WStE380 High-Strength Structural Steel: Optimized for Formability & Weldability
WStE380 (EN 10149-2) is a thermomechanically rolled steel plate delivering 500-650 MPa tensile strength with exceptional cold-forming capabilities. Certified to EN 10204 3.1 and ISO 630-5, this cost-efficient alloy achieves 20% elongation while maintaining ≤0.22% Nb+Ti+V microalloy content. Available in thicknesses 1.5-150mm (±1% tolerance), it outperforms S355MC in roll-forming applications by reducing springback by 18%.
Technical Specifications & Compliance
Chemical Composition:
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Al | CEV¹ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max % | 0.20 | 0.60 | 1.70 | 0.035 | 0.030 | 0.020 | 0.42 |
¹CEV (Carbon Equivalent) = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15
Key Alloy Benefits:
- Low S/P: ≤0.03% enhances weld toughness
- Mn-Rich: 1.0-1.7% boosts work-hardening capacity
- Microalloyed: ≤0.05% Nb refines grain structure
Mechanical Properties by Thickness
| Thickness (mm) | Tensile (MPa) | Yield (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Bend Test² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤70 | 500-650 | ≥380 | ≥20 | 2t mandrel |
| 71-85 | 490-640 | ≥375 | ≥19 | 3t mandrel |
| 86-150 | 480-630 | ≥355 | ≥18 | 4t mandrel |
²Bend angle: 180° (longitudinal) / 120° (transverse) per EN ISO 7438
Physical Properties:
| Parameter | Value | Application Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | Matches S420MC for hybrid structures |
| Thermal Expansion | 11.5×10⁻⁶/°C | Stable in -30°C to 300°C ranges |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.30 | 12% better formability vs. Q345 |
Performance Advantages
- Cold Forming: 25% thickness reduction in single-pass rolling
- Welding: Preheat-free below 20mm (Pcm=0.21%)
- Corrosion: 0.04 mm/year rust rate in rural atmospheres
- Cost: 15% lower lifecycle cost than S500MC
Industrial Applications
- Construction: Warehouse roof trusses (3mm) with 650 MPa yield
- Transport: Trailer underframes (8mm) surviving 10⁶ fatigue cycles
- Agriculture: Combine harvester chassis (6mm) resisting 350 MPa impacts
- Energy: Solar racking systems (2mm) with 20% weight savings
Case Study: MAN Truck & Bus reduced chassis weight by 22% using WStE380 in 5mm laser-cut profiles.
Fabrication Guidelines
Forming:
- Minimum bend radius: 1.5×t for ≤6mm thickness
- Roll-forming speed: 25-35 m/min
Welding:
- Recommended process: MAG welding (ISO 14372)
- Filler metal: G4Si1 (ER70S-6)
- Heat input: ≤1.2 kJ/mm
Machining:
| Process | Speed | Feed | Tool Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Cut | 6-8 m/min | 0.8-1.2 kW | Nitrogen-assisted |
| Punching | 60-80 SPM | 0.5-1.0 mm | D2 tool steel dies |
Quality Assurance
- 100% ultrasonic testing to EN 10160 Class S2E3
- Batch-wise Charpy tests at -20°C (≥40J)
- Third-party inspection available (TÜV/SGS/BV)
Certifications: CE Marked, PED 2014/68/EU compliant
Packaging: VCI-coated + edge protectors; 22-ton container capacity
Lead Time: 8-10 weeks for custom processing (slitting/leveling available)
Packing And Delivery
