Difference between Q460D and Q460E steel plate

Jan 09, 2026 Leave a message

Q460D and Q460E are Chinese high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel grades with the same minimum yield strength (460 MPa), but the difference lies in their impact toughness requirements at different low temperatures: Q460D requires impact testing at -20°C, while Q460E requires testing at a colder -40°C, indicating Q460E offers superior low-temperature ductility for harsher environments, making it a higher-quality grade.

Chemical composition

Grade	Chemical requirement or element Max %
	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cu	Cr	Ni	Mo	B	V	Nb	Ti
Q460E	0.2	0.8	1.70	0.020	0.010	0.5	1.5	2.0	0.7	0.005	0.12	0.06	0.05

Grade	Chemical requirement or element Max %
	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cu	Cr	Ni	Mo	B	V	Nb	Ti
Q460D	0.2	0.8	1.70	0.025	0.015	0.5	1.5	2.0	0.7	0.005	0.12	0.06	0.05

Mechanical properties

Grade	Property							Impact test
Q460E	Yield Mpa Min			Tensile Mpa			Elongation	Min J
	Thickness mm			Thickness mm				Degree
	50	50-100	100-150	50	50-100	10-150	%	0	-20	-40	-60
	460	440	400	550-720		500-670	17			34

Grade	Property							Impact test
Q460D	Yield Mpa Min			Tensile Mpa			Elongation	Min J
	Thickness mm			Thickness mm				Degree
	50	50-100	100-150	50	50-100	10-150	%	0	-20	-40	-60
	460	440	400	550-720		500-670	17		47

Key Differences

Q460D: Minimum impact energy at -20°C (e.g., 27J or 34J depending on thickness).

Q460E: Minimum impact energy at -40°C (e.g., 27J or 34J).

Similarities

Yield Strength: Both have a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa (MegaPascals).

Tensile Strength: Both typically range from 550-720 MPa.

Base Material: Both are low-alloy high-strength structural steels (GB/T 1591 standard).
Think of it like a temperature rating for toughness: Q460E is built to stay tough and not become brittle in much colder conditions than Q460D.