Steel Plates & Sheets

Understanding your choice of Steel Plates & Sheets options

Steel Plates & Sheets is a common material in many fields, such as industry, construction and machinery manufacturing. Choosing the right steel plate is important because it can directly affect the success, safety and efficiency of the project. Choosing the right steel plate is essential to ensure the success, safety and efficiency of the project. Considering various factors, such as performance requirements, cost, processability and availability, can help you make informed decisions.

What is a steel plate?

A steel plate is a flat, large area of metal products, usually made of steel. According to its manufacturing method and final application, the steel plate can have different thickness, size and quality. Steel plates can be manufactured by hot rolling or cold rolling. Hot rolled steel plate is manufactured at high temperature, with good ductility and toughness. The cold rolled steel sheet is manufactured at a lower temperature; its size is more accurate and the surface is smoother.

Types of steel plates

Steel plates are manufactured in a variety of types to cater to different applications and requirements. Here’s an overview of some of the most common types:

1. Carbon Steel Plates:
   • These are the most common type and are characterized by the amount of carbon content in them. They can be further categorized into:
     • Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel)
     • Medium Carbon Steel
     • High Carbon Steel
2. Alloy Steel Plates:
   • Contains additional elements like chromium, molybdenum, nickel, etc. These elements provide certain desired properties such as strength or resistance to wear and corrosion.
3. Stainless Steel Plates:
   • Known for its resistance to corrosion. It contains chromium which forms a passive layer of chromium oxide that prevents further corrosion. There are various grades like 304, 316, 410, etc., with different properties and uses.
4. Abrasion Resistant (AR) Plates:
   • Designed to have high durability and wear resistance. Often used in mining equipment, truck bodies, and other high-wear applications.
5. Boiler Quality Plates:
   • Specifically designed for use in pressure vessels, boilers, and heat exchangers. These plates can handle high temperature and pressure.
6. High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Plates:
   • These plates are made to have increased mechanical properties and/or improved atmospheric corrosion resistance.
7. Tool Steel Plates:
   • Used to make tools as they have distinctive hardness, resistance to abrasion, and ability to hold a cutting edge at elevated temperatures.
8. Shipbuilding Steel Plates:
   • Used for shipbuilding and offshore structures. They must have high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
9. Weathering Steel Plates (COR-TEN):
   • Formed with a specific combination of elements, these plates develop a protective layer of rust over time, giving them a distinctive appearance and increasing their resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
10. Clad Steel Plates:
    • Comprise two or more metals bonded together. They combine the properties of both metals, such as the corrosion resistance of stainless steel and the strength of carbon steel.
11. Quenched & Tempered Steel Plates:
    • These undergo a specific heat-treatment process to enhance their strength.
12. Offshore & Structural Steel Plates:
    • Used in offshore platforms and structures for strength and durability.

The choice of steel plate depends on the specific application, environmental conditions, desired properties, and other factors. In addition to the types mentioned above, there are other specialized grades and proprietary alloys produced by various manufacturers to cater to niche applications.

Standards of Steel Plates

Steel Plates & Sheets are manufactured and tested based on various international standards, which ensure that they meet specific requirements in terms of chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and other characteristics. Here are some of the major standards pertaining to steel plates:

1. ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials):
   • ASTM A36: Standard for carbon structural steel.
   • ASTM A283: Low and intermediate tensile strength carbon steel plates.
   • ASTM A572: High-strength low-alloy structural steel.
   • ASTM A516: Pressure vessel plates, carbon steel for moderate and lower-temperature service.
   • ASTM A240: Chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and general applications.
2. EN (European Standards):
   • EN 10025: Hot rolled products of structural steels, with different parts covering specific steel grades.
   • EN 10028: Flat products made of steels for pressure purposes, with various parts specifying requirements for different types of alloy or non-alloy steels.
3. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards):
   • JIS G 3101: Rolled steels for general structure.
   • JIS G 3106: Rolled steels for welded structure.
   • JIS G 3136: Rolled steels for building structure.
4. BS (British Standards):
   • BS 4360: Specification for weldable structural steels.
   • BS EN 10025: Hot rolled products of structural steels.
5. IS (Indian Standards):
   • IS 2062: Hot rolled medium and high tensile structural steel.
6. AS/NZS (Australian/New Zealand Standards):
   • AS/NZS 3678: Structural steel – Hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs.
7. DIN (German Standards):
   • DIN 17100: Steels for general structural purposes.
   • DIN 17102: Weldable normalized fine grain structural steels; technical delivery conditions.
8. API (American Petroleum Institute):
   • API 2H: Steel plate for offshore structures.
   • API 5L: Specification for line pipe.
9. ISO (International Organization for Standardization):
   • ISO 630: Structural steels – Plates, wide flats, bars, sections and profiles.
10. Others:

