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

S355JR, S355J2, and S355NL steel are all part of the EN 10025 standard family.
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

The table below gives a quick comparison:

Mechanical Properties Comparison

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.

Chemical Composition & Toughness 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.

Equivalent Standards

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, and S355NL

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

• S355JR plate & coil – general construction, machinery → see A572/S355JR Carbon Steel Plate & Coil
• S355JR round bar – shafts, fabrication → see A572/S355JR Round Steel Bar
• S355J2 / S355NL steel plates – wind towers, bridges, heavy structures → see Wind Tower Plate

How to Choose the Right Grade?

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 not sure which grade fits your project?
Contact our engineering team for customized material selection and supply support.