DIN 17100 ST52-3 Double-Sided Submerged Arc Welding (DSAW) Steel Pipe
Basic Overview
DIN 17100 ST52-3 DSAW (Double-Sided Submerged Arc Welded) steel pipe is a high-strength low-alloy structural steel pipe manufactured to the now-withdrawn German standard. The "ST52-3" designation indicates a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (51 ksi) for thicknesses ≤ 16mm, making it the highest strength grade among the DIN 17100 family (ST37-2: 235 MPa, ST44-2: 275 MPa, ST52-3: 355 MPa) [citation:2, citation:6].
Important Note: DIN 17100 has been withdrawn since 2004 and replaced by the European standard EN 10025-2. The direct modern equivalent of ST52-3 is S355J2 (1.0577) or S355JR (1.0045) depending on impact requirements [citation:3, citation:6]. For new projects, it is strongly recommended to specify the modern equivalents S355J2H (EN 10210) or S355J2H (EN 10219) instead .
Name Explanation
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DIN | Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization) |
| 17100 | Standard specification for hot-rolled products in non-alloy steels (withdrawn 2004) |
| ST52-3 | Steel grade: "ST" = Stahl (steel), "52" = tensile strength class (approx. 520 MPa), "-3" = quality grade with impact requirements |
| Material Number | 1.0570 (ST52-3N), 1.0553 (ST52-3U) [citation:1, citation:3, citation:6] |
| DSAW | Double-Sided Submerged Arc Welding – both inside and outside welds are applied; the welding arc is submerged in granular flux during welding |
| Also Known As | LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded) – when the weld seam runs longitudinally along the pipe [citation:1, citation:4, citation:7] |
Modern Standard Equivalents
| Original Standard | Grade | Modern Standard | Equivalent Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIN 17100 | ST52-3 (1.0570) | EN 10025-2 | S355J2 (1.0577) | Plates, sections, general structural [citation:3, citation:6] |
| DIN 17100 | ST52-3U (1.0553) | EN 10025-2 | S355J0 (1.0553) | Impact at 0°C [citation:3, citation:6] |
| DIN 17100 | ST52-3 | EN 10210 | S355J2H | Hot-finished hollow sections |
| DIN 17100 | ST52-3 | EN 10219 | S355J2H | Cold-formed hollow sections |
| DIN 1629 | ST52 | EN 10216-1 | P355N (approx.) | Seamless tubes |
Chinese Equivalent: Q345B (GB/T 1591) or Q355B (newer GB/T 1591-2018) .
Key Specifications
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Material Standard | DIN 17100 (withdrawn; replaced by EN 10025-2) |
| Steel Grade | ST52-3 – Minimum yield strength 355 MPa (for thickness ≤ 16mm) [citation:1, citation:2] |
| Modern Equivalent | S355J2 (1.0577) per EN 10025-2:2004 [citation:3, citation:6] |
| Material Type | Low-alloy high-strength structural steel (HSLA) |
| Manufacturing Process | DSAW (Double-Sided Submerged Arc Welding) / LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welding) [citation:1, citation:4, citation:7] |
| Forming Methods | JCOE (progressive J-C-O forming) or UOE (U-ing, O-ing, Expanding) |
| Size Range | 406 mm to 1626 mm (16" to 64") OD – typical for DSAW; up to 1829 mm (72") available [citation:1, citation:7] |
| Wall Thickness | 6.0 mm to 75 mm (depending on diameter and grade) [citation:1, citation:4, citation:7] |
| Length | 3 m to 18 m standard; up to 32 m available [citation:1, citation:4, citation:7] |
| End Finishes | Plain ends, beveled ends (30° bevel angle), threaded [citation:1, citation:4] |
Chemical Composition (DIN 17100 ST52-3)
| Element | Maximum % (or Range) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.20% (≤16mm); ≤0.22% (16-63mm) | Low carbon for good weldability [citation:1, citation:2, citation:3] |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50-0.55% | Deoxidizer [citation:1, citation:2, citation:3] |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.40-1.60% | Provides strength; higher than ST44-2 [citation:1, citation:2, citation:3] |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.040% | Controlled for weldability [citation:1, citation:2, citation:3] |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.040% | Controlled for toughness [citation:1, citation:2, citation:3] |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.009% | Controlled [citation:1, citation:2] |
