What is BS EN 10027-2- Designation systems for steels about?
BS EN 10027-2 is a safety standard on designation systems for steels.
BS EN 10027-2 specifies a numbering system, referred to as steel numbers, for the designation of steel grades. BS EN 10027-2 deals with the structure of steel numbers and the organization for their registration, allocation, and dissemination. Such steel numbers are complementary to steel names set out in EN 10027-1.
BS EN 10027-2 is applicable to steels specified in European Standards. BS EN 10027-2 maybe applied to national steels and proprietary steels. Steel numbers established in accordance with BS EN 10027-2 have a fixed number of digits. They are better suited for data processing than steel names established in accordance with EN 10027-1.
Note: Although the scope of the systems is limited to steel, it is structured to be capable of being extended to include other industrially produced materials.
Who is BS EN 10027-2- Designation systems for steels for?
BS EN 10027-2 on designation systems for steels is relevant to:
- Steel industries
- Engineers who designate steel
- Automotive engineers
Why should you use BS EN 10027-2- Designation systems for steels?
Each steel number shall refer only to one steel grade.
Steel numbers are allocated by the European Registration Office. The European Registration Office revises the list of registered steels at appropriate intervals. The object of such revisions is to review, in cooperation with the bodies responsible for the application of steel numbers, those steel numbers for steels no longer in production.
Steel numbers are allocated to steel grades in accordance with Clause 4 of BS EN 10027-2 and specified characteristics which include:
- Chemical composition
- Characteristics as determined by standard test methods (e.g., hardness, tensile properties, impact properties, hardenability, corrosion resistance, metallographic characteristics)
- Suitability for processing (e.g., cold forming)
- Suitability for specific applications (e.g., tyre cord wire)
Overall, BS EN 10027-2 is useful as it provides guidance on the designation and numerical system for steels which can help you out in your business.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 10027-2:2015 supersedes BS EN 10027-2:1992 which is withdrawn.
In comparison with EN 10027-2:1992, the following significant changes were made:
- In 4.3 the wording was modified
- In Clause 5 the number of digits for the sequential number was extended to 4 and a NOTE, as well as an explanatory text, were added
- The standard was revised editorially

