Q195 steel is one of the most commonly used low carbon steels in China, especially in the production of cold rolled steel coil and sheet. As a buyer or project manager sourcing steel materials, you may wonder:
What is Q195 steel equivalent to in international standards?
How does Q195 differ from Q235?
What is Q195 galvanized sheet used for?
This article answers these frequently asked questions in detail, helping you make informed procurement decisions, and practical tips for securing reliable Q195 cold rolled steel plate supply for wholesale or large-scale applications.
Stacks of Q195 cold rolled steel coils ready for wholesale export
What Is Q195 Steel Equivalent To?
Q195 is a widely used low-carbon structural steel grade in the Chinese GB/T700 standard system. Its mechanical properties, chemical composition, and manufacturing purpose make it comparable—but not identical—to several international steel grades. Here’s how Q195 aligns with equivalents in other standards:
Standard
Equivalent Grade
Notes
ASTM (USA)
A1008 (Commercial Quality – CS Type A)
Closest in application and carbon content. However, A1008 is typically used for cold-formed steel, and detailed specs may differ.
JIS (Japan)
SPCC (Commercial Cold Rolled Steel)
SPCC and Q195 are commonly used interchangeably for low-strength, non-critical applications like stamping, household appliances, and automotive panels.
EN (Europe)
DC01 (EN 10130)
A cold-rolled low-carbon steel grade used for forming applications. Similar tensile strength and yield point to Q195.
Note: Although these grades are functionally similar, always verify mechanical properties and chemical composition before substitution.
Chemical Composition Comparison
Element
Q195
SPCC
DC01
C
≤ 0.06%
≤ 0.08%
≤ 0.12%
Mn
≤ 0.35%
≤ 0.45%
≤ 0.60%
P
≤ 0.035%
≤ 0.030%
≤ 0.045%
S
≤ 0.035%
≤ 0.030%
≤ 0.045%
Q195 has the lowest carbon and manganese content, making it softer and more formable—ideal for cold rolling and stamping.
Mechanical Properties Comparison
Property
Q195
SPCC
DC01
Yield Strength (MPa)
≥195
≥205
140–280
Tensile Strength (MPa)
315–430
270–410
270–410
Elongation (%)
≥33 (t≤1.2mm)
≥28
28–36
What is the Difference Between Q195 and Q235?
Though Q195 and Q235 are both part of the GB/T 700 standard, there are key differences in chemical composition, mechanical properties, and typical applications.
Chemical Composition
Element
Q195 (max)
Q235 (max)
C (Carbon)
0.06–0.12%
0.12–0.20%
Mn (Manganese)
0.25–0.50%
0.30–0.70%
Si (Silicon)
≤0.30%
≤0.30%
S, P (Impurities)
≤0.050%
≤0.045%
Summary: Q195 has lower carbon and manganese content, which gives it better ductility but slightly lower strength.
Mechanical Properties
Property
Q195
Q235
Yield Strength (MPa)
≥195
≥235
Tensile Strength (MPa)
315–430
375–500
Elongation (%)
≥33
≥26
Summary:
Q195 is softer and more ductile, ideal for cold forming and welding applications.
Q235 has higher strength, more suitable for load-bearing structural components.
Q195 steel used in appliances and lightweight structures
Bridges, structural steel parts, heavy machinery components
Conclusion: Choose Q195 if you prioritize cold formability and cost; choose Q235 for stronger mechanical performance.
What is Q195 Galvanized Metal Sheet?
Q195 galvanized sheet refers to Q195 cold rolled steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc via hot-dip galvanizing or electro-galvanizing. The zinc coating improves corrosion resistance, extending the material’s service life.
Main Features:
Base Material: Q195 cold rolled steel
Surface Coating: Zinc (Z20–Z275 or more)
Standard Coating Weight: 30–275g/m²
Form: Sheet or coil
Surface Types: Regular spangle, zero spangle, minimized spangle
Common Applications:
Industry
Use Case
Construction
Roofing sheets, wall cladding, ducting
HVAC
Air ducts, ventilation pipes
Furniture
Steel cabinets, enclosures, bed frames
Automotive
Inner panel structures, support frames
Agriculture
Grain silos, steel fencing, sheds
Galvanized Q195 combines the formability of low carbon steel with the durability of a zinc finish, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor usage.
Both Q195 cold rolled coil and Q195 sheet refer to the same material in different packaging formats. Here’s a quick comparison:
Format
Description
Use Case
Coil
Continuous roll, easier to process in factories
Mass production, slitting, stamping
Sheet
Flat cut-to-length piece
Small batch, manual fabrication, retail
If you’re buying in bulk for production lines, Q195 steel coil is more economical and efficient. For lower-volume or custom-size needs, Q195 sheet is the better choice.
Final Thoughts: Is Q195 the Right Steel for Your Project?
Q195 steel offers the perfect balance between cost, cold formability, and weldability, making it an excellent option for a wide range of low-stress applications. Its global equivalents make it adaptable across industries, while the galvanized version extends its utility in corrosive environments.
At CJM Steel, we supply Q195 steel coil and sheet in various thicknesses and surface conditions. All products are ISO-certified, available for international export, and tailored to meet your dimensional and coating requirements.
📩 Need a quote or technical datasheet? Contact us today to get a competitive offer for Q195 cold rolled or galvanized steel.
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