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GB/T 4171-2008 / WELDABLE WEATHERING STRUCTURAL STEEL

Q355NH Weathering Steel Plate

Specify Q355NH atmospheric corrosion-resistant structural steel plate by thickness, quality class, test documents and the actual exposure environment. BAOSTEEL METAL coordinates mill sourcing, processing and export quotations for project purchase lists.

GB/T 4171-2008355 MPa class (≤16 mm)Cu–Cr–Ni alloy systemImpact grade A–E by order

State the full quality designation such as Q355NHC or Q355NHD when impact toughness matters. The 355 MPa yield minimum applies to the ≤16 mm band, not every plate thickness.

RFQ / SPECIFICATION REVIEW

Send your Q355NH plate requirement.

Share thickness, width, length, tonnage, impact grade, surface route, test documents and delivery destination for a material-specific offer.

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Mill availability and any additional CVN, UT, blast-cleaning or preweathering scope are checked for each order.

Q355NH structural weathering steel plates stacked with visible plate edges for B2B supply
355 MPaMinimum yield, ≤16 mm plate
490–630Tensile strength, MPa
100 mmStandard hot-rolled plate scope
GB/T 41712008 edition, currently in force
BUYING SPECIFICATION

Q355NH Weathering Steel Plate Specifications

Start with the full designation, mechanical thickness band and required quality class—not only the phrase “Corten steel”.

Steel gradeQ355NHWeldable atmospheric corrosion resisting steel
StandardGB/T 41712008 edition — currently in force
Plate scope≤100 mmStandard designation range; actual supply to verify
Grade letterA / B / C / D / EImpact quality is a purchase parameter
Purchase itemQ355NH material / procurement specification
Exact productQ355NH Weathering Steel Plate; specify quality class A, B, C, D or E for required impact properties
Governing specificationGB/T 4171-2008 — Atmospheric corrosion resisting structural steel
Product formHot-rolled plate; the standard covers Q355NH hot-rolled plate and strip up to 100 mm nominal thickness
Tensile / yield490–630 MPa tensile; minimum yield 355/345/335/325 MPa across four thickness bands
Quality designationFor example, Q355NHC (0°C, ≥34 J longitudinal CVN where applicable); confirm full grade on PO and certificate
Delivery conditionHot rolled (AR), controlled rolled (CR) or normalized (N) as ordered and accepted under GB/T 4171
Dimension and tolerancesThickness × width × length; applicable GB/T 709 or agreed dimensional and flatness tolerances
Finish / edgesAs-rolled, blast cleaned, painted or separately agreed preweathered finish; cut edges and flatness by purchase order
Inspection documentsHeat number, producer, chemistry, mechanical test results, requested impact-grade records and optional supplementary tests

The standard’s product range and tabulated properties are not a claim that any particular Q355NH thickness, width, quality class or finish is in stock. The producing mill and certified heat must be checked.

Plate listQuality classExposure environmentDelivery stateHeat traceability
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES / PLATE THICKNESS

Q355NH Yield Strength by Plate Thickness

GB/T 4171-2008 Table 4 sets four yield-strength and elongation bands. Use the actual plate thickness when qualifying drawings and incoming inspection.

Thickness, tMinimum yield (ReL)Tensile strength (Rm)Minimum elongation (A)
≤16 mm355 MPa490–630 MPa22%
>16–40 mm345 MPa490–630 MPa22%
>40–60 mm335 MPa490–630 MPa21%
>60–100 mm325 MPa490–630 MPa20%

Grade number is not a universal yield guarantee

Q355NH plate above 60 mm is specified at 325 MPa minimum yield. A thinner plate up to 16 mm is specified at 355 MPa; the plate schedule must identify each thickness.

Test identity and samples matter

Request yield, tensile, elongation and test-lot identification on the mill test certificate. Other dimensional or bend-test requirements should be written into the purchase specification.

Check the strength class for every plate size

Share your drawing or bill of materials and the relevant quality class.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION / GB/T 4171

Q355NH Steel Chemical Composition

Copper and chromium support atmospheric corrosion resistance. Review the full heat analysis and weld procedure for the particular supplied plate.

ElementHeat analysis, mass %Notes
Carbon, C≤0.16Maximum
Silicon, Si≤0.50Maximum
Manganese, Mn0.50–1.50Range
Phosphorus, P≤0.030Maximum
Sulfur, S≤0.030Maximum
Copper, Cu0.25–0.55Weathering alloy
Chromium, Cr0.40–0.80Weathering alloy
Nickel, Ni≤0.65Maximum

Optional microalloying elements

GB/T 4171 permits relevant controlled additions such as Nb, V and Ti within prescribed ranges; Mo and Zr may also be added within defined limits. The material certificate records the actual heat analysis.