• Various countries have their own standards organizations, such as GOST in Russia, GB in China, etc., which also publish standards for steel plates.

When selecting steel plates for a specific application, it’s crucial to ensure that the plates meet the appropriate standard. This not only guarantees the material’s quality and performance but also ensures safety, especially in critical applications like construction, shipbuilding, or pressure vessels.

Materials Used in Steel Plates

Steel Plates & Sheets can be made from various materials, each with unique properties suited for specific applications. Some common materials include:

Dimensions of Steel Plates

Steel plates come in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses, depending on their application. Common dimensions include width, length, and thickness. However, there isn’t a “standard” size for a steel plate because it depends on its intended use. For construction, shipbuilding, or other large-scale purposes, large plates of varying thickness might be required. For a small project or household use, a smaller plate might suffice.

Here are some common thicknesses for steel plates, though this is not an exhaustive list:

• Thin sheets: < 3mm
• Medium plates: 3mm – 25mm
• Thick plates: > 25mm

Width and length can vary greatly. Some common widths for commercially available plates might be 1200mm, 1500mm, or 2000mm, but much larger and smaller widths can be produced. The length can range from a few meters to 12 meters or even longer, based on specific requirements.

If you’re looking to buy steel plates or have a specific application in mind, it would be best to consult with a steel supplier or manufacturer. They can provide you with detailed specifications, including available sizes, grades, and other relevant characteristics of the steel plate you might need.

Steel Plate Thickness and Weight – Metric Units

Calculating Steel Plate Weight

The Manufacturing Process of Steel Plates & Sheets

The manufacturing of steel plates & sheet is usually divided into two main processes: hot rolling and cold rolling. The following is a basic description of these two manufacturing processes:

Manufacturing process of hot-rolled steel plates

Hot rolled steel plate is a steel plate produced through the hot rolling process. Compared with cold rolled steel plate, hot rolled steel plate does not require cooling to recrystallize during the manufacturing process, so it has faster production speed and lower cost but lower accuracy and rough surface. The following are the basic manufacturing processes for hot-rolled steel plates:

• Raw material preparation: Select suitable steel billets or ingots as raw materials.
  Heating furnace heating: The steel billet first needs to be heated to an appropriate temperature. This is usually done in a reheating furnace, heating the steel billet to a range of approximately 1100 ° C to 1300 ° C. This is to make the steel have good plasticity and reduce rolling resistance.
• Deoxidation: At high temperatures, the surface of steel billets is prone to combine with oxygen to form iron oxide. Therefore, before entering the rolling mill, it is necessary to remove the iron oxide on its surface through strong high-pressure water or other methods.
• Roughing: The heated steel billet enters the roughing mill. Here, the steel billet is rolled several times, gradually reducing its thickness.
• Intermediate rolling: The rough rolled steel plate will enter one or more intermediate rolling units for further shape and size control.
• Shaping: During the rolling process, the steel plate may exhibit bending or wavy shapes. The shaping machine is used to correct these deformations and ensure that the steel plate is straight.
• Finish rolling: Finish rolling is the final rolling step aimed at obtaining the required final thickness and meeting other specific mechanical performance requirements.
• Cooling: The hot-rolled plate after rolling needs to be cooled to fix its microstructure and mechanical properties.
• Cutting and organizing: According to customer requirements, hot-rolled steel plates may need to be cut into specific lengths or widths. In addition, other surface treatments may be required, such as removing oxide scales or performing minor surface cleaning.
• Inspection and packaging: The completed hot-rolled steel plate will undergo quality inspection and then be appropriately packaged for sale or transportation.

