The best grade for fabrication depends on the balance between strength, weldability, formability, and machinability. In India and global projects, IS 2062 E250 / E350, S355J2, and SAILMA 350 / 410 are the most fabrication-friendly high tensile plates. These grades are widely preferred by fabricators due to their excellent cold-forming properties and easy weldability without preheating.
What Makes a Steel Plate Fabrication-Friendly?
A grade is suitable for fabrication if it offers:
- Moderate tensile strength (so it’s not too brittle for cutting/bending)
- Good ductility and elongation
- Low carbon equivalent (CE) for better weldability
- Controlled silicon, manganese, and microalloying content
- Resistance to cracking and deformation during laser/plasma cutting
Popular Use Cases in Fabrication-Heavy Sectors
Fabrication-friendly grades are essential in
- Structural steel fabrication workshops
- Pressure vessel manufacturing (IS 2062 E350 BR / BO)
- Railway part cutting and welding (S355J2+N)
- Cranes, booms, and tipper body building (SAILMA 410)
- OEM trailer/chassis manufacturing (E350 / S355J2)
Mechanical Advantage of Fabrication Grades
| Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Weldability |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS 2062 E350 | 350 | 23–25 | Excellent (Low CE) |
| S355J2 | 355 | 20–22 | Excellent |
| SAILMA 350 | 350 | 22–24 | Excellent |
| SAILMA 410 | 410 | 20–22 | Very Good |
| E250 BR | 250 | 26–28 | Excellent |
Top Grades Used by Indian Fabricators
- IS 2062 E350 BR/BO
- S355J2+N / S355JR
- SAILMA 350 / 410
- S235JR / A36 for low-load parts
- E410/E450 for heavier-duty welded beams
Cutting, Bending & Rolling Recommendations
- For laser and plasma cutting, preheat may not be required up to 25mm thickness for E350/S355J2.
- Cold rolling is smooth on E250 and E350 plates without cracking.
- Bending radius recommended: 2.5x plate thickness for S355J2 and E350.
- Avoid high-speed tool cuts for quenched plates like S690QL without cooling.
Welding Tips for Fabrication-Grade Plates
- Use low hydrogen electrodes (E7018 / E8018) for clean welds.
- No preheating required for <20mm E350, S355J2.
- Maintain interpass temp below 250°C.
- Multi-pass welding advisable for SAILMA/E450 if >20mm thickness
Buyer Tips to Choose Right Grade
- Use IS 2062 E250 for general fabrication and light structures.
- Use E350 or S355J2 for medium-load projects with frequent bending.
- Choose SAILMA 410/E410 for components needing higher strength + good weldability.
- Avoid quenched plates like S690QL unless necessary due to low formability.
Related Fabrication Grades We Offer
- IS 2062: E250, E350, E450
- SAILMA: 350, 410, 450, 550
- EN 10025-2: S275JR, S355J2
- ASTM: A572 Gr 50, A36, A514
- JFE: Hiten 450, 550
Export-Ready Fabrication Grades
We export high fabrication grades to:
- UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia – for oil & gas structure modules
- Vietnam, Indonesia – for fabrication yards & trailers
- Kenya, Nigeria – for OEM welding units
- South Africa – for mine-frame and structural weldments
Standard packaging includes:
- PVC-wrapped bundles or loose plate stacks
- Plate edge ground + heat number inkjet marked
- Custom CNC cutting upon export order
How to Select Grade Based on Fabrication Use?
| Fabrication Type | Ideal Grade |
|---|---|
| Structural welding | IS 2062 E350 / S355J2 |
| Bending/forming | IS 2062 E250 / E350 |
| Cutting-heavy work | E350 BR / S355J2 |
| Pressure component | IS 2062 E350 BR |
| Automotive welding | SAILMA 350 / 410 |
Always check for weldability (CE%), elongation, and toughness values in the test certificate before selecting
Certifications That Matter for Fabricators
- EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 Mill Test Reports
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT) as per EN10160
- IBR, NACE, PED – if required by project
- Charpy Impact Testing for BR/N variants
- CE markings for EU-based fabrication
Ready to Order Fabrication-Friendly High Tensile Plates?
Hindustan Steel Corporation stocks and supplies fabrication-ready high tensile steel plates with full documentation and export support.
Send your RFQ or call for instant pricing.
Datasheet, MTC, and logistics support available.
Custom cutting, edge prepping, and JIT delivery options.
15 SEO-AEO Voice Search FAQs
Can I cut S355J2 plates with plasma cutter?
Yes, up to 25mm thickness without preheat
What is CE value in fabrication steel?
Carbon Equivalent (CE) indicates weldability – lower CE = better welds.
Is E250 suitable for pressure parts?
Use E350 BR or BO for pressure parts, not E250
Which grade gives good elongation for forming?
IS 2062 E250 and E350 offer 22–25% elongation.
Are SAILMA grades better than IS 2062?
Yes, SAILMA 410 and 450 offer higher strength with similar weldability.
Can these grades be used for chassis building?
Absolutely – E350/S355J2/SAILMA are used in trailer and chassis works.
Is preheating needed for E350 welding
Not generally, if thickness is below 20mm
What is BR vs BO in IS 2062?
BR = impact tested; BO = general purpose with better cold formability.
Which grades are best for OEMs?
S355J2 and SAILMA 410 are preferred by OEMs and fabrication houses.
Does Hindustan Steel supply CNC-ready plates?
Yes, plates are available with edge prepping and flatness checks.
Can I get export packaging with mill TC?
Yes, all plates come with TC and export-standard packaging.
What is the best thickness range for forming?
6mm–25mm thickness is optimal for cold forming.
Do you supply plates for tank fabrication?
Yes, IS 2062 E350 BR and S355J2 are widely used for tank bodies.
How fast can I get delivery?
Most fabrication grades are in ready stock – dispatch within 2–3 days
Call our experts or Request a datasheet and price quote for
Contact Hindustan Steel Corporation today
- IS 2062 E350 / E450
- S355J2 / S690QL / S890QL
- Hiten 550 / 600
- SAILMA series
- ASTM A572 Gr 50 / A573
Let’s discuss your project specs and suggest the perfect match.