Difference Between E250 and E350 Steel Grades

When it comes to structural steel in India, two widely recognized grades under the IS 2062 standard are E250 and E350. While both grades are reliable, the key difference lies in their strength, composition, and performance under load. Understanding the distinction between E250 vs E350 steel helps builders, engineers, and contractors make the right material choice.

1. Yield Strength and Load Capacity

The biggest difference between E250 and E350 is yield strength—the point where steel starts to deform permanently.

E250 Steel → Yield Strength of 250 MPa
E350 Steel → Yield Strength of 350 MPa

👉 This means E350 is stronger and can handle higher stress without bending or breaking, while E250 offers better ductility and flexibility in fabrication.

2. Chemical Composition

Both grades follow IS 2062 guidelines but vary slightly in their alloying elements:

Element	E250 Steel	E350 Steel
Carbon (Max)	0.23%	0.20%
Manganese	1.50%	1.55%
Sulphur (Max)	0.045%	0.040%
Phosphorus (Max)	0.045%	0.040%
Silicon	0.40%	0.45%

🔹 Observation: Lower carbon in E350 improves weldability and toughness, while slightly higher silicon and manganese enhance strength and hardness.

3. Mechanical Properties

Mechanical performance sets the two grades apart:

Property	E250 Steel	E350 Steel
Yield Strength	250 MPa	350 MPa
Tensile Strength	410–540 MPa	490–630 MPa
Elongation (%)	23–26%	20–22%
Hardness	Moderate	Higher
Impact Strength	Standard	Better at low temperatures

👉 E250: More ductile and easier to bend, making it suitable for fabrication-heavy projects.
👉 E350: Higher tensile and yield strength, providing greater stability and load resistance.

4. Weight vs Strength Efficiency

E250 is more flexible and forgiving in shaping and welding.
E350, with its higher strength-to-weight ratio, ensures lighter structures can withstand heavier loads.

This makes E350 more efficient in projects where strength and material optimization are crucial.

5. Cost vs Performance Balance

E250 Steel: Generally more economical due to lower strength requirements and easier fabrication.
E350 Steel: Slightly higher in cost, but the added strength reduces the need for additional material in high-load structures, balancing the overall project expense.

Difference Between Steel Grade E250 vs E350

Feature	E250 Steel	E350 Steel
IS Standard	IS 2062	IS 2062
Yield Strength	250 MPa	350 MPa
Tensile Strength	410–540 MPa	490–630 MPa
Ductility	Higher	Lower
Weldability	Excellent	Good
Hardness	Moderate	High
Fabrication	Easier to shape and bend	Requires careful handling
Weight Efficiency	Moderate	Higher strength-to-weight ratio
Fatigue Resistance	Standard	Stronger under cyclic loads
Impact Resistance	Regular	Superior, even at low temperatures

Conclusion

The choice between E250 and E350 steel grades ultimately depends on the required balance of strength, ductility, and cost efficiency.

E250 is more ductile and weldable, best suited for projects where fabrication ease is a priority.
E350 offers higher strength and better performance under heavy loads, making it ideal for demanding structures.

Both are reliable under IS 2062 standards, and knowing their differences ensures safer and smarter construction decisions.

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