6 July 2026

S355 Steel: Characteristics, Uses and Properties

S355 steel is the reference material for demanding industrial projects. Offering a mechanical resistance significantly higher than S235 and S255 grades, it allows for the design of lighter and more robust structures. This technical datasheet details its properties and applications to support you in your engineering choices. What is S355 Steel? S355 steel is a […]
Heavy steel plates in S355 grade for high-strength industrial applications

S355 steel is the reference material for demanding industrial projects. Offering a mechanical resistance significantly higher than S235 and S255 grades, it allows for the design of lighter and more robust structures. This technical datasheet details its properties and applications to support you in your engineering choices.

What is S355 Steel?

S355 steel is a non-alloy structural steel with a high yield strength. Governed by the European standard EN 10025-2, it is preferred when load constraints are high or when the total weight of the structure must be optimized.

Decoding the S355 Designation

Its nomenclature indicates its superior mechanical performance.

SymbolMeaningExplanation
SStructuralSteel intended for construction applications.
355Yield StrengthGuarantees a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (N/mm²).
J2 / K2Impact StrengthUnlike the standard JR, S355 is often ordered in J2 (27 J at -20°C) or K2 (40 J at -20°C) quality for cold environments or dynamic loads.

Key Technical Characteristics

S355 offers a major performance leap (+50% yield strength compared to S235).

  • Yield Strength (Re): ≥ 355 MPa (for thicknesses ≤ 16 mm)
  • Tensile Strength (Rm): Between 470 and 630 MPa
  • Structural Weight Reduction: Allows the use of thinner sheet thicknesses to support the same load as S235
  • Weldability: Very good, although particular attention to interpass temperature is recommended for high thicknesses

What is S355 Steel Used For?

S355 is indispensable where structural safety and lightness are critical.

Main Applications

  • Lifting Equipment: Cranes, telescopic booms, articulated arms, and forklift frames.
  • Heavy Mobility Structures: Truck chassis, high-capacity agricultural trailers, and public works machinery.
  • Infrastructure and Civil Engineering: Bridges, electrical pylons, wind turbines, and offshore structures.
  • Railway Industry: Wagon components and bogie structures.

Why Choose S355 Steel?

AdvantagesPoints of Vigilance
High Performance: High load capacity for complex structures.Springback: More significant during bending and requires machine expertise.
Weight Optimization: Reduced steel consumption and transportation costs.Protection: Requires painting or galvanizing (Magnelis® recommended for outdoor use).
Reliability: Excellent impact resistance, especially in J2/K2 quality.Price: Higher cost per kilo, offset by material savings.

Technical Note: S355 Steel

High Performance for Highly Stressed Structures

S355 steel is the “muscle” of the industry. With a yield strength 50% higher than S235, it is indispensable for lifting equipment, transportation chassis, and critical infrastructure.

Reference Manufacturers

ArcelorMittal (Amstrong® range), SSAB, Dillinger.

International Equivalences

  • USA (ASTM): A572 Grade 50
  • Germany (DIN): St 52-3
  • Japan (JIS): SM490
EN Standard (Europe)ASTM Standard (USA)Old DIN Standard (DE)JIS Standard (JP)
S235JRA36St 37-2SS400
S255JRA570 Gr. 40St 42-
S355J2A572 Gr. 50St 52-3SM490

Impact Strength Qualities

For S355, we often recommend J2 quality (impact resistance at -20°C) for outdoor structures or components subject to heavy vibrations.

S235, S255 or S355: Which Grade Should You Choose?

FeatureS235 SteelS255 SteelS355 Steel
Yield Strength (Re)235 MPa255 MPa355 MPa
Structural PerformanceStandard / ModerateIntermediateHigh Performance
Structural WeightHeavier (wider sections)Optimized BalanceMaximum Weight Saving
WeldabilityExcellent (very easy)ExcellentVery Good
Bending SuitabilityMaximumVery GoodGood (watch springback)
Material CostEconomic (€)Moderate (€+)Higher (€€)
Stock AvailabilityUniversalUpon Request / ProjectsVery Common

Baguet Métal Parachèvement Expertise

At Baguet Métal, we process S355 steel with the precision required by your drawings. Thanks to our CNC cutting and bending centers, we guarantee strict compliance with geometric tolerances.

Unsure whether to choose S235, S255 or S355?

Our experts analyze your load constraints and recommend the most cost-effective grade for your application.

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