Why not always design in S960QL?

Beyond material price: weld metal and HAZ toughness at 960 MPa class are hard to guarantee, buckling (not yield) often governs thin sections anyway, and mill availability is limited. S690QL remains the volume high-strength plate.

Grades · Structural & HSLA Steel · S960QL

S960QL

Data verified

S960QL is the strongest grade in the EN 10025-6 structural family: 960 MPa minimum yield with −40 °C toughness, for the most weight-critical booms and lifting structures. Availability is thinner and lead times longer than S690QL/S890QL, and fabrication discipline is unforgiving.

DINS960QL (EN 10025-6)

GBQ960 (GB/T 16270, near)

CategoryStructural & HSLA Steel

Chemical composition

Element	Content (%)
C	≤0.20
Si	≤0.80
Mn	≤1.70
P	≤0.020
S	≤0.010
Cr	≤1.50
Ni	≤2.00
Mo	≤0.70
B	≤0.005

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Yield strength	≥960 MPa (≤50 mm)
Tensile strength	980–1150 MPa
Impact	QL: 27 J at −40 °C
Density	7.85 g/cm³

Heat treatment

Delivered quenched and tempered. Post-weld heat treatment is generally not permitted above the mill tempering temperature.

Equivalent grades

Standard	Designation
din	S960QL (EN 10025-6)
gb	Q960 (GB/T 16270, near)

Compare side by side: S960QL vs S890QL · S960QL vs S690QL

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Mobile crane booms, high-reach demolition and lifting equipment, lightweight heavy-haul trailers.

Processing: Specialist work only: qualified WPS with tight heat-input and interpass control, matching 960-class consumables, no unauthorized thermal cutting or straightening.

FAQ

Why not always design in S960QL?: Beyond material price: weld metal and HAZ toughness at 960 MPa class are hard to guarantee, buckling (not yield) often governs thin sections anyway, and mill availability is limited. S690QL remains the volume high-strength plate.

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Source: EN 10025-6 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.