Standardstählen

Standardstähle are a broad class of widely used steel grades defined by national and international standards. They are designed for general engineering and construction needs, offering predictable chemistry, mechanical properties, and availability at reasonable cost. The category includes unalloyed carbon steels as well as low-alloy steels with standardized compositions.

The basis for Standardstähle is formal standardization, for example in DIN, EN, and ISO schemes, and, in some markets, national steel catalogs. In German practice these grades are often referred to by traditional designations such as St37 or St52, while the corresponding EN grades may appear under names like S235JR or S355J2. These steels are produced in many forms—hot-rolled plates, bars, tubes, and structural sections—and are supplied with mill certificates (for example EN 10204 2.1 or 3.1) documenting conformity to the specified standard.

Typical properties of Standardstähle include moderate carbon content and controlled alloying, which yield a reliable balance of strength, ductility, and weldability. Unalloyed carbon steels commonly exhibit yield strengths roughly from 200 to 350 MPa, with higher-strength low-alloy variants reaching beyond 400 MPa. They generally offer good formability and machinability but limited corrosion resistance, making protective coatings or alloys necessary for demanding environments.

Applications cover a wide range of structural, mechanical, and construction components, such as beams, frames, machinery housings, and automotive parts. They are favored for standardization, ease of procurement, and predictable fabrication characteristics. For higher performance requirements, engineers may select specialized alloy or tool steels, but Standardstähle remain a foundational category in many industries.