EN 10210 is one of the most recognized European standards for hot-finished structural hollow sections, widely adopted in the construction and engineering industries. If you’re designing heavy structures or sourcing tubes for high-load environments, this standard matters.
Let’s explore its scope, specifications, material grades, mechanical requirements, and how YIGE Steel meets and exceeds EN 10210 expectations.
Standard Overview (Scope, Numbering, History)
EN 10210 is divided into two parts:
- EN 10210-1: Technical delivery conditions
- EN 10210-2: Tolerances, dimensions, and sectional properties
It applies to hot-finished structural hollow sections made of non-alloy and fine grain structural steels. Introduced in 1994 and continuously updated, this standard governs square, rectangular, circular, and elliptical steel tubes intended for load-bearing applications in buildings, bridges, mechanical equipment, and infrastructure.
Dimensional and Specification Requirements (OD, WT, Length, Tolerance)
EN 10210 specifies a wide range of dimensions to suit different structural needs:
- Outside Diameter (OD): 21.3 mm to 508 mm
- Wall Thickness (WT): 1.5 mm to 100 mm
- Standard Length: 6 to 12 meters (custom lengths available)
- Tolerances:
- OD: ±1% (min ±0.5 mm)
- WT: ±10%
- Straightness: ≤0.2% of full length
- End squareness and ovality are also strictly defined
These tight tolerances help ensure structural integrity and compatibility in precision assemblies.
Understanding the Material Grades
EN 10210 includes several steel grades, the most common of which are:
- S235JRH – Basic structural steel
- S275J2H – Enhanced impact resistance at -20°C
- S355J2H – High strength and toughness, widely used
The suffix “H” refers to hollow sections suitable for structural applications. The “J2” designation indicates that the steel has passed Charpy impact tests at -20°C with a minimum absorption of 27J.
Mechanical Properties (Yield, Tensile, Elongation, Impact)
Steel tubes under EN 10210 meet strict mechanical performance benchmarks. For example, S355J2H must satisfy:
- Yield Strength: ≥355 MPa
- Tensile Strength: 470–630 MPa
- Elongation: ≥22%
- Impact Toughness: ≥27J at -20°C
These values are essential for ensuring that the hollow section performs under dynamic loads, fatigue, and cold climate conditions.
Applications and Recommended Uses
EN 10210 hollow sections are ideal for structural and mechanical applications that require high strength, excellent weldability, and impact resistance. Typical use cases include:
- Steel building frameworks (airports, stadiums, high-rise buildings)
- Construction machinery (excavators, concrete pump arms)
- Cranes and lifting equipment
- Transportation infrastructure (bridges, railway stations)
- Offshore and marine structures
- Wind and solar energy installations
With high resistance to deformation and fatigue, EN 10210 tubes are reliable even under demanding environments.
Comparison with Other Standards
How does EN 10210 compare with similar standards from other regions?
| Standard | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| EN 10210 | Emphasizes structural use, includes impact test requirements, stricter tolerances |
| ASTM A500 | American standard; more flexibility in size, impact performance optional |
| GB/T 8162 | Chinese standard for general purpose; less emphasis on impact toughness |
If your project involves European engineering standards, EN 10210 is often mandatory due to regulatory and safety compliance.
Our Supply Capability and Conformity
At YIGE Steel, we provide seamless and welded structural tubes fully compliant with EN 10210.
Our capabilities include:
- Size Range: 10×10 mm to 600×600 mm, WT 1–30 mm
- Steel Grades: S235JRH, S275J2H, S355J2H, Q355NH, and more
- Processing: Cold drawing with annealing or quenching & tempering for optimal mechanical performance
- Certifications: CE, ISO9001, ISO14001, BV, IATF16949 (for welded tubes)
We offer custom mold services for non-standard dimensions, quick prototyping, and support low MOQ starting from 1 ton for seamless tubes.
Conclusion
EN 10210 represents a trusted benchmark for high-strength structural steel tubes. It ensures not only dimensional accuracy but also consistent mechanical performance and safety in load-bearing environments. YIGE Steel is fully equipped to support your EN 10210-compliant projects with precision, speed, and customization flexibility.
