DIN 17102 TStE255 Carbon & Low-Alloy High-Strength Steel Plate Price 2025

For most structural and welded applications where a guaranteed minimum yield of ~255 MPa is required, TStE255 remains a cost-effective, well-characterised choice in 2025. Globally, raw steel markets eased from the spring peaks; delivered plate prices for TStE255 vary by region, production route and minimum order size — typical ballpark landed prices in mid-2025 ranged roughly from USD 420–900 per metric tonne depending on origin and product form (plate vs coil). We recommend specifying TStE255 by its mechanical and delivery conditions (DIN 17102 plus thickness and normalized condition) and locking delivery schedules and test certificates into purchase orders to avoid price and lead-time exposure.

Standard scope and purpose

DIN 17102 historically defines weldable, normalized fine-grain structural steels offered as plate, strip, wide flats, sections and bars. TStE255 is one of the lower yield classes in that family and is intended where a minimum yield strength around 255 MPa (for the thinnest range) is required while retaining good weldability and toughness in the as-delivered normalized condition. This standard remains a useful reference when legacy specifications or older German design documents call for these grades instead of modern EN designations.

Why TStE255 in modern practice

We favour TStE255 when designers need:

• predictable yield and ductility at economical cost;

• a normalized microstructure that machines and welds well;

• compatibility with legacy drawings or where a direct DIN reference is requested by an owner or inspector.

It competes with EN grades in the S235–S275 family for many structural tasks, but the “T” prefix historically indicates the specific fine-grain chemistry and delivery conditioning required by DIN 17102.

Chemical composition and mechanical properties

Typical guaranteed ranges for TStE255 (examples synthesised from manufacturer datasheets and steel material tables) show carbon usually ≤0.16%, silicon about ≤0.40%, manganese around 0.50–1.30%, with limits on sulfur and phosphorus to maintain weldability. Minimum yield values are thickness dependent: for thinner plate (t ≤ 70 mm) yield ≈ 235 MPa (note: DIN tables refer to different thickness bands and minimum values). Tensile strength bands commonly lie in the ~360–460 MPa range for thin sections, with elongation typically >20–25% in longitudinal tests. These ranges are consistent across multiple mill data sheets for TStE255.

Practical note: Always request the supplier’s material certificate (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 where required) showing the actual mill test results for chemical and mechanical properties for the specific heat and plate thickness you are buying.

Equivalences and cross-references

TStE255 maps approximately to other historical and modern grades used in practice. Several steel-maker and plate conversion tables place TStE255 in the same neighbourhood as EN S275 (and under some thickness bands near S235). For direct cross-work, consult a reputable equivalent table and validate by mechanical requirements rather than grade name alone — the actual mechanical limits (yield, tensile, impact energy) and delivery condition control the fit.

Metallurgical production and delivery conditions

TStE255 is normally produced as a hot-rolled, normalized plate to achieve fine grain size and predictable toughness. Normalizing reduces residual stress compared with as-rolled products and produces a more uniform microstructure beneficial for welds. For pressure-containing or cyclic load cases, specify normalized and include impact testing if the service requires low-temperature toughness. Mill certification should confirm the normalized heat treatment cycle or alternatively show equivalent heat-treatment details.

Typical applications and engineering use cases

We see TStE255 used in:

• bridge components and secondary structural members;

• highway construction elements such as guardrail brackets;

• general structural fabrications and welded subframes where high ductility is valued;

• certain boiler and pressure-vessel support structures (when allowed by the code).

When applications involve impact loads or low-temperature service, require validated Charpy values at the appropriate temperature in the specification.

Welding and fabrication guidance

Welding TStE255 is straightforward for common processes (MIG/MAG, SMAW, TIG) with preheat practices driven by thickness and hydrogen control. Recommended actions:

• For plates ≤25 mm, minimal preheat is normally sufficient when using low-hydrogen consumables;

• For thicker sections, calculate preheat and interpass temperatures using carbon equivalent (CE) rules;

• Use filler metals matched for ductility and toughness; avoid over-matching strength unless needed for the design;

• Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is rarely mandated for simple structural use but may be required for cyclic or pressure applications — specify explicitly.

Inspection, testing and quality documentation

Key tests and documents we routinely require:

• Chemical analysis (heat analysis) and mechanical tests (yield, tensile, elongation);

• Impact testing at the service temperature where required;

• Ultrasonic or radiographic testing for critical weld-zone plates;

• Flatness, thickness and dimensional check certificates;

• EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 mill certificates on request.

For contract critical items, add test witness rights and a specific non-conformance acceptance route.

