S690QL / 1.8928 + S690QL1 / 1.8988
DIN EN 10025-6, quenched and tempered, suitable for welding
This type of steel boasts a minimum yield limit of 690 Mpa at thicknesses of up to 50 mm, with a tensile strength of 770 to 940 MPa. In acceptance testing, the notched bar impact test values were proven at -40°C for S690QL and -60°C for S690QL1.
The material is suitable for use in all standard welding processes and can be worked cold, taking factory specifications into account. If worked hot, the material must then be quenched and tempered to restore its original properties.
Application areas S690QL / 1.8928 + S690QL1 / 1.8988:
Steel construction, steel hydraulic engineering, pressurised containers, boiler construction, construction machinery, mining, conveyor systems, machine construction, lifting equipment, mobile cranes, offshore oil + gas, wind power, bridge building
Key Properties and Characteristics
S690QL and S690QL1 steels are engineered for demanding applications. You can rely on them for consistent strength and performance under extreme conditions.

Main Characteristics:
High yield strength (minimum 690 MPa)
Excellent toughness and ductility
Superior impact resistance at low temperatures
Good weldability and formability
Consistent thickness and dimensional accuracy
Enhanced fatigue resistance
Designed for weight reduction in structural applications
These properties make S690QL / S690QL1 the preferred choice for high-performance structures where both strength and weight efficiency matter.
Advantages of Using S690QL / S690QL1 Steel
Weight Reduction: Allows thinner sections without loss of strength.
High Load-Bearing Capacity: Handles heavy loads and dynamic stress efficiently.
Improved Fatigue Life: Excellent resistance to cyclic loading.
Enhanced Durability: Performs reliably in harsh, cold, or corrosive environments.
Cost Efficiency: Lower fabrication and transportation costs due to reduced weight.
Consistent Quality: Manufactured to strict European standards (EN 10025-6).
Forming of S690QL / S690QL1 Steel
Bending and forming is possible using suitably powerful equipment. When bending transversal to the rolling direction it is recommended to form to a maximum of 2 x thickness. For longitudunal to the rolling direction a maximum of 3 x thickness is recommended. S690 is not ideally suited for hot forming over 600°C. Forming at over this temperature can have an effect on the mechanical properties of the steel and re hardening and tempering may be required.
Welding of S690QL / S690QL1 Steel
With its low carbon content S690 is suitable for welding. Welding areas should be cleaned of any grease and rough edges, pre heating is required. We recommend you contact your welding consumables supplier who should provide you full assistance and information on welding S690 steel.
Mechanical Properties of S690QL / S690QL1
| Property | S690QL |
S690QL1 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 690 | ≥ 690 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 770 – 940 | 770 – 940 |
| Impact Test Temperature | -40°C | -60°C |
| Elongation (%) | 14 | 14 |
Typical Impact Properties
| SteelName | SampleDirection | 0°C | -20°C | -40°C | -60°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S690QL | LongitudinalTransverse | 50J35J | 40J30J | 30J27J | |
| S690QL1 | LongitudinalTransverse | 60J40J | 50J35J | 40J30J | 30J27J |
Equivalent Grades of S690QL / S690QL1 steels
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
| EN 10025-6 | S690QL / S690QL1 |
| ASTM | A514 Grade Q |
| DIN | Q690 |
| BS | 968 equivalent |
| JIS | SM570 |
Chemical Composition of S690QL / S690QL1 Steel
Both S690QL and S690QL1 are high-strength, low-alloy, quenched, and tempered structural steels produced according to EN 10025-6.
