What is S220GD galvanized steel?
EN 10346 has two families: the D grades (DX51D–DX57D) defined by formability, and the S grades (S220GD–S550GD) defined by strength — S for structural, the number for minimum yield in MPa, GD for hot-dip coated. S220GD is the softest structural grade: yield ≥ 220 MPa, tensile ≥ 300 MPa, elongation ≥ 20 % (A80), bend radius 0.5 × t. In practice its mechanical values overlap with a good DX51D heat, but the certificate guarantees them, which is what EN 1993-1-3 (cold-formed steel design) requires before a section property can be used in a calculation. It is produced from low-carbon (≤ 0.20 %) strip, hot- or cold-rolled, and coated with the same Z100–Z275 zinc classes. Typical products are light-gauge framing studs and tracks, cable trays and ladders, shelving profiles, roofing and wall sheets and drywall systems — parts where strength matters but the 350 MPa of S350GD would make the strip too hard to form on light tooling. It substitutes upward without question: S250GD or S280GD from stock may be delivered against an S220GD order.
Chemical composition
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| max. % (ladle) | 0.20 | 0.60 | 1.70 | 0.10 | 0.045 |
Typical heat: C 0.05–0.08, Mn 0.30–0.50.
Mechanical properties
| Property | Requirement | Typical value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield strength ReH / Rp0.2 | ≥ 220 MPa | 250–300 MPa | design value fyb = 220 |
| Tensile strength Rm | ≥ 300 MPa | 340–400 MPa | |
| Elongation A80 | ≥ 20 % | 25–32 % | |
| Bend radius (180°) | 0.5 × t | passes | transverse |
Equivalent grades
| System | Grade | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EN 10147 (old) | S220GD+Z | withdrawn |
| ASTM A653 | SS Grade 33 (230 MPa) | Structural Steel |
| JIS G3302 | SGC340 | |
| GB/T 2518 | S220GD+Z | |
| EN 10346 | S250GD / S280GD | upward substitutes |
Zinc coating classes (Z100–Z600)
| Class | Zinc mass (g/m², both sides) | Thickness per side (µm) | Typical life C3 | Where used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z100 | 100 | ≈ 7 | 4–6 years | indoor, painted parts, ducting |
| Z140 | 140 | ≈ 10 | 6–9 years | the Turkish stock standard |
| Z200 | 200 | ≈ 14 | 9–13 years | roofing, outdoor cladding |
| Z275 | 275 | ≈ 20 | 12–18 years | export standard, purlins, structural |
| Z350 | 350 | ≈ 25 | 15–22 years | agriculture, coastal |
| Z450 / Z600 | 450 / 600 | ≈ 32 / 42 | 20–35 years | highway, marine, ground contact |
Life = time to 5 % red rust per ISO 9223 C3 (0.7–2.1 µm zinc loss per year); halve it for C4 industrial-coastal, double it for C2 rural. Spangle: normal (N) or minimised (M); surface quality A (normal) or B (improved, for painting); surface treatment C (chemical passivation), O (oiled), CO (both).
Thickness range and stock sizes
| Thickness | Widths × lengths | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 0.40–0.80 mm | coil 1 000 / 1 250 mm; slit strips | to order 2–3 weeks |
| 1.0–2.0 mm | coil 1 000 / 1 250 / 1 500 mm | to order 2–3 weeks |
| 2.5–3.0 mm | coil 1 250 / 1 500 mm | to order 3 weeks |
| any | S250GD / S280GD from stock as substitute | 3–5 days |
Weight per m² and per sheet
| Thickness | kg/m² | 1 000 × 2 000 (kg) | 1 250 × 2 500 (kg) | 1 500 × 3 000 (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 mm | 3.42 | 6.8 | 10.7 | 15.4 |
| 0.5 mm | 4.20 | 8.4 | 13.1 | 18.9 |
| 0.6 mm | 4.99 | 10.0 | 15.6 | 22.4 |
| 0.7 mm | 5.77 | 11.5 | 18.0 | 26.0 |
| 0.8 mm | 6.56 | 13.1 | 20.5 | 29.5 |
| 1 mm | 8.13 | 16.3 | 25.4 | 36.6 |
| 1.2 mm | 9.70 | 19.4 | 30.3 | 43.6 |
| 1.5 mm | 12.05 | 24.1 | 37.7 | 54.2 |
| 2 mm | 15.98 | 32.0 | 49.9 | 71.9 |
| 2.5 mm | 19.90 | 39.8 | 62.2 | 89.6 |
| 3 mm | 23.83 | 47.7 | 74.5 | 107.2 |
Includes Z275 coating (≈ 0.275 kg/m²); subtract 0.135 kg/m² for Z140.
