S355N vs S355NL: Same steel — NL adds guaranteed low-temp toughness
S355N vs S355NL
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
S355N
1.0545
Normalized fine-grain structural steel. Same yield as S355JR/J2 but with guaranteed fine-grain structure from normalizing. Better weldability and impact toughness than standard S355. Used for bridges, cranes, heavy structural steelwork, and pressure vessels where normalized delivery is specified.
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.
| S355N | S355NL | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.0545 | 1.0546 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10025-3 | EN 10025-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | S355N | S355NL | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.2% | 0–0.18% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.5% | 0–0.5% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1.65% | 1–1.65% | OK |
| P | 0–0.03% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | S355N | S355NL | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 470–630 | 470–630 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 355 | ≥ 355 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 22 | ≥ 22 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
S355NL has guaranteed 27J at -50°C impact (vs -20°C for S355N). Same composition and strength. Choose NL for cold-climate or cryogenic-adjacent structures; N is sufficient for moderate climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is S355N the same as S355NL?
S355N and S355NL have a 95% composition overlap. Same steel — NL adds guaranteed low-temp toughness
Can I replace S355N with S355NL?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (95%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between S355N and S355NL?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. S355N 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.