SS400 vs S690Q: High-Strength Steel Comparison

Dec 10, 2025 Leave a message

S690QL-QUALITY-CERTIFICATE.pdf

SS400 is a general structural steel (JIS standard) known for good weldability and formability with ~245 MPa yield strength, while S690Q is a high-strength, quenched & tempered steel (EN standard) offering significantly higher yield strength (≥690 MPa), excellent toughness, and suitability for heavy-duty, energy-efficient structures, making S690Q far stronger but also more specialized and costly than the versatile, basic SS400.

 

S690Q hot rolled alloy steel plate

 

S690Q is a high-strength low alloy steel which has a wide range of applications in construction, bridges, machinery and pressure vessels.

 

  • EN10025-6 S690Q high strength steel plate Chemical composition:
Grade C % Si % Mn % P % S % N % B % Cr %
S690Q 0.200 0.800 1.700 0.025 0.015 0.015 0.005 1.500
Cu % Mo % Nb % Ni % Ti % V % Zr %    
0.500 0.700 0.060 2.000 0.050 0.120 0.150    

 

  • EN10025-6 S690Q high tensile steel sheet mechanical properties:
Grade Thickness Min Yield Tensile Elongation Min Impact Energy  
S690Q 8mm-50mm Min 690Mpa 770-940Mpa 14% -20 Min 30J
  51mm-100mm Min 650Mpa 760-930Mpa 14% -20 Min 30J
  101mm-150mm Min 630Mpa 710-900Mpa 14% -20 Min 30J

 

The corrosion resistance of S690Q is mainly influenced by the carbon content and alloying elements. Due to its low carbon content, S690Q has good corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric environments and moderately corrosive media. However, in more corrosive environments, appropriate anti-corrosion measures may be required to improve its corrosion resistance.

 

S690Q is widely used in various engineering fields, such as construction, bridges, machinery and pressure vessels.

 

S690Q is a high-strength low alloy steel with excellent properties, which has a wide range of applications in the fields of construction, bridges, machinery and pressure vessels. Understanding its composition, mechanical properties, process properties, corrosion resistance and application areas will help to better understand and use this material.

 

SS400 Steel Plate

 

SS400 structural steel plate

 

SS400 steel plate is a widely used structural steel known for its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and reliable mechanical properties. Originating from the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS G3101), SS400 is a low-carbon steel commonly employed in construction, bridges, buildings, and other structural engineering projects. This guide explores the key properties, applications, and considerations of SS400 steel plates, optimized for professionals seeking insights into structural steel solutions.

 

SS400 Structural Plate Chemical Composition:

C≤ 16mm max C>16mm max Si max Mn max P max. S max.
0.17 0.20 1.40 0.045 0.045

 

SS400 ​​​​​​Steel Plate Mechanical Properties:

Grade Yield Strength min.
(Mpa)
Tensile Strength
MPa
Elongation min.
%
Impact Resistance min.[J]
Thickness <16 mm Thickness ≥16mm Thickness <5mm Thickness 5-16mm Thickness ≥16mm
SS400 245 235 400-510 21 17 21 -

 

Applications of SS400 Steel Plate in Structural Engineering

SS400 steel plates are extensively used in various structural engineering projects due to their cost-effectiveness and reliable performance. Common applications include:

Building Frameworks: Used in columns, beams, and floor plates for commercial and residential buildings.

Bridge Construction: Employed in bridge girders and supports for its strength and weldability.

Industrial Structures: Ideal for warehouses, factories, and heavy equipment platforms.

Shipbuilding and Marine Structures: Used in non-critical components due to its corrosion resistance with proper coating.

General Fabrication: Suitable for manufacturing brackets, base plates, and other structural components.

The versatility of SS400 makes it a go-to material for projects requiring dependable, cost-efficient steel solutions.

Keywords: SS400 steel applications, structural steel for buildings, bridge construction steel, SS400 plate uses

 

SS400 Steel PlateAdvantages of Using SS400 Steel Plate

SS400 steel offers several benefits for structural engineering projects:

 

Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable compared to high-strength steels, reducing project costs.

 

Weldability: Low carbon content ensures excellent weldability without preheating in most cases.

 

Formability: Easily shaped and fabricated into various structural components.

 

Availability: Widely available in various thicknesses and sizes, ensuring supply chain reliability.

 

Versatility: Suitable for a broad range of structural and industrial applications.

 

These advantages make SS400 a practical choice for engineers balancing performance and budget constraints.

 

 

When to Choose Which?

 

Selection Factor Choose SS400 When... Choose S690Q When...
Load Requirement Light to medium loads Heavy loads, critical structures
Weight Constraint No strict weight limit Weight reduction is crucial (e.g., mobile machinery)
Environmental Conditions Ambient temperatures, non-corrosive Extreme temperatures, high stress
Design Philosophy Cost priority, simple structures Performance priority, advanced engineering
Life Cycle Short to medium lifespan Long-term infrastructure (15+ years)

 

Summary: Key Distinctions

SS400 is your go-to for general-purpose, cost-effective construction needs. It offers reliable performance at an affordable price point, making it ideal for everyday structural applications where high strength isn't essential.

 

S690Q, however, represents cutting-edge high-strength engineering. It delivers exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and environmental resilience, justifying its premium price in applications where performance, durability, and safety are paramount.

 

Request A Quote

 

If you want to learn more about GNEE's products, you can send an email to alloy@gneesteelgroup.com. We are more than happy to assist you.

 

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.

 

Other steel plate
Name Material Specification (mm) Tons Remark
Clad steel plate P265GH+410,S355JR+410,A516Gr70+316,
A537CL1+304L,Q235B+304L,Q345B+304,
A516Gr70(NACE)+410,A537CL1+904L,
A537CL1+316L,A516Gr70+304L,A537CL1+304
,A516Gr70+410,A516Gr70+904L
2-300mm(Based plate),1-50mm(Composited plate) / UT, AR, TMCP.Normalized, Quenched and Tempered,Z Direction Test, Charpy V-Notch impact TestThe Third Party Test , Coated or Shot Blasting and Painting.
Low Alloy Q345A, Q345B, Q345C, Q345D, Q345E, Q390, Q420, Q460C, ST52-3, S355J2+N, SS400, SA302GrC, S275NL, 35CrMo 6 - 350 5788.56 Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection
Pressure Vessel Plate Q245R, Q345R, Q370R, 16MnDR, 09MnNiDR, 15CrMoR, 14Cr1MoR, 12Cr2Mo1R, SA516Gr60, SA516Gr70, SA516Gr485, SA285, SA387Gr11, SA387Gr12, SA387Gr22, P265,P295,P355GH,Q245R(R-HIC),Q345R(R-HIC) 3 - 300 8650 Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection
High-Strength Plate WH785D/E,Q960D/E, Q890D/E,WH60D/E,WH70B,Q550D,Q590D,Q690D/E 8 - 120 3086.352 Quenched and tempered
Wear-Resistant Plate NM360, NM400, NM450, NM500 6 - 150 3866.297 Quenched and tempered
Bridge Plate Q235qC, Q345qC, Q370qC, Q420qC, Q345qDNH, Q370qDNH, A709 - 50F - 2, A709 - 50T - 2 8 - 200 2853.621 Hot rolling, normalized ,hot rolling controlled rolling, quenched and tempered + toughness and brittleness