Welding carbon equivalent

Use the certified chemistry to evaluate CEV or Pcm for the qualified welding procedure. Specify a project carbon-equivalent ceiling when required; no single universal Q355NH CEV guarantee is assumed on this page.

Q355NH and Q355GNH are distinct GB/T 4171 grades. Do not apply Q355GNH chemical limits, plate thickness scope or equivalent-designation claims to this page.

IMPACT QUALITY GRADE / A–E

Choose the Required Q355NH Charpy Quality Class

The A/B/C/D/E letter affects impact-temperature and energy acceptance. The purchase order and MTC should identify the full grade, such as Q355NHC or Q355NHD.

QualityTest temperatureMinimum KV₂ (average)Test direction
ANo basic CVN energy specified—No standard Charpy minimum
B+20°C≥47 JLongitudinal
C0°C≥34 JLongitudinal
D−20°C≥34 JLongitudinal
E−40°C≥27 JLongitudinal

Plate thickness and specimen size

For standard impact testing, steel thickness of 6 mm or more triggers the applicable impact rules. Reduced-size specimens are used for certain gauges below 12 mm, with the relevant reduced-energy acceptance.

Impact value is not built into “Q355NH” alone

Grade C at 0°C and Grade D at −20°C are different contracted qualities. Select the required class and verify the certified test temperature, sample orientation, heat and plate gauge.

Need a specified −20°C or −40°C impact route?

Send the full quality grade, plate gauge, required impact energy and any inspection-witnessing request.

PATINA / ATMOSPHERIC SERVICE

Plan Q355NH Weathering Steel Around the Exposure

A stable protective oxide may develop in suitable air-exposed environments. Site drainage, salts and wet/dry cycling determine whether an unpainted solution is appropriate.

CORROSION DESIGN / NOT A FINISH GUARANTEE

The steel grade and the finished surface are two separate decisions.

Q355NH is supplied to a weathering-alloy material specification. Newly rolled plate may show scale and uneven surface color. The familiar brown patina forms progressively under suitable exposure rather than arriving fully developed by default.

  • Evaluate coastal chlorides, road-deicing salts and local industrial pollution.
  • Provide ventilation and free drainage to support drying after rainfall.
  • Review joints, crevices, horizontal ledges and sheltered continuously wet areas.
  • Plan rust runoff management near façades, concrete and finished cladding.
Close-up of weathered Q355NH steel plate surface showing oxide patina texture

Open-air exposure with drainage

Outdoor structures with alternating wet and dry periods, accessible inspection and suitable detailing are common candidates for weathering-steel design.

Coastal and permanently wet locations

Chloride accumulation, stagnant water and repeated long-term wetness can undermine the expected protective behavior. Consider project-specific coating or alternative materials.

PROJECT APPLICATIONS

Where Q355NH Weathering Steel Plate Is Used

Select the material through the governing structural design code and site corrosion assessment, with matching fabrication and inspection requirements.

Outdoor steel bridge girder structure fabricated using weathering steel plate

Bridges and Outdoor Infrastructure

Girder webs, diaphragms, support stiffeners and structural plates where the design authority approves Q355NH, its test quality and relevant structural requirements.

Architectural weathering steel façade panels designed with visible weathered surfaces and drainage

Architectural Cladding and Landscape

Exterior panels, public structures, screens and art components with defined color expectations, structural support, runoff management and appropriate finish specification.

Transportation Equipment

Outdoor structural parts and fabrication blanks subject to load and environmental assessment.

Towers and Equipment Frames

Exposed brackets, support plates and built-up sections with specified connection details and test records.

Industrial Outdoor Structures

Platforms and fabricated frames requiring traceable steel chemistry, mechanical properties and welding qualification.

Containers and Custom Fabrication

Panels, structural frames and exterior components where the purchaser accepts the grade and dimensions.

FINISH / EDGES / TOLERANCE

Specify Q355NH Surface and Appearance Separately

A material-grade callout does not automatically define a finished pre-rusted appearance, paint system or blasted surface.

01 / AS ROLLED

Hot-rolled plate

Mill scale, flatness and edge acceptance are checked against the mill standard and purchase specification.

