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, while their key differences relate to:

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

This guide compares S355JR vs S355J2, S355J2 vs S355NL, and their equivalent materials, helping engineers and buyers select the correct grade for global procurement.

Quick Comparison Table

Grade	Yield Strength (MPa)	Impact Test	Temperature	Condition	Typical Use
S355JR	≥355	27J	+20°C	As rolled	Standard structures
S355J2	≥355	27J	-20°C	As rolled	Bridges, cold regions
S355NL	≥355	27J	-50°C	Normalized / Normalized Rolled	Offshore, low-temperature equipment

S355JR vs S355J2 vs S355NL – Equivalent Material Comparison

When sourcing materials across regions, buyers often need to understand how European grades relate to other standards. To support cross-standard procurement, the following table summarizes the closest equivalents of these grades in other major steel standards.

Are They Direct Equivalents?

No. These equivalents are based on comparable mechanical properties rather than being strict 1:1 substitutions.

Equivalent Standards Table

EN Grade	ASTM Equivalent	JIS	GB
S355JR	ASTM A572 Gr 50	SM490A	Q345B
S355J2	ASTM A572 Gr 50 / A992	SM490B	Q345D
S355NL	ASTM A516 Gr 70 (approx., toughness differs)	SM490C	Q345E

⚠️ 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.

Mechanical Properties Comparison of S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL Steel

Although S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL all have a yield strength of ≥355 MPa, their toughness differences define their engineering safety and cost level.

• 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.

As projects operate under different temperature conditions, impact toughness usually becomes the first property engineers examine when comparing options such as S355JR vs S355J2 or S355J2 vs S355NL.

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 maintain stricter phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) limits.
• S355NL uses fine-grain practice and normalization to achieve high toughness at –50°C.
• Impurity control directly enhances resistance to cleavage fracture.

For this reason, procurement teams generally review chemical composition together with mechanical properties to confirm that the selected grade meets the project’s performance and safety requirements.

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 – general construction, machinery
  For buyers looking for materials in this grade, explore S355JR Carbon Steel Plate, S355JR Carbon Steel Coil and S355JR Round Steel Bar.
• S355J2 / S355NL – Bridges & Cold-Region Projects
  If your project requires plates for bridge, wind tower, or heavy-duty structural fabrication, you can review the Wind Tower Plate section for available S355J2/S355NL options.

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:

• S355JR → Standard climate, cost-effective
  For warm/Mediterranean regions or indoor structures.
• S355J2 → Cold regions, bridges, better toughness
  Safe at –20°C; widely used in EU bridge fabrication.
• S355NL → Offshore, wind power, cryogenic conditions
  Normalized delivery ensures reliable toughness at –50°C.

FAQs: S355JR / S355J2 / S355NL (For Buyers & Engineers)

1. S355JR vs S355J2: What’s the difference?

S355J2 provides guaranteed impact toughness at –20°C, while S355JR is tested at +20°C. This makes S355J2 more suitable for colder environments or structures exposed to winter conditions. In mechanical strength and chemical composition, the two grades are largely similar.

2. What is the S355JR equivalent to ASTM?

The most common ASTM equivalent for S355JR is ASTM A572 Grade 50, widely used for general structural applications.

3. What is the S355J2 equivalent to ASTM?

S355NL is commonly compared with ASTM A516 Grade 70 or A572 Grade 50 for low-temperature applications, though its fine-grain and normalized condition make it distinct.

4. What is the S355NL equivalent material?

S355NL is often referenced against ASTM A516 Grade 70 or A572 Grade 50 for low-temperature plate applications, though its fine-grain and normalized condition set it apart.

5. Can S355JR replace S355J2?

S355JR can replace S355J2 only in projects that do not require low-temperature impact toughness. For outdoor structures in cold climates or components exposed to winter temperatures, S355J2 remains the safer choice.

6. S355JR vs S355NL: What’s the difference?

S355NL offers superior low-temperature toughness (-50°C) and is delivered in a normalized condition, making it suitable for offshore, pressure equipment, and heavily welded structures. S355JR is intended for standard structural applications without low-temperature requirements.

7. Is S355J2 better than S355JR?

Neither grade is universally “better.” S355J2 is preferable for colder climates due to its –20°C impact toughness, while S355JR is a cost-efficient choice for general construction in moderate environments.

8. S355J2 vs S355NL: Which one should I choose?

S355J2 is suitable for general heavy structures requiring –20°C impact toughness, while S355NL is preferred for offshore, wind energy, or low-temperature pressure equipment due to its –50°C toughness and normalized delivery.

9. Is S355JR equivalent to A572 Grade 50?

Yes. For many structural applications, S355JR is considered comparable to ASTM A572 Grade 50 due to similar strength and composition.

10. What does S355J2+N mean?

S355J2+N indicates S355J2 steel delivered in a normalized condition (+N), which improves toughness and weldability for heavy-section components.

11. What are the chemical composition limits of S355JR?

S355JR typically includes ≤0.24% C, ≤1.60% Mn, ≤0.55% Si, with low levels of P and S. Exact limits depend on product form and thickness.

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.