: Establishing the chemical boundaries where iron-based materials stop being classified as iron and start being categorized as steel.
The mechanical properties include:
EN 10020 functions as a foundational vocabulary rulebook. It does not provide the technical delivery conditions for ordering specific steel plates or bars. Instead, other European standards rely on its definitions to assign designations:
Prevents errors when ordering raw materials or specifying grade requirements in international contracts. en 10020 pdf
"Steel classification according to EN 10020:2000 (E) – Definition and classification of grades of steel."
Many engineering organizations, universities, and corporations maintain subscriptions to standards databases like IHS Markit (now part of S&P Global) or Techstreet, which often provide access to a vast library of PDFs. Some national libraries also offer viewing access to standards documents.
Ensuring products meet the legal requirements for European structural and manufacturing standards. Instead, other European standards rely on its definitions
"The supplied material shall be classified as per EN 10020, Clause 4.2.2. Compliance with this classification shall be verified by the inspection certificate type 3.1 per EN 10204."
Often referred to historically as carbon steels, these grades do not meet or exceed any of the limit values outlined in the standard's composition matrix.
For anyone in construction, automotive, or aerospace, EN 10020 is the "dictionary" for steel. It ensures that when you order "Alloy Special Steel," you are getting a material that meets specific chemical thresholds recognized across all of Europe. comparison table Ensuring products meet the legal requirements for European
The core utility of the document lies in its specific threshold tables. The standard sets a strict boundary line for individual elements. If a steel grade falls below the designated limit for every single element, it is classified as a non-alloy steel. If it crosses the threshold for even one element, it transitions into an alloy category.
Steels with higher purity (lower S and P content) often intended for quenching and tempering. Alloy Quality Steels:
Steels where the content of specific elements (like Manganese, Silicon, or Copper) does not exceed defined limit values. Stainless steels: