S355J2+N Steel in Feed Mixer Wagons – Why Does It Matter?
S355J2+N Steel in Feed Mixer Wagons – Why Does It Matter?
S355J2+N steel is one of the materials used to manufacture components that operate under heavy loads. In ZAMET feed mixer wagons, we use it for three key parts of the mixing system: the floor, mixing tub and auger. These components come into direct contact with the heavy TMR mixture and must withstand the forces generated during loading, cutting and mixing every day.
The durability of a feed mixer wagon depends on more than just the thickness of the steel plate. The steel grade, mechanical properties, machine design, welding quality and proper surface protection are equally important. When choosing a mixer wagon, it is therefore worth checking not only the number of millimetres stated in the technical specification, but also which steel grade is used for the machine’s most important components.
S355J2+N Steel – What Does the Designation Mean?
S355J2+N is not a commercial name. Each part of the designation provides specific information about the material’s properties. It is a structural steel covered by the EN 10025-2 standard. The meaning of the designation is confirmed, among others, by technical data published by ArcelorMittal and SSAB.
| Designation | What does it mean? |
|---|---|
| S | Steel intended for structural applications. |
| 355 | A nominal minimum yield strength of 355 MPa for the lower plate thickness range specified in the standard. This value changes as material thickness increases. |
| J2 | A guaranteed minimum impact energy of 27 J in the Charpy V-notch test at –20°C. |
| +N | The material is supplied in the normalised or normalising rolled condition. |
In practice, this means a material that combines high strength, suitable ductility, impact toughness at low temperatures and good weldability. These properties are important when manufacturing components intended to work under varying loads for many seasons.
Why Does the Material Matter So Much in a Feed Mixer Wagon?
When preparing TMR, the mixer wagon contains ingredients with different densities, structures and moisture levels. These may include maize silage, grass silage, straw, concentrates and mineral supplements. The vertical auger does more than move the material: fitted with knives, it also tears and cuts longer feed fractions.
During this process, the mixing tub, floor and auger are simultaneously exposed to:
- pressure from a large mass of feed,
- changing loads when the auger starts and stops,
- forces generated when cutting bales and compacted material,
- vibrations and localised impacts,
- friction caused by the moving mixture.
The material must therefore retain its dimensional stability and limit the risk of permanent deformation. S355J2+N steel is well suited to the requirements placed on the structure of a modern feed mixer wagon.
Where Do We Use S355J2+N Steel in ZAMET Feed Mixer Wagons?
In ZAMET feed mixer wagons, we use S355J2+N steel plate to manufacture the floor, mixing tub and mixing auger. Each of these components performs a different function, so its dimensions and thickness are selected according to the specific model, capacity and anticipated loads.
Feed Mixer Wagon Floor
The floor supports the weight of the loaded feed and the loads transferred by the operating auger. It is also the point where the forces acting on the mixing system come together. The correct steel grade and properly selected plate thickness help maintain structural rigidity during daily operation.
Mixing Tub
The mixing tub, also referred to as the mixing chamber, is continuously loaded by the moving TMR. Its shape affects feed circulation, while the material must withstand pressure from the mixture, vibrations and cyclic loads. The use of S355J2+N steel combines structural strength with the ability to form and weld individual components precisely.
Mixing Auger
The auger is the heart of a vertical feed mixer wagon. It lifts, moves, cuts and mixes the ration ingredients. During operation, it transfers torque from the drive system and is exposed to particularly high loads, especially when processing straw or grass silage bales.
For this reason, ZAMET augers are manufactured from S355J2+N steel, with the design and thickness selected for the relevant feed mixer series. Depending on the configuration, the auger can also be equipped with tungsten carbide knives, star knives or a stainless steel wear strip reinforcing its outer edge.
Steel Grade and Plate Thickness – Why Must They Be Considered Together?
Knowing that a floor has a specific thickness does not provide a complete description of the structure. Two steel plates of identical thickness but made from different steel grades may have different mechanical properties. At the same time, using a stronger steel grade cannot replace a correct design or properly selected component dimensions.
At ZAMET, we therefore select the following parameters together:
- material grade,
- steel plate thickness,
- geometry of the floor, mixing tub and auger,
- arrangement of reinforcements,
- cutting, bending and welding technology.
This approach is more important than focusing on a single value in a technical table. The properties of the material must work together with the entire machine design.
S355J2+N Steel and S235 – What Is the Difference?
S235 and S355 are widely used structural steel grades, but they differ primarily in their guaranteed yield strength. Yield strength is the stress level beyond which a material may begin to deform permanently.
S355 steel has a higher nominal yield strength than S235. It therefore gives the designer greater scope when developing components that must carry heavy loads. This does not mean, however, that the finished machine will automatically last a specific percentage longer. Its actual durability also depends on plate thickness, geometry, the quality of welded joints, operating conditions and regular maintenance.
For this reason, we specify not only the thicknesses of the most important components in our feed mixer wagons, but also the steel grade used.
For particularly intensive operation, the auger can be fitted with additional protection, such as a stainless steel wear strip along its edge or stainless steel wear plates on the working surface. For information about manufacturing, upgrading or refurbishing an auger, please contact our feed mixer auger production and refurbishment department.
What Does S355J2+N Steel Offer the User in Practice?
For a farm owner, the symbols on a steel plate are less important than the machine’s daily performance. Using properly selected S355J2+N steel for the floor, mixing tub and auger supports:
- the rigidity of the most important components,
- structural resistance to changing loads,
- stable operation of the mixing system,
- safe operation in winter conditions,
- consistent component quality during production,
- the creation of durable welded joints.
S355J2+N Steel in ZAMET Feed Mixer Wagons – A Deliberate Choice of Material
At ZAMET, we use S355J2+N steel for the parts of the feed mixer wagon that are directly involved in preparing the ration: the floor, mixing tub and auger. The material, plate thickness and component design are selected together to suit the specific model.
When comparing feed mixer wagons, it is therefore worth asking not only about capacity, power requirement and equipment. The material used to manufacture the mixing system is equally important. Full specifications of our models are available on the relevant product pages, and our team can help select a feed mixer wagon suited to the herd size, type of TMR and conditions on the farm.
Frequently Asked Questions About S355J2+N Steel
What is S355J2+N steel?
It is a structural steel compliant with EN 10025-2. The designation describes, among other properties, its nominal yield strength, required impact toughness at –20°C and delivery condition as normalised or normalising rolled steel.
What does the number 355 mean in the steel designation?
It indicates a nominal minimum yield strength of 355 MPa for a specified thickness range. According to the standard, the exact value depends on the thickness of the steel plate.
What does J2 mean in the S355J2+N designation?
J2 indicates a required minimum impact energy of 27 J in the Charpy V-notch test carried out at –20°C.
Which ZAMET feed mixer wagon components are made from S355J2+N steel?
We use S355J2+N steel to manufacture the floor, mixing tub and mixing auger. The thickness and design of each component depend on the feed mixer series, capacity and configuration.