Their chemical composition is precisely controlled to achieve superior strength, toughness, and weldability.
| Element | Symbol | Percentage (%) | Function / Effect |
| Carbon | C | ≤ 0.20 | Provides strength and hardness while maintaining weldability. |
| Silicon | Si | ≤ 0.80 | Enhances strength and improves deoxidation during steelmaking. |
| Manganese | Mn | ≤ 1.70 | Increases tensile strength and hardenability. |
| Phosphorus | P | ≤ 0.025 | Kept low to improve toughness and reduce brittleness. |
| Sulfur | S | ≤ 0.010 | Low sulfur improves ductility and weldability. |
| Chromium | Cr | ≤ 1.50 | Improves corrosion resistance and hardenability. |
| Nickel | Ni | ≤ 2.00 | Enhances toughness, especially at low temperatures. |
| Molybdenum | Mo | ≤ 0.70 | Increases strength, creep resistance, and toughness. |
| Boron | B | ≤ 0.005 | Improves hardenability in small amounts. |
| Copper (optional) | Cu | ≤ 0.50 | May improve atmospheric corrosion resistance. |
When your project demands exceptional strength, durability, and reliability, S690QL and S690QL1 high-strength structural steels deliver unmatched performance.
These grades belong to the EN 10025-6 standard and are widely used in heavy engineering, offshore structures, and construction where weight reduction and load-bearing capacity are critical.
At GNEE, we are a trusted supplier and stockist of S690QL and S690QL1 steel plates, serving clients across the UAE and exporting worldwide. Our inventory includes a wide range of thicknesses, sizes, and specifications to meet diverse project requirements.
Both S690QL and S690QL1 steels are quenched and tempered (Q&T) structural steels known for their high yield strength (690 MPa minimum), superior impact resistance, and excellent weldability. The key difference lies in their impact testing temperatures - S690QL is tested at -40°C, while S690QL1 is tested at -60°C, making it ideal for colder environments.
Email: alloy@gneesteelgroup.com
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FAQ
What is the difference between S690Q and S690QL?
S690Q: Minimum impact toughness tested at -20°C (30J average). → Typical Use: Cranes in temperate climates, quarry equipment. S690QL: Certified for -40°C and below (≥40J impact toughness). → Critical Use: Arctic pipelines, offshore platforms, mining vehicles in Siberia.
What grade is S690QL material?
S690QL is a high strength quenched and tempered steel grade that complies to steel specification EN 10025. The designation S690QL refers to a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa.
What is S690 grade steel?
S690 high yield & fine grain steel plate is a high strength, quenched and tempered fine-grain structural steel. Structural steel S690 is used in structures that must withstand very heavy loads. This grade is meant for structures where weight savings is important.
What is the equivalent of S690 steel?
Approximate equivalents
ASTM A514, EN 10149-2 Grade S700MC, AS/NZS 3579 Grade 700, AM 700, Bisalloy 80.
What is the price of S690QL material?
S690QL High Strength Steel Plates, Thickness: 5mm to 150mm at 5,600-13,500 CNY per tonne (approx. 5.6-13.5 CNY per kilogram)/440-900 USD per tonne (approx. 0.44-0.90 USD per kilogram)
What is the hardness of S690 QL steel?
S690QL steel stockholders and suppliers. S690QL is a quenched and tempered high strength steel supplied in full plates or cut pieces with delivery to the whole of the UK. With its high yield of minimum 690MPa it offers better strength than standard carbon steel grades.
What is the effective use of high strength S690 steel in construction?
The high strength S690 steels have an excellent strength-to-self-weight ratio, and they are highly efficient to be used in heavily loaded structures. Typical applications include piles and columns in buildings and supporting members in bridges.
What is the difference between S890QL and S690QL?
S690QL, S890QL, and S960QL are all water quenched and tempered steels that comply with the EN10025:6:2004 specification. These ultra high strength steels have a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa, 890 MPa, and 960 Mpa respectively, making them ideal for use in the haulage sector.
What is the difference between S700MC and S690ql?
The S700MC Steel is basically a structural steel plate developed especially for applications requiring high yield strength. They are used for several load bearing applications. The S690ql is a low alloy structural steel which is high in strength and comes with good weldability.
What is the yield strength of s690 steel?
690 MPa.
Yield strength of 690 MPa. Used in structures bearing extremely heavy loads, such as bridges, offshore drilling rigs and buildings, as well as in heavy construction equipment and cranes.