| Chromium (Cr) | - | Residual |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | - | Residual |
*Note: ST52-3 is a fully killed, fine-grain treated steel to ensure consistent mechanical properties across all thicknesses .*
Mechanical Properties (DIN 17100 ST52-3)
Yield Strength (min) [citation:1, citation:2, citation:6]
| Thickness (mm) | Yield Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|
| ≤ 16 | 355 |
| 16 < t ≤ 40 | 345 |
| 40 < t ≤ 63 | 335 |
| 63 < t ≤ 80 | 325 |
| 80 < t ≤ 100 | 315 |
Tensile Strength [citation:1, citation:2, citation:6]
| Thickness (mm) | Tensile Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|
| ≤ 3 | 510-680 |
| 3 < t ≤ 100 | 490-630 |
Other Properties [citation:1, citation:2, citation:6]
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Elongation | ≥ 18-22% (depends on thickness) |
| Charpy Impact (ST52-3) | 27 J at 0°C (typical) |
| Charpy Impact (S355J2 equivalent) | 27 J at -20°C |
| Hardness | 150-200 HB typical |
Dimensional Specifications
| Parameter | Range / Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | 406 mm to 1626 mm (16" to 64") – typical DSAW range; up to 1829 mm (72") available [citation:1, citation:7] |
| Wall Thickness | 6.0 mm to 75 mm (depending on diameter) [citation:1, citation:4, citation:7] |
| Diameter Tolerance | ±0.75% of specified OD (typical) |
| Wall Thickness Tolerance | +15% / -12.5% of nominal (typical) |
| Length | 3 m to 18 m standard; up to 32 m available [citation:1, citation:4, citation:7] |
| Out-of-Roundness | ≤ 1% of specified OD |
Typical Size Availability (ST52-3):
| OD (inch) | OD (mm) | Wall Thickness Range (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 16" | 406 | 6.0 - 14.0 |
| 20" | 508 | 6.0 - 16.0 |
| 24" | 610 | 6.0 - 18.0 |
| 30" | 762 | 7.0 - 21.0 |
| 36" | 914 | 8.0 - 24.0 |
| 40" | 1016 | 8.0 - 26.0 |
| 48" | 1219 | 9.0 - 28.0 |
| 56" | 1422 | 10.0 - 29.0 |
| 60" | 1524 | 10.0 - 29.0 |
| 64" | 1626 | 10.0 - 30.0 |
DSAW/LSAW Manufacturing Process
Double-Sided Submerged Arc Welding (DSAW), also known as Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welding (LSAW), is a high-efficiency process used primarily for large-diameter steel pipes [citation:1, citation:4, citation:7].
Process Description
Welding arc is submerged in granular flux during welding, protecting the weld from atmospheric contamination
Both inside and outside welds are required, usually accomplished in separate processes
The separate welds consume a portion of the other, resulting in a single high-quality weld nugget
Forming Methods
| Method | Description | Typical Diameters |
|---|---|---|
| JCOE | Progressive J-C-O forming steps (J-shape → C-shape → O-shape), expanded after welding | 406-1626 mm (16"-64") |
| UOE | Plate pressed into U-shape, then O-shape, expanded after welding | 508-1118 mm (20"-44") |
Process Steps
Plate Selection – Steel plates meeting DIN 17100 ST52-3 requirements (fully killed, fine grain)
Edge Preparation – Edges are beveled to create a V-shaped groove
Forming – Steel plates are formed into cylindrical shapes using JCOE or UOE presses
Tack Welding – Formed plates are tack-welded to maintain shape
Double Submerged Arc Welding – Pipe seam welded on both interior and exterior surfaces
Cold Expansion – Pipe may be expanded up to 1.5% to achieve final OD dimension
Ultrasonic Testing – Seam inspected by continuous ultrasonic automatic flaw detection
Hydrostatic Pressure Test – Each pipe undergoes hydrostatic pressure testing
Finishing – End processing, beveling, coating, and marking according to specifications
