ST37 and ST52 are common structural steel grades under the former German DIN 17100 standard. The key difference between ST37 vs ST52 steel sheets lies in their carbon content and yield strength: ST52 has a higher carbon percentage and significantly greater strength. These distinctions affect weldability and toughness. This article compares the chemical composition and mechanical properties of ST37 and ST52 to guide engineers in choosing the right steel sheet for each application.
What Are ST37 and ST52 Steel?
ST37-2 and ST52-3 are steel grades from the German DIN 17100:1980 specificationgneesteel.com. In modern terms, ST37-2 corresponds roughly to EN S235JR (≈235 MPa yield)steelnumber.com, while ST52-3 corresponds to high-strength EN S355J2 (≈355 MPa yield)steelnumber.com. In practice, ST37 sheets (235 MPa yield) are used for general structural components, whereas ST52 sheets (355 MPa yield) are chosen for heavier, load-bearing structures.
Corrugated steel panel illustrating ST37 vs ST52 steel sheets. Structural steel sheets may appear similar, but small changes in chemistry yield different strengths and performance characteristics.
Chemical Composition of ST37 and ST52
The chemical composition of each steel governs its properties. ST37-2 is a low-carbon grade with a maximum carbon content of 0.17% and silicon up to 0.20%, with sulfur ≤0.05% and nitrogen ≤0.009%. ST52-3 allows higher alloying limits: C ≤0.20% and Si ≤0.22%, with the same sulfur and nitrogen limits. These values are summarized as:
ST37: C ≤ 0.17%, Si ≤ 0.20%, S ≤ 0.05%, N ≤ 0.009%
ST52: C ≤ 0.20%, Si ≤ 0.22%, S ≤ 0.05%, N ≤ 0.009%
The slightly higher carbon and silicon in ST52 increases its tensile and yield strength. Steel sheet surfaces with uniform ridges, representing ST37 vs ST52 steel sheets panels. The subtle composition differences (higher C and Si in ST52) enable greater hardness and strength in ST52 steel.
Mechanical Properties and Strength
Mechanical testing highlights the performance gap. For steel thickness ≤16 mm, ST37-2 has a minimum yield strength of 235 N/mm² and tensile strength ~360–510 N/mm². In contrast, ST52-3 has a minimum yield of 355 N/mm² and tensile 510–680 N/mm². In other words, ST52’s yield is roughly 50% higher than ST37’s for similar thicknesses.
For context, ASTM A36 steel (common U.S. structural steel) has a yield of ~250 MPaen.wikipedia.org, close to ST37’s 235 MPa. The European S355 grade (equivalent to ST52) also has 355 MPa yielden.wikipedia.org. These figures confirm that ST37 is comparable to S235JR, and ST52 to S355J2, in strength. The higher strength of ST52 comes at a trade-off of somewhat reduced ductility and harder weldability compared to ST37. Industrial worker operating a cutter on a steel plate; typical fabrication step for ST37 vs ST52 steel sheets. Higher-strength ST52 steel often requires careful welding procedures (preheat and post-heat) due to its higher carbon content, whereas ST37 is more forgiving during fabrication.
Applications and Usage
ST37 (St37-2): A general-purpose mild steel, widely used for low-stress structural components. It is suitable for beams, columns, and framing where extreme strength is not required. The lower carbon content improves weldability and formability, which makes ST37 sheets ideal for standard construction and fabrication.
ST52 (St52-3): A high-strength structural steel used in heavy-duty applications. The higher yield allows for thinner sections or higher load-bearing designs. ST52 is often used in cranes, bridges, and large machinery. It provides better fatigue resistance under heavy loads but requires stricter welding controls. (ST52-3J2 plates typically specify impact tests at –20°C for toughness.)
Engineers must match the steel to the project: if higher load capacity or weight savings are needed, ST52 is appropriate; if fabricability and cost are critical, ST37 may suffice. Both grades adhere to standards (DIN 17100 or EN 10025), with ST52-3 sometimes roll-normalized for consistent propertiessteelplatesforsale.com.
Important: DIN 17100 has been superseded by EN standards. Manufacturers now refer to EN 10025 (S235JR, S355J2, etc.), but many vendors still list ST37 and ST52 for historical reasons. Always check the latest material specifications when ordering steel sheets.
High-precision laser cutter operating on a metal sheet. The difference between ST37 vs ST52 steel sheets can impact cutting and forming processes because of the difference in hardness and strength.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Steel
All in all, ST37 vs ST52 steel sheets differ primarily in carbon content and strength. ST37 is a low-carbon steel (C ≈ 0.17%) with lower yield (~235 MPa), while ST52 has higher carbon (C ≤ 0.20%) and much higher yield (~355 MPa). These differences mean ST37 offers easier welding and greater ductility, whereas ST52 provides stronger, lighter structures. Consult the relevant standards or material data to confirm exact specificationssteelnumber.com.
To inquire about ST37 or ST52 steel sheet supply, request test certificates, or get custom cutting services, please contact our steel products team. We offer a full range of carbon steel plates and expert metallurgical support for any industrial project.
Key Takeaways: ST37 has lower strength and carbon (≈0.17%), whereas ST52 allows more carbon (≤0.20%) and delivers ~355 MPa yield. Always select the steel sheet grade that meets your load requirements and fabrication needs.
Sources: Authoritative steel standards and databasessteelplatesforsale.comsteelplatesforsale.comen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org.