S355JR / S355J2 / S355NL – What’s the Difference?

Overview of S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL Steel Grades

S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL steel are among the most commonly used structural steels under EN 10025, especially in construction, machinery, and offshore engineering. They share a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa, but their main differences come from:

• Charpy V-notch impact test requirements
• Low-temperature suitability
• Heat treatment / normalization conditions

Choosing between S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL can affect your project’s cost and safety. Here’s a quick comparison to help engineers and buyers make the right selection.

Mechanical Properties Comparison of S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL Steel

Although S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL all have a yield strength of ≥355 MPa, their differences in impact toughness and applicable temperature directly determine their application scenarios and price tiers in structural safety:

• S355JR is impact-tested only at +20°C and is suitable for standard structures at room temperature.
• S355J2 maintains toughness at –20°C and is suitable for bridges and cold-region projects.
• S355NL maintains an impact toughness of 27J at –50°C after normalizing or normalizing rolling, making it particularly suitable for offshore platforms and cryogenic equipment.

This means that while all three grades have the same “strength,” their low-temperature toughness directly impacts their engineering safety rating and cost positioning. In cold regions or critical projects such as bridges and offshore platforms, improper selection can lead to brittle fracture.

S355JR vs S355J2 vs S355NL Chemical Composition Differences

The carbon content of S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL is similar, generally ≤0.20–0.24%, but S355J2 and S355NL typically have stricter control over impurities such as phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) to ensure low-temperature impact performance.

Furthermore, S355NL has finer grains in the normalized or normalized rolled state, resulting in superior low-temperature toughness and crack growth resistance.

S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL Equivalent Standards and Comparison Table

For international procurement, it is essential to know the equivalent materials of S355 grades:

⚠️ Note: Equivalents are reference values — engineers should confirm mechanical and chemical compatibility before substitution.

Find more steel grades under EN 10025 standard from our blog: S235 / S275 / S355 Structural Steel Comparison and Properties

Applications of S355JR / S355J2 / S355NL Steel in Construction and Offshore Projects

These grades are supplied in plate, coil, round bar, and pipe forms, used across multiple industries:

• S355JR plate & coil – general construction, machinery → see S355JR Carbon Steel Plate
• S355JR round bar – shafts, fabrication → see S355JR Round Steel Bar
• S355J2 / S355NL steel plates – wind towers, bridges, heavy structures → see Wind Tower Plate

How to Choose Between S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL for Your Project

The selection between S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL depends on climate, service temperature, and project requirements:

• If your project is in moderate climates → S355JR steel is cost-effective.
• For colder regions or bridge construction → S355J2 steel offers safer toughness at -20°C.
• For offshore, wind, or LNG projects requiring low-temperature reliability → S355NL steel is the optimal choice.

👉 Still unsure which S355 grade best suits your project?

CJM Steel supplies S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL plates and coils for global buyers.
Contact our engineering team for customized material selection and supply support.