AH42

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

 

 

 

 

 

LR AH50 extra high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

LR AH50

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 AH42 extra high strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

LR AH42

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

0

J

J

t≤50

420

530-680

20%

28

42

50<t≤70

420

530-680

20%

28

42

70<t≤100

420

530-680

20%

28

42

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

 

LR AH50 extra high strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

LR AH50

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

0

J

J

t≤50

500

610-770

18%

33

50

50<t≤70

500

610-770

18%

33

50

70<t≤100

500

610-770

18%

33

50

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