S690QL vs S890QL – What’s the Difference?

Why Compare S690QL and S890QL?

Both S690QL and S890QL are high-strength quenched and tempered steels used in demanding industries — but they’re not interchangeable. While both fall under the EN 10025-6 standard, the choice between them can impact:

• Weldability and fabrication effort
• Weight reduction and design stress
• Code approvals and application fit
• Cost per plate and long-term value

If you’re designing or sourcing for cranes, trailers, lifting frames, defence vehicles, or heavy structures, this guide helps you choose the right grade between the two.

Meaning of the Designation: What Does QL Mean?

Term	Meaning
S	Structural Steel
690 / 890	Minimum yield strength in MPa
Q	Quenched (heat-treated for high strength)
L	Low temperature impact tested (-40°C)

So, S690QL = Structural steel with 690 MPa yield, quenched and tempered, with guaranteed impact resistance at -40°C.
S890QL simply raises that yield threshold to 890 MPa, offering even higher strength with lighter section weight.

Mechanical Properties: S690QL vs S890QL3

Property	S690QL	S890QL
Yield Strength (Min)	690 MPa	890 MPa
Tensile Strength	770–940 MPa	940–1100 MPa
Elongation	~14–17%	~10–14%
Charpy Impact	≥ 27J @ -40°C	≥ 27J @ -40°C
Weldability (CEV range)	0.43 – 0.53	0.45 – 0.55
Typical Thickness Range	6 – 120 mm	6 – 100 mm

Note: Higher strength = thinner sections but also requires tighter control on welding heat input

Summary of Core Differences

Factor	S690QL	S890QL
Strength	Very High	Ultra High
Weldability	Easier than S890QL	Needs tighter heat control
Elongation	More ductile	Slightly lower ductility
Weight Saving	Good	Excellent for lighter structures
Cost	Economical	Premium due to higher performance
Availability	Widely available in India	More limited, higher lead time

Where Is Each Grade Used? Application-Based Selection

Application	Recommended Grade	Why?
Trailer Chassis & Body	S690QL	Easier welding, good strength, high availability
Crane Booms & Lifting Arms	S890QL	Higher strength-to-weight ratio
Offshore & Marine Structures	S690QL	Lower CE values, better weldability
Bridge Girders & Trusses	S690QL	Long-span strength + flexibility
Defence & Armoured Cabins	S890QL	Lighter armor structures, higher tensile
Yellow Goods & Excavators	S690QL	Readily weldable, stock availability
Telescopic Booms / Man Lifts	S890QL	Critical for weight + strength balance

Tip: If the goal is lightweight design with high static load — go with S890QL.If the focus is ease of welding and cost-efficiency, choose S690QL.

Welding & Fabrication: Key Differences

Factor	S690QL	S890QL
Preheat Requirement	Low–Moderate	High (especially >40mm thickness)
Interpass Temp	Up to 150°C	Controlled <120°C
Heat Input Range	2 – 3 kJ/mm	1.5 – 2.5 kJ/mm
Post-Weld Cooling	Standard air cooling	Controlled slow cooling preferred

WPS (Welding Procedure Spec) must be grade-specific.
S890QL requires more experienced welders due to narrow heat input tolerance and risk of brittleness.

Indian Availability: Is S890QL Easily Stocked?

Brand Equivalents – Strenx, Dillimax, JFE, HIND

Global Brand	S690QL Equivalent	S890QL Equivalent
Strenx (SSAB)	Strenx 700 / 700MC	Strenx 900
Dillinger	Dillimax 690T	Dillimax 890T
JFE Steel	HITEN 780LE	HITEN 900E
HIND (India)	HIND Q&T 690	HIND Q&T 890

If you are transitioning from imports to domestic, match properties like:

• Yield strength
• Elongation
• Charpy @ -40°C
• CE value
• Thickness tolerance
• Impact energy

Cost Difference in Real Projects

 S690QL is approx. 15–25% cheaper than S890QL per MT — and significantly more economical when factoring in:

• Reduced welding complexity
• Shorter lead time
• Lower scrap loss during fabrication

If your design doesn’t strictly demand 890 MPa yield, S690QL offers better total cost of ownership.

Final Recommendation – Which Grade Should You Choose?

• Choose S690QL if:
  You want ease of fabrication, lower cost, wider availability, and standard high-strength performance for structural, trailer, or construction applications.
• Choose S890QL if:
  Your project needs lightweight design, increased load capacity, and can handle tighter welding/fabrication requirements, e.g., defence, cranes, or high-stress components.

Checklist: Before You Finalize the Grade

• Confirm design yield strength (690 or 890 MPa)
• Cross-check with your WPS & welding team
• Check plate thickness vs application stress
• Match Charpy @ -40°C requirement
• Request MTC and UT scans for quality assurance
• Ask for CE value confirmation
• Evaluate lead time and local stock availability

Pro tip: Request both S690QL & S890QL quotations — some applications may allow flexibility based on plate thickness and stress range.

Get the Comparison PDF

Need to explain the difference to your project team or client?
Email or WhatsApp us to get a one-page downloadable sheet:

• S690QL vs S890QL at a glance
• Welding heat inputs
• Project match suggestions
• Available stock thicknesses
• HIND equivalent grades

Where to Source These Grades in India

Looking for a reliable Q&T plate supplier with both grades under one roof?

Hindustan Steel Corporation – Mumbai & Taloja
We offer:

• S690QL and S890QL plates with MTC
• In-house CNC profiling & bevel cutting
• UT, CE, impact test reporting
• Packaging for local & export shipment
• Quick dispatch from ready stock

FAQs