02 / BLASTED / COATED

Surface preparation

Quote abrasive blasting and coating separately with surface cleanliness and profile requirements.

03 / PREWEATHERED

Optional appearance route

If offered, define treatment process, visual acceptance and protective handling instead of assuming a uniform patina.

Surface conditionCut edge toleranceFlatnessDrainage detailsRust runoff control
WELDING / FABRICATION

Welding and Detailing Q355NH Structural Plate

Use project-approved welding consumables and qualified procedures compatible with plate thickness, actual chemistry and intended exposure.

WPS / MATERIAL CONTROL

Coordinate strength, joint weathering and weld procedure.

A Q355NH MTC supports material identity; it does not replace WPS/PQR qualification, weld inspection or the project’s structural code acceptance. Visible joints may require compatible weld-metal weathering behavior.

  • Review actual heat analysis, carbon equivalent, welding consumables and thickness.
  • Determine preheat, interpass and heat input from qualified procedures.
  • Specify bolt design, dissimilar metals, crevice sealing and runoff details.
  • Control cut-edge quality and any additional inspection requirement.
Welder fabricating weathering structural steel components in industrial workshop

Always verify the named quality class and any impact requirement after thermal cutting and welding. A588 and S355J2W use other acceptance standards and are not automatic replacements.

WHY BAOSTEEL METAL

One Supplier Contact for Q355NH Plate Procurement

Source verification, practical order planning and export coordination matter as much as price on a multi-size plate project.

01 / TRACEABILITY

Verify Material Identity

Request Q355NH grade, quality class, mill source and heat or batch identification before quotation.

02 / ORDER SIZES

Coordinate the Plate List

Check thickness, width, length, tolerance, piece counts and feasible sizes for each purchase.

03 / INSPECTION

Plan the Required Tests

Align grade-specific tensile, impact tests, mill certificates and any external inspection milestones.

04 / EXPORT

Prepare Shipment Documents

Arrange material markings, packing lists, loading plans and freight terms suited to the actual steel.

BAOSTEEL METAL company-wide operating figures: approximately 8 million MT annual steel output, 1 million MT regular inventory, 500,000 m² operating area and 1,000+ employees. These describe the wider business, not dedicated Q355NH production capacity or on-hand stock.

MILL SOURCING / INVENTORY

Confirm the Actual Q355NH Plate Lot and Lead Time

A proposed grade or size does not prove immediate inventory. Verify the mill rolling plan, exact chemistry and quality class before allocation.

MILL AND STOCK CONFIRMATION

Match the steel to your project’s plate schedule.

Send one purchasing list showing thickness, width, length, quality class and required quantities. We can evaluate approved mill options, any stock allocation, cutting scope and timing against the actual materials available.

  • Confirm producing steelworks and actual mill certificate availability.
  • Check standard-compliant thickness, requested width and length.
  • Define as-rolled, controlled rolled or normalized delivery as needed.
  • Coordinate material identification through cutting, packing and export.
Steel mill hot rolling and handling structural weathering steel plates on production line
QUALITY ASSURANCE / MTC

Inspect Q355NH Grade, Chemistry and Impact Quality

Documentation needs to identify the actual steel heat, mechanical properties and requested quality designation.

Material Certificate Checklist

  • Product standard GB/T 4171-2008, complete Q355NH quality designation.
  • Producing mill, heat or batch number and material marking.
  • Heat analysis including Cu, Cr, Ni, C, Mn, P and S.
  • Tensile test values and correct thickness band.
  • Charpy temperature, energy, specimen orientation and size for selected quality class.
  • Declared delivery condition and any additionally purchased tests.

Project-Specific Tests and Verification

  • Third-party source or shipment inspection, if ordered.
  • Dimensional and surface acceptance to drawings or standard.
  • Ultrasonic testing according to the specified UT standard and class, if required.
  • Documented coating, blasting or surface treatment when contracted.
  • Heat-number traceability and packing identification after cutting.
Steel plate quality inspector checking heat markings and material test documentation for Q355NH
TONNAGE PLANNING

Q355NH Steel Plate Theoretical Weight Calculator

Estimate procurement tonnage from dimensions in millimetres and plate quantity. The calculation uses 7,850 kg/m³ as a nominal carbon and low-alloy steel density.

Calculate plate and order weight

11.304 MT1,130.4 kg per plate

Formula: thickness × width × length (mm³) × 7.85 × 10⁻⁶ = approximate kilograms per plate. The 100 mm cap reflects the standard Q355NH plate scope, not confirmed mill availability.