Forming, welding and design
Roll-forms and brake-presses like DX51D (bend radius 0.5 × t); spring-back slightly higher. Spot and MAG welding with zinc fume extraction and post-weld touch-up; self-drilling screws, rivets and clinching are the usual joints in light-gauge framing. Design to EN 1993-1-3 with fyb = 220 MPa and fu = 300 MPa; the zinc coating is not counted in the core thickness (subtract the coating from the nominal thickness: Z275 ≈ 0.04 mm).
Where it is used
- Light-gauge steel framing studs and tracks
- Cable trays, ladders and support channels
- Shelving and racking profiles
- Roofing and wall cladding with a strength specification
- Drywall and ceiling systems (heavier gauges)
- Greenhouse and agricultural structures
S220GD vs DX51D vs S250GD
DX51D has no yield guarantee and is cheaper; S220GD guarantees 220 MPa for the same forming behaviour; S250GD guarantees 250 MPa and is what we stock. Unless the specification names S220GD, S250GD is the practical order — same price class, immediately available, and it satisfies every S220GD requirement.
Price
S220GD is priced about 10 USD/t over DX51D; the bands below are indicative FOB Istanbul for mill-order coil by thickness.
Bands from our weekly export list (September 2026), FOB Istanbul, full-container quantities, excluding freight and certificates. Firm price per project on RFQ within one working day.
Export and packing
S220GD galvanized steel ships as coil — eye-to-sky on a wooden cradle, 5–25 t per coil, VCI paper and steel strapping — or as cut sheet on skids of 2–3 t with paper interleaving and edge protectors. A 20' takes one coil up to 20 t; a 40' HC two coils or 24 t of sheet. HS 7210 / 7209 / 7208 by product.
| Term | Detail |
|---|---|
| MOQ | One coil (10–20 t) |
| Incoterms | FOB Istanbul · CIF / CFR Gulf, Africa · DAP EU, Balkans, Iraq, Caucasus · DAP Aktau |
| Lead time | To order 2–3 weeks; S250GD from stock as substitute |
| Packing | Coil eye-to-sky, VCI wrap; slit coils on pallets |
| Container / truck | 20' one coil ≤ 20 t; 40' HC two coils |
| Documents | Invoice, packing list, EN 10204 3.1 (3.2 on request), certificate of origin; SASO / SONCAP / PVoC on request |
| Payment | 30% advance, balance against B/L copy; L/C at sight for orders above 100 t |
Certificates and testing
S220GD galvanized steel ships with EN 10204 3.1 certificates cross-referenced to the stencilled heat numbers. Where the project requires it we arrange 3.2 certification with Lloyd's, BV, TÜV or SGS, ultrasonic examination to EN 10160 and Charpy testing at the temperature you specify.
How to order
Specify thickness × width, coating, surface and treatment, slit widths if any, and whether S250GD/S280GD from stock is acceptable as an upward substitute.
Standards
- EN 10346:2015 — S220GD+Z, 1.0241
- EN 10143 — tolerances
- EN 1993-1-3 — cold-formed design (fyb = 220 MPa)
- EN 10204 3.1
Grades
Grade data sheets (chemistry, mechanicals, equivalents) are on our reference site: S220GD · S250GD · DX51D
Frequently asked questions
What is S220GD?
The lowest structural grade of EN 10346 hot-dip galvanized steel (1.0241): guaranteed yield ≥ 220 MPa, tensile ≥ 300 MPa, elongation ≥ 20 %, for light roll-formed structural profiles.
What is the difference between S220GD and DX51D?
S220GD guarantees a minimum yield (220 MPa) and tensile (300 MPa) for structural design; DX51D is a forming grade with only a maximum tensile and no yield guarantee. Forming behaviour is similar.
Can S250GD replace S220GD?
Yes — it exceeds every S220GD requirement and is the grade we hold in stock.
What is the ASTM equivalent of S220GD?
ASTM A653 SS Grade 33 (230 MPa yield) is the nearest structural galvanized grade.