S275NL vs S355NL: Both NL grades — S355NL stronger, S275NL more weldable
S275NL vs S355NL
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
S275NL
1.0491
Normalized fine-grain structural steel with guaranteed -50°C impact toughness. Lower strength than S355NL but better weldability and ductility. Used for cryogenic-adjacent structures, LNG infrastructure, cold-climate bridges, and storage tanks where low-temperature toughness is critical.
S355NL
1.0546
Normalized fine-grain structural steel with 355 MPa yield and -50°C impact toughness. The most widely used fine-grain grade in EN 10025-3. Workhorse for offshore, bridges, cranes, and wind turbine towers in cold climates. Better low-temp toughness than S355J2.
| S275NL | S355NL | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.0491 | 1.0546 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10025-3 | EN 10025-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | S275NL | S355NL | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.16% | 0–0.18% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.5% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1.5% | 1–1.65% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | S275NL | S355NL | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 370–510 | 470–630 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 275 | ≥ 355 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 24 | ≥ 22 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
S355NL has 30% higher yield (355 vs 275 MPa) with same -50°C impact guarantee. S275NL offers better weldability (lower CE) and higher ductility. Choose S355NL for load-bearing cold-climate structures; S275NL where max weldability and ductility are priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is S275NL the same as S355NL?
S275NL and S355NL have a 80% composition overlap. Both NL grades — S355NL stronger, S275NL more weldable
Can I replace S275NL with S355NL?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (80%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between S275NL and S355NL?
The main differences are in the following elements: Mn. S275NL is a Carbon Steel grade, while S355NL is a Carbon Steel grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.