What to include in your RFQ

  • Full quality designation: Q355NHB / C / D / E or other agreed class.
  • Thickness, width, length and piece count for each item.
  • Any cut list, material marking and packing restrictions.
  • Surface and corrosion-service exposure details.
  • MTC, CVN, third-party inspection and destination requirements.
OPTIONAL CUTTING / PLATE PREPARATION

Q355NH Cutting and Fabrication Preparation

Optional cutting is quoted based on available workshop capacity, plate gauge, approved cutting drawings and heat-traceability controls.

01 / PLASMA

Structural plate profiles

Plasma cutting where compatible with gauge, contour accuracy and heat-affected-edge acceptance.

02 / FLAME CUT

Heavy plate blanks

Flame profiles and coarse blanks subject to thickness, tolerance and edge-preparation requirements.

03 / PREPARATION

Holes / bevels / marking

Quote drilling, bevels and part identification to approved cut lists where offered.

CNC cutting weathering structural steel plate into custom fabrication profiles

Cut-to-size service is optional and must be confirmed. Preserve heat traceability and agree visible edge condition for exposed weathering components.

PACKING / EXPORT LOGISTICS

Q355NH Weathering Steel Plate Packing and Shipment

Export preparation balances plate flatness, traceability, bundle weights and the ordered surface finish.

SHIPMENT / DOCUMENT CONTROL

Keep markings and documents aligned.

Plate and cut-piece packing can be arranged with suitable supports, secure strapping, corrosion and handling protection where specified, and clear identifiers tied to the ordered heat numbers.

  • Review weight per bundle and the appropriate lifting plan.
  • Mark grade, quantity and heat numbers to match the packing list and MTC.
  • Select container, flat rack or other shipping mode by size and destination.
  • Agree shipping photographs and inspection release points where required.
Q355NH weathering steel plate bundles with strapping and visible heat-identification labels prepared for export
Q355NH / BUYER QUESTIONS

Q355NH Weathering Steel Plate FAQ

Choose the quality grade and product thickness first. Our response can then check supply routes, certification and export preparation.

What is Q355NH weathering steel plate?

It is a weldable atmospheric corrosion-resisting structural steel plate covered by GB/T 4171-2008. Strength requirements depend on thickness, and impact acceptance depends on the selected quality class.

What is the minimum yield strength of Q355NH?

GB/T 4171-2008 specifies 355 MPa through 16 mm, 345 MPa above 16–40 mm, 335 MPa above 40–60 mm and 325 MPa above 60–100 mm.

Does Q355NH have a fixed −20°C impact guarantee?

Only when the correct quality designation is specified. For example, Grade D requires longitudinal Charpy ≥34 J at −20°C; Grade C instead uses ≥34 J at 0°C.

What is the difference between Q355NH and Q355GNH?

Both appear in GB/T 4171, but Q355NH is the weldable-weathering grade and Q355GNH the high-weathering route with different chemical limits and product coverage.

Does all Q355NH arrive with a mature rust-colored patina?

No. Mill-delivered plate may carry ordinary hot-rolled scale; natural patina forms with appropriate outdoor wet/dry exposure, while a preweathered finish is a separately specified processing service.

Can I leave Q355NH unpainted in a coastal environment?

Chloride exposure, prolonged moisture, drainage and structural detailing require a project assessment. Some conditions call for coating or a different material.

Can Q355NH replace ASTM A588 Grade A or S355J2W?

They are not automatically equivalent. The design engineer must review the exact standards, properties, quality class, corrosion behavior, welding and test requirements.

What delivery states are used for Q355NH plate?

GB/T 4171 permits relevant hot-rolled, controlled-rolled or normalized routes for hot-rolled steel; specify the delivery condition in the order and MTC.

What certificate should I request?

Ask for a mill test certificate listing the full grade and quality class, heat number, chemistry, thickness-dependent tensile values and the required impact test results, with any supplementary inspection agreed in advance.

What information is needed for a bulk quote?

Send the exact quality designation, thickness/width/length, quantity, finish, exposure conditions, delivery state, required tests, destination and Incoterm.

BAOSTEEL METAL / Q355NH WEATHERING STEEL PLATE

Request Your Q355NH Steel Plate Quotation

Send GB/T 4171-2008, the full impact quality class, plate sizes and quantity, finish, MTC requirements, project exposure and destination. We will review material source, processing options and quotation details.

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