Grades · Pipe & Tube Steel · Q345B / 16Mn

Q345B / 16Mn

Data verified

Q345B is China’s HSLA structural steel (successor of 16Mn) for welded structures, pressure equipment and seamless pipe — the volume grade behind much of China’s pipe and fabrication exports.

DIN1.0570 (S355J2, near)
AISIA572 Gr.50 (near)
JISSM490 (near)
CategoryPipe & Tube Steel

Chemical composition

ElementContent (%)
C≤0.20
Si≤0.50
Mn1.00–1.70
P≤0.035
S≤0.035
V0.02–0.15 (optional)
Nb0.01–0.06 (optional)

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Yield strength≥345 MPa (≤16 mm)
Tensile strength470–630 MPa
Density7.85 g/cm³
ImpactB grade: 20 °C, ≥34 J

Heat treatment

Supplied hot rolled or normalized; no quench-temper needed.

Equivalent grades

StandardDesignation
din1.0570 (S355J2, near)
aisiA572 Gr.50 (near)
jisSM490 (near)
gbQ345B (GB/T 1591); 16Mn legacy

Compare side by side: Q345B / 16Mn vs S355J2

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Structural pipe, pressure vessels, bridges, machinery frames, low-pressure fluid tube.

Processing: Good weldability (CEV controlled); formable; the default upgrade from Q235 where design allows 345 MPa yield.

FAQ

Is Q345B the same as S355?
Near-equivalent HSLA grades with similar yield (345 vs 355 MPa). Certificates often cross-accept; impact grades and CEV limits differ slightly by standard.

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Source: GB/T 1591 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.