Types of hot-rolled sheets

Hot-rolled sheets in Poland and many other countries are classified in accordance with European standards (e.g. PN-EN), which use various letter and numerical symbols to determine the properties of the material. Depending on the chemical composition, purpose and mechanical properties, sheet metal may have different symbols, such as S, P, R, Q, etc. Below I present more detailed information about the symbols and their meaning: 1. Carbon and structural steel sheets: S – symbol for structural steel. Example: S235, S275, S355 S235 – steel with a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa, used in structures where no special strength properties are required. S275 – steel with a minimum yield strength of 275 MPa, used in load-bearing structures. S355 – steel with a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa, used in more demanding structures, e.g. bridges, large industrial halls, etc. P – symbol for steel for cold forming (e.g. sheets used for the production of machine elements, housings, etc.). Example: P235 – steel for forming, with a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa. Q – symbol for steel with high resistance to high temperatures, often used for the production of elements operating at elevated temperatures. Example: Q235 – steel with a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa, resistant to high temperature. 2. Galvanized sheets: DX – symbol for galvanized steel sheets, where D refers to the purpose of the sheet (for decorative purposes) and X determines the specific properties of the material. Example: DX51D – galvanized sheet, with a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa, intended for further processing. 3. Alloy and special steel sheets: E – symbol for special steels, used in various industrial applications, requiring special properties, e.g. resistance to corrosion, high temperature, etc. Example: E295 – steel with special mechanical and chemical properties, used in specialized industries. R – symbol of steel with high impact resistance, e.g. steel intended for the production of tools or other applications requiring resistance to mechanical damage. Example: R420 – impact-resistant steel, with a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa. 4. Corrosion resistant sheets: L – symbol of steel with increased corrosion resistance, e.g. stainless steel. Example: L360 – corrosion-resistant steel, used in the chemical and food industries. 5. Acid-resistant sheets (stainless): These sheets are usually marked according to the AISI standard or European EN standards: 1.4301 (AISI 304) – austenitic stainless steel, widely used in machine construction, industrial installations, and food production. 1.4401 (AISI 316) – stainless steel with the addition of molybdenum, resistant to acids, used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. 6. Sheets for forming: J – symbol of steel with improved welding and plastic properties, intended for further processing, e.g. bending, stamping, etc. Example: JSC – sheet metal with good properties for further plastic processing, e.g. production of structural elements. 7. Sheets with special mechanical properties: T – symbol for steel with exceptional mechanical properties, e.g. abrasion resistance, tensile strength. Example: T200 – steel with high abrasion resistance and high mechanical strength.

Back to the list