Testing & Inspection Requirements
| Test Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Analysis | Per heat lot | Verifies composition limits per DIN 17100 |
| Tensile Test | Per lot | Verifies yield and tensile strength |
| Flattening Test | Required | Checks ductility and weld integrity |
| Bend Test | Required | Verifies weld integrity |
| Charpy Impact Test | When specified | For low-temperature applications; S355J2 equivalent requires 27J at -20°C |
| Hydrostatic Test | Each pipe | Pressure integrity verification |
| Ultrasonic Inspection | 100% of weld seam | Continuous automatic flaw detection [citation:1, citation:4] |
| X-ray Inspection | For "T" joints | Where strip butt welds intersect spiral seams |
| Dimensional Inspection | 100% | Per standard tolerances |
| Mill Test Certificate | EN 10204 Type 3.1B | Provided with full test results |
Common Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Strength Structural Engineering | Heavy-duty building frames, columns, trusses for industrial plants, warehouses, stadiums [citation:1, citation:2] |
| Bridge Construction | Main structural members, supports for heavy bridges |
| Offshore Platforms | Marine structures, oil/gas platforms requiring high strength |
| Piling Foundations | Heavy-load bearing piles for deep foundations [citation:1, citation:4] |
| Pressure Vessels | Medium-pressure vessels (with appropriate design) |
| Heavy Machinery | Crane booms, excavator components, agricultural equipment |
| Vehicle Manufacturing | Heavy truck chassis, railcar components |
| Shipbuilding | Structural members for ships |
| Wind Turbine Towers | Large-diameter support structures for wind energy projects |
| Industrial Equipment | Conveyor systems, heavy equipment frames |
ST52-3 vs. Other DIN Grades
| Grade | Yield Strength (min) | Tensile Strength | Modern Equivalent | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST37-2 | 235 MPa | 340-470 MPa | S235JR | General structural, light duty |
| ST44-2 | 275 MPa | 410-540 MPa | S275JR | Medium-strength structural |
| ST52-3 | 355 MPa | 490-630 MPa | S355J2 | High-strength structural, heavy duty |
*ST52-3 offers approximately 51% higher yield strength than ST37-2 and 29% higher than ST44-2.*
ST52-3 vs. Modern Equivalents
| Historical Grade | Modern Equivalent | Standard | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST52-3 (1.0570) | S355J2 (1.0577) | EN 10025-2:2004 | S355J2 has tighter P/S limits; impact at -20°C [citation:3, citation:6] |
| ST52-3U (1.0553) | S355J0 (1.0553) | EN 10025-2:2004 | Impact at 0°C |
| ST52-3 | S355J2H | EN 10210 / EN 10219 | Hollow sections |
| ST52-3 | Q345B / Q355B | GB/T 1591 | Chinese equivalent |
| ST52-3 | A572 Grade 50 | ASTM | US equivalent |
Key Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Highest Strength in DIN Family | 355 MPa yield – 51% higher than ST37-2, 29% higher than ST44-2 |
| Excellent Weldability | Low carbon content (≤0.22%) and controlled carbon equivalent ensure good weldability |
| Good Low-Temperature Toughness | S355J2 equivalent guarantees 27J at -20°C |
| Large Diameter Capability | DSAW produces pipes from 16" to 64" OD – ideal for large-diameter heavy-duty applications [citation:1, citation:7] |
| High Weld Integrity | Double-sided welding creates a single high-quality weld nugget with 100% UT inspection [citation:1, citation:4] |
| Good Cold-Forming Properties | Suitable for cold bending, flanging, and shaping without cracking |
| Micro-alloyed | Fine-grain structure for enhanced mechanical properties |
| Widely Available | Commonly stocked by Chinese and European manufacturers [citation:1, citation:4] |
| Proven Performance | Decades of successful use in heavy structural applications |
Important Considerations
1. Standard Status
DIN 17100 has been withdrawn since 2004 and replaced by EN 10025-2 . For new projects, specify S355J2 or S355J2H instead.