Dimensions, tolerances and surface condition

TStE255 plates are available in common plate widths (1,500–4,000 mm), lengths to suit customer requirements, and thickness ranges from thin sheet up to large plates (6–150 mm or more, depending on mill capacity). Tolerances and flatness follow the supplier’s technical delivery conditions; when exact flatness or thickness is critical, include the tolerance table in the purchase order. Some mills supply pickled and oiled surface; others deliver as-rolled with mill scale. Specify surface treatment (shot-blasting, oiling) if fabrication schedules or coating systems require it.

Corrosion behaviour and protection

TStE255 is a plain carbon/low-alloy steel and is not corrosion resistant. For exposed environments we typically:

• Apply primer + system coatings according to ISO 12944 for atmospheric corrosion protection;

• Use hot-dip galvanizing if sacrificial protection is needed (verify dimensional allowance for thickness and welding);

• Use weathering steel alternatives if long-term uncoated performance is required (but weathering steels are chemically distinct from TStE255).

Market pricing 2025 — drivers and a regional snapshot

Steel plate prices are a moving target in 2025. Major drivers influencing TStE255 plate cost include:

• global HRC (hot rolled coil) base price movement;

• regional demand in construction and heavy equipment;

• trade measures, tariffs and shipping cost volatility;

• mill capacity utilisation and scrap price dynamics.

To give a practical comparison we compiled indicative mid-2025 landed/spot ranges (note: figures are typical market snapshots — always request current quotes):

Global price comparison (indicative, USD per metric tonne — mid-2025)

How we built the table: we used regional HRC/plate price indices and distributor reports for early-to-mid 2025 to estimate realistic landed ranges. Actual invoice pricing for TStE255 plate will depend on thickness, plate dimensions, surface finish, testing scope, certificate type, packing and freight.

Logistics, lead times and commercial terms that matter

Lead times depend on mill stock vs mill make-to-order:

• If the mill has stock (standard thickness/width): typical lead 1–4 weeks for local delivery;

• Mill plate that requires production: 6–12 weeks depending on workload;

• For export from China, add ocean freight and customs time (often 3–7 weeks total door-to-door).

Commercial clauses we insist on:

• Incoterm (e.g., FOB, CFR, CIF, DDP) spelled out;

• Payment schedule tied to production milestones and release of mill test certificates;

• Quality acceptance criteria and rework or rejection process;

• Force majeure and price adjustment clauses (index-linked) where appropriate.

Procurement specification checklist

When we specify TStE255 for purchasing, we include:

1. Standard and grade: DIN 17102 — TStE255, with equivalent EN grade noted if required.

2. Plate dimensions: thickness range, width, length tolerance.

3. Delivery condition: normalized (specify austenitizing and cooling if needed).

4. Mechanical requirements: yield, tensile, elongation; impact energy at specified temperature if needed.

5. Chemical limits: maximum C, S, P and specified CE formula if weld concerns exist.

6. Surface and finishing: pickled/oiled or as-rolled; shot-blast or primer needs.

7. Certificates: EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2; witness or third-party inspection if required.

8. Non-destructive testing and sampling: UT, RT, hardness testing as applicable.

9. Packaging and protection for export; labeling and mill heat/plate numbers.

10. Delivery schedule, incoterm, payment terms, penalties for late delivery.

This unambiguous approach reduces disputes and hidden costs.

Practical buying tips

• Ask for the mill’s exact heat and plate test reports (don’t accept generic certificates).

• Compare like-for-like offers: ensure certificates, finish and packing are comparable.

• For short lead times, accept slightly higher price for ex-stock material.

• When price is critical, consider larger volumes or long-term frame agreements to lock mill allocations.

• For projects with inspection authorities, specify third-party witness options early.

FAQs

Q1 — Is TStE255 the same as EN S275?
A: Not exactly. They sit in the same general strength class but you must compare the specific mechanical minima, thickness-dependent limits and delivery condition. Use mechanical/impact requirements to decide interchangeability rather than name alone.

Q2 — What certificate should I require for project acceptance?
A: Minimum EN 10204 3.1 for most projects; for the highest assurance request 3.2 or third-party test witness. Include explicit heat numbers and plate mapping on the certificate.

Q3 — Do I need special filler metals for welding TStE255?
A: Use standard structural low-alloy consumables matched to required toughness. For thick sections or constrained geometries, calculate CE and select low-hydrogen consumables with appropriate preheat.

Q4 — How volatile are 2025 prices — should I forward-buy?
A: 2025 saw high volatility; if your program tolerates capital tie-up, frame agreements or forwards can be effective. Otherwise include index-linked clauses and flexible delivery windows.

Q5 — What lead time should I plan for custom plates?
A: If production is required, plan 6–12 weeks from order to ex-works; add shipping and customs for imports. For stocked items lead times can be under a month. Always confirm with the mill.