A36 vs S355 vs S275 – Which Structural Steel Plate Is Right for You?
If you’re torn between A36, S355, and S275 structural steel plates for your next project, you’re not alone.
These three grades are some of the most widely used structural steel plates across India, the Middle East, and Europe.
This guide will help you understand the key differences, applications, price points, and which one best suits your engineering, export, or fabrication requirement.
What Is A36 Steel Plate?
A36 is a low-carbon steel plate specified under ASTM A36 (American standard). It’s known for:
- Good weldability
- Excellent formability
- Budget-friendly pricing
Mechanical Properties
- Yield Strength: 250 MPa
- Tensile Strength: 400–550 MPa
- Elongation: ~20%
Best For: Low to medium load structures, domestic fabrication, base plates, machine frames.
What Is S275 Steel Plate?
S275 comes under EN 10025-2 (European standard) and is widely accepted in the EU, UK, and Middle East.
Mechanical Properties:
- Yield Strength: 275 MPa
- Tensile Strength: 410–560 MPa
- Impact Tested: Optional
Best For: Commercial buildings, telecom towers, poles, mild-load bridges, and general structural use.
What Is S355 Steel Plate?
S355, especially the S355J2 variant, is the high-strength sibling of S275 with impact resistance at -20°C. It’s ideal for:
- Bridges & cranes
- Offshore structures
- PEBs in cold climates
Mechanical Properties:
- Yield Strength: 355 MPa
- Tensile Strength: 470–630 MPa
- Impact Tested @ -20°C (J2 grade)
Mechanical Properties Comparison
| Property | A36 | S275JR | S355J2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 250 | 275 | 355 |
| Tensile Strength | 400–550 | 410–560 | 470–630 |
| CE Certification | No | Yes | Yes |
| Impact Testing | No | Optional | Yes (-20°C) |
Global Equivalents
| Region | Equivalent Grades |
|---|---|
| India | IS 2062 E250 = A36 / S275 |
| India | IS 2062 E350 = S355 |
| USA | ASTM A36 |
| EU | EN 10025 S275JR / S355J2 |
Application Use Cases
| Application | Ideal Grade |
|---|---|
| Basic structural work | A36 / IS 2062 E250 |
| Export fabrication | S275 / S355 |
| Bridges, towers, cranes | S355J2 |
| General fabrication | S275JR |
| Cold weather regions | S355J2 |
Which One to Choose? – Buyer Recommendation
- Choose A36:
For cost-effective fabrication, limited stress, domestic supply - Choose S275:
For mild-strength structures, with CE compliance and better mechanical properties - Choose S355:
For export projects, cold climates, bridges, heavy-duty loads, and where certifications are required
Price & Availability in India
- A36: Lowest price, fastest availability, highly stocked
- S275: Moderately priced, globally accepted
- S355: Premium pricing, best for export/fabrication-grade requirements
Hindustan Steel Corporation offers cut-to-length supply, dual-certified plates, and bulk export readiness from Mumbai stockyard.
Weldability & Fabrication Suitability
All three plates are easy to weld and fabricate.
- A36: Excellent formability and welding
- S275: Slightly better strength, equally weldable
- S355: Higher strength, suitable for robotic welding, plasma cutting, and offshore fabrication
Indian Alternatives to A36 / S275 / S355
- IS 2062 E250 = A36 / S275
- IS 2062 E350 / E350C = S355 / S355J2
We supply both Indian and international grade plates with MTC, NABL-approved labs, and 3.1 / 3.2 certifications.
Export Destinations & Packing
We supply and export all three grades to:
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Vietnam
- USA
- UK
- Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia
Packing: Loose, strapped bundles, or containerized load with seaworthy packaging.
Services from Hindustan Steel Corporation
- Ready stock of A36 / S275 / S355 in 5–120mm
- CNC profile cutting, edge preparation
- Custom width-length plates
- Certifications: EN 10204 3.1 / IBR / ISO / PED
- Doorstep delivery across India & ports
FAQs for IS 2062 vs EN 10025
Is IS 2062 E350 equivalent to S355J2?
Yes, IS 2062 E350C is closely equivalent to EN 10025 S355J2.
Which one is better for export?
EN 10025 S355J2 is globally accepted for exports due to CE marking and low-temperature impact resistance.
Can I use IS 2062 plates in Europe?
Generally no, unless dual-certified or pre-approved by the customer. EN 10025 is required for CE-marked projects.
Are EN 10025 plates more expensive?
Yes, due to stricter quality control, impact testing, and CE certification.
Which is more weldable – IS 2062 or EN 10025?
Both are highly weldable. EN 10025 may perform better in robotic or automated welding.
What’s the minimum yield strength in both standards?
IS 2062 E350: ≥ 350 MPa
EN 10025 S355J2: ≥ 355 MPa
Do both standards support impact testing?
Only selected grades of IS 2062 (like E350C) include impact tests. EN 10025 grades like J2/K2 always include it.
Is there a dual-certified plate?
Yes. Hindustan Steel offers dual-certified plates for projects needing both standards.
Where can I buy IS 2062 and EN 10025 plates in India?
From Hindustan Steel Corporation – a leading structural steel plate supplier in Mumbai with ready stock and export capabilities.
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