2. Impact Property Selection
ST52-3 (original) : 27 J at 0°C
S355J2 (modern equivalent) : 27 J at -20°C
S355JR (alternative) : 27 J at +20°C
For cold climate applications, specify S355J2 or S355J2H
3. Complete Specification Required
A complete order must specify:
Material Standard: DIN 17100 ST52-3 (or modern equivalent EN 10025-2 S355J2)
Manufacturing Process: DSAW / LSAW
Dimensions: OD x WT, Length
End Finish: Plain or beveled
Coating: As required
Impact Test Temperature: If required
4. Size Limitations
DSAW manufacturing for ST52-3 is typically available from 16" to 64" OD [citation:1, citation:7]
Smaller diameters (under 16") are typically produced by ERW or seamless methods
5. Coating Options
DSAW pipe can be supplied with various coatings for corrosion protection:
3LPE (3-layer polyethylene) – for buried pipelines
FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy) – for oil & gas pipelines
Varnish / Anti-rust oil – temporary protection
Bitumen Coating – for buried service
Black Oil Coating – standard mill finish
Galvanized – for outdoor applications [citation:1, citation:4]
6. Weldability Guidelines
| Thickness | Preheat Required? | Welding Processes | Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 20 mm | No (above 5°C) | SMAW, GMAW, SAW, FCAW | Matching strength (E7018 class) |
| > 20 mm | 50–100°C | SMAW, GMAW, SAW | Low hydrogen required |
| Thick sections | 100–150°C | SAW preferred | Controlled heat input |
7. Third-Party Inspection
Available inspection services include SGS, BV, Lloyds, TUV
8. Delivery Conditions
ST52-3 DSAW pipes can be supplied in various delivery conditions:
As Hot Rolled (AR)
Normalized (N)
Quenched and Tempered (Q+T) – for maximum strength uniformity
9. Minimum Order Quantity
Typical MOQ: 5-10 tons
Larger orders available from manufacturers
10. Delivery Time
Stock items: 7-15 days after payment
Custom sizes: 20-35 days after order confirmation
Summary
DIN 17100 ST52-3 Double-Sided Submerged Arc Welded (DSAW) steel pipe is a premium high-strength product for large-diameter heavy-duty structural applications under the now-withdrawn German standard. With minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (51 ksi) – approximately 51% higher than ST37-2 and 29% higher than ST44-2 – and tensile strength of 490-630 MPa, this material offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio for demanding structural applications [citation:1, citation:2, citation:6].
Key features:
Material standard: DIN 17100 ST52-3 (withdrawn; replaced by EN 10025-2 S355J2)
Modern equivalents: S355J2 (1.0577) , S355J2H (hollow sections) [citation:3, citation:6]
Chinese equivalent: Q345B / Q355B
Low carbon content (≤0.22%) ensures excellent weldability
DSAW manufacturing produces pipes from 16" to 64" OD with wall thickness up to 75 mm [citation:1, citation:7]
Double-sided welding creates a single high-quality weld nugget
JCOE or UOE forming methods ensure precise dimensional accuracy
100% ultrasonic inspection of weld seam ensures quality
Good low-temperature toughness – S355J2 equivalent guarantees 27J at -20°C
Premium choice for heavy-duty structural applications
Common applications include:
High-strength structural engineering (heavy building frames, columns, trusses)
Bridge construction and offshore platforms
Heavy machinery (crane booms, excavator components)
Pressure vessels and wind turbine towers
Heavy-load piling foundations
When ordering, specify: DIN 17100 ST52-3 (or EN 10025-2 S355J2 for new projects), DSAW (Double-Sided Submerged Arc Welded), Size (OD x WT), Length, End Finish (plain/beveled), Coating Requirements, and Mill Test Certificate to EN 10204 Type 3.1B .
Important Note: For new projects, it is strongly recommended to specify the modern equivalent EN 10025-2 S355J2 or EN 10219 S355J2H instead of the withdrawn DIN 17100 ST52-3 [citation:3, citation:6]. For applications requiring guaranteed low-temperature toughness at -20°C, S355J2 is the appropriate choice .
