S355J2/+N Steel

S355J2/+N steel is a high-strength, non-alloy structural steel supplied to EN 10025-2. It combines dependable strength with defined impact performance at −20°C, making it widely used in construction, infrastructure, machinery and general engineering.

At P&D Northern Steels, we supply S355J2/+N plate from our Oldham site, with in house cutting to size available for customers who need specific dimensions rather than a full plate. We have supplied steel across the UK for over 54 years, supporting fabricators, contractors, engineers and manufacturers with dependable stock and reliable delivery.

The grade is normally written as S355J2+N, although it may also be displayed as S355J2/+N.

What the Grade Name Tells You

Each part of the designation describes an important property or delivery requirement:

• S identifies steel intended for structural applications.
• 355 refers to a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa for plate up to 16mm thick.
• J2 specifies a minimum Charpy impact energy of 27 joules at −20°C.
• +N indicates a normalised or normalised rolled delivery condition.

The grade is covered by BS EN 10025-2, the standard for hot rolled products made from non alloy structural steels.

The specified minimum yield strength reduces as plate thickness increases. The values that apply to the required thickness should therefore be checked against the project specification.

Structural Performance and Workshop Considerations

This grade is selected for structural work where strength, toughness and practical fabrication characteristics are all important.

Its main properties include:

• Yield strength: Plate up to 16mm thick has a specified minimum yield strength of 355 MPa, making it suitable for load bearing structural use. Lower values apply to thicker plate.
• Impact toughness: The J2 designation confirms a minimum Charpy impact energy of 27 joules at −20°C, providing defined toughness for lower service temperatures.
• Normalised condition: Normalising or normalising rolling helps refine the steel structure and supports consistent mechanical properties.
• Conformance to standards: The grade is defined under BS EN 10025-2, covering chemical composition, mechanical properties and delivery condition.
• Structural use: Its strength and toughness support load bearing structural components where stability and durability are important.
• Weldability: Its controlled chemical composition supports good weldability. Procedures should account for plate thickness, carbon equivalent, joint design, consumables and heat input.
• Formability: The plate can be bent, rolled and formed into varied shapes and profiles using suitable procedures. Thickness, bend radius and rolling direction should be considered.
• Versatility: Its combination of strength, weldability and formability supports use across construction, infrastructure, machinery and general engineering.
• Corrosion protection and surface finish: This is not inherently corrosion resistant. Surface preparation or a protective coating may be required, depending on the application, and can be arranged through suitable external partners.

The final material choice should follow the engineering drawing, design calculations and relevant project standards.

Typical Uses Across Construction and Engineering

S355J2/+N plate is used across construction, civil engineering, transport, manufacturing and heavy engineering.

Typical applications include:

• Building frames
• Bridges and bridge components
• Load bearing support structures
• Columns and structural connections
• Industrial platforms
• Heavy machinery components
• Equipment frames and bases
• Crane and lifting equipment components
• Transport frames and trailers
• Agricultural machinery
• Energy and infrastructure projects
• General fabricated structures

Its combination of strength and impact toughness makes it useful where structural components may face heavy loads, changing weather conditions or lower service temperatures.

The wider P&D Northern Steels steel plate range includes alternative grades for projects with different strength, toughness or delivery condition requirements.

Choosing Between J2, J0 and JR

S355 structural steel is available with several impact toughness designations. The correct option depends on the temperature at which impact performance must be demonstrated.

• S355JR provides a minimum impact energy of 27 joules at 20°C.
• S355J0 provides a minimum impact energy of 27 joules at 0°C.
• S355J2 provides a minimum impact energy of 27 joules at −20°C.

The +N suffix is separate from the impact designation. It refers specifically to the normalised or normalised rolled delivery condition.

S355J2 and S355J2+N should not automatically be treated as identical descriptions. Where +N appears on a drawing or specification, this delivery condition should be confirmed when ordering.

Cut Plate, Stock Enquiries and Lead Times

Our in house cutting service allows us to supply plate closer to the dimensions needed for fabrication. This can reduce preparation work, unnecessary material handling and waste before the steel reaches the workshop.

We support customers involved in steel for the construction industry, as well as heavy engineering, machinery manufacturing and infrastructure projects.

Typical requirements we can discuss include:

• Stock plate availability
• Individual cut pieces
• Steel cut to specified dimensions
• One-off project requirements
• Repeat production orders
• Larger quantity requirements
• Non-standard thicknesses or sizes
• Mill sourced material
• Urgent turnaround requests
• Nationwide and overseas delivery

If the required plate is not immediately available, our team can discuss sourcing options and likely lead times.

Please provide the grade, thickness, dimensions and quantity when enquiring so that we can check availability and prepare an accurate quotation.

Material Certificates, Traceability and Testing

Structural projects may require certification, traceability or additional testing. These requirements should be confirmed before the order is placed.

Depending on the material and specification, S355J2+N plate can be supplied with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification where required. Traceability can also be provided, usually by hard stamping, if this forms part of the project requirements.

Additional material testing can be arranged through our sister company when needed. Other specialist inspection, surface preparation or protective services may be arranged through suitable external partners.

Providing these details at the enquiry stage allows the correct material, documentation and testing route to be agreed.

Information Needed Before Dispatch

Delivery arrangements will depend on the dimensions, weight and quantity of the plate, along with the access and offloading facilities at the destination.

Useful details to provide include:

• Delivery postcode
• Plate dimensions and thickness
• Total quantity
• Site opening hours
• Booking in requirements
• Vehicle access restrictions
• Whether crane offload is required
• Whether forklift or customer offload is available
• Packaging or banding requirements
• Whether delivery is to a workshop, construction site, port or yard

Once these details are available, we can discuss an appropriate delivery option. Large plates and heavy cut pieces may require a particular vehicle or agreed offloading arrangements.

Supplying Structural Plate Since 1972

P&D Northern Steels has supplied steel plate since 1972. As experienced steel stockholders based in Oldham, we support customers throughout Greater Manchester, Liverpool, the North West, the wider UK, Europe and even Worldwide.

Customers work with us for:

• S355J2+N structural steel plate
• In-house cutting to size
• Over 54 years of steel supply experience
• Support for one-off and repeat orders
• UK-wide and overseas delivery
• Practical information about availability and lead times
• ISO 9001, BS EN 1090, NHSS 3B, UKCA and NSA accreditations
• Testing arranged through our sister company when required
• Other specialist services available through external partners

Our focus is on supplying the stated grade and dimensions with the documentation required for the project.

FAQs

Send Us Your Plate Requirements

If you need structural plate for construction, machinery, infrastructure or general engineering, contact us with the grade, thickness, dimensions and quantity required, or complete the form below.

Please also include your delivery postcode and any certification, testing, traceability or offloading requirements. Our team will check availability and confirm the likely lead time for your order.