MATERIALS

Q235 is the most common carbon structural steel in China. You’ll encounter it everywhere—from general construction to low-strength fasteners. But what exactly is in it, and how strong is it? What Does Q235 Mean? Q = “Qu” (屈服) — Chinese for yield point 235 = Minimum yield strength in MPa (for thickness ≤16mm) Q235 is further divided into quality grades A, B, C, D, which indicate…

For quick reference, here are the most common Chinese carbon steel grades used in fastener and general manufacturing applications, grouped by carbon content and typical use. Low-Carbon Steels (C ≤ 0.25%) Low-carbon steels are characterized by good formability, weldability, and ductility. They are typically used in the as-rolled or cold-formed condition without heat treatment. Grade Carbon % Key Features Typical…

Can Q235 be used for 8.8-grade bolts? What about 45# for Class 10.9? Here’s a clear breakdown of which Chinese carbon steels belong in each strength class—and where to draw the line. Class 4.8 (Low Strength) Typical grades: Q195, Q215, Q235, ML08Al, ML10 Heat treatment: None (as-formed or as-rolled) Max diameter: No practical limit Typical use: Furniture, light construction, non-critical assemblies Class 8.8 (Medium…

This is where many buyers get tripped up. The suffix letters indicate the deoxidation method —which directly affects steel quality and suitability for cold heading. Deoxidation is the process of removing that oxygen. Different methods produce different steel qualities—and they’re identified by suffix letters in the grade name. The Suffix Code: What Each Letter Means Suffix Chinese Term English Term What It…

When you’re reviewing a Chinese certificate or quote, the grade name is just the beginning. This cross-reference table helps you quickly see how common Chinese carbon steels compare to the ASTM, SAE, JIS, and ISO grades you already know—and what they’re typically used for in fastener applications. Chinese Grade Property Class ASTM/SAE JIS ISO Best For… Q195 Class 4.6 1008…

“I see ’10#’ on some quotes and ‘ML10’ on others. They both have 0.10% carbon. Can I use either one?” This is one of the most common questions we hear from buyers reviewing Chinese steel specifications. And the answer matters—because choosing the wrong one can mean cracked heads, rejected parts, and delayed shipments. Short answer: No, they are not the same.…

If you’re sourcing carbon steel fasteners from China, you’ve seen them on most quotes and certificates: Q235, 45#, ML08Al etc. These codes are the industry standard, but here’s the problem: unless you know how to read them, they’re just random letters and numbers. Unlike ASTM standards where you get names like “1018” or “1045,” Chinese carbon steel grades follow a different logic.…