This is just a brief overview of the manufacturing process for hot-rolled steel plates. The specific steps and conditions may vary depending on the manufacturer, steel grade, and required final product characteristics.

Manufacturing process of cold rolled steel plates

The manufacturing process of cold-rolled steel plates involves further thinning and shaping of hot-rolled steel coils through multiple rolling processes at room temperature. The following are the basic manufacturing process steps for cold-rolled steel plates:

• Uncoiling: Uncoiling hot rolled steel coils to prepare for subsequent cold rolling.
• Deoxidation: Before cold rolling, the steel plate is subjected to chemical or electrochemical oxidation to remove the surface oxide scale, providing a good foundation for subsequent cold rolling.
• Cold rolling: Cold rolling is the thinning process of steel plates. This is done by using a large rolling mill at room temperature to thin the steel coil to the required thickness. This process can be repeated multiple times to achieve the required accuracy and thickness.
• Annealing: Due to the hardening phenomenon of the steel plate during the cold rolling process, annealing treatment is required to eliminate internal stress and improve the plasticity of the steel plate.
• Flattening: After annealing, the steel plate may exhibit wavy or other deformation, which requires flattening treatment to obtain a flat surface.
  Cutting and trimming: In order to obtain the required size and shape, the steel plate needs to be cut and trimmed.
• Surface treatment: Such as pickling, phosphating, coating, etc., to provide rust prevention or improve the adhesion of the steel plate surface.
• Packaging: Finally, the manufactured cold-rolled steel plates are packaged to prepare for transportation or sales.

The manufacturing process of cold-rolled steel plates includes multiple steps such as cold rolling, annealing, leveling, shearing, and surface treatment of hot-rolled steel coils. Different applications and requirements may have different process flows and parameter settings.

The difference between hot-rolled steel plate and cold-rolled steel plate

• 1. Appearance and surface quality: Due to the fact that cold-rolled steel plates are obtained from hot-rolled steel plates after the cold rolling process and also undergo some surface finishing during cold rolling, cold-rolled steel plates have better surface quality (such as surface roughness) than hot-rolled steel plates. Therefore, if there are high requirements for the coating quality of products, such as subsequent painting, cold-rolled steel plates are generally selected. Additionally, hot-rolled steel plates are divided into pickled and nonpickled plates. The surface of pickled plates has a normal metallic color due to being pickled, but the surface still needs to be higher than that of cold-rolled steel plates. Unpickled plates usually have an oxide layer on the surface, which may be black, or there may be a layer of iron oxide black, which is commonly referred to as roasted. Moreover, if the storage environment could be better, there is usually some embroidery on the surface.
• 2. Performance: In general, the mechanical properties of hot-rolled steel plates and cold-rolled steel plates are considered to be indistinguishable in engineering. Although cold-rolled steel plates have some work hardening during the cold rolling process (although strict mechanical performance requirements may be necessary), cold-rolled steel plates usually have slightly higher yield strength and surface hardness than hot-rolled steel plates; the specific method depends on the degree of annealing of the cold rolled steel plate. However, the strength of annealed and cold-rolled steel plates is higher than that of hot-rolled steel plates.
• 3. The formability of cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel plates is not significantly different, so the influencing factors of formability depend on the difference in surface quality. As the surface quality is better than that of cold-rolled steel plates, the formability of cold-rolled steel plates of the same material is generally better than that of hot-rolled steel plates.

How to Measure Steel Plates?

Steel plates are fundamental in many industries, from construction to shipbuilding. Accurately measuring these plates is crucial for various applications to ensure safety, quality, and proper functionality. We’ll delve deep into the best methods to measure a steel plate, ensuring accuracy and precision.

Understanding Steel Plate Dimensions

Before diving into the measurement techniques, it’s essential to understand the basic dimensions of a steel plate. Typically, steel plates are described by three primary measurements:

• Length: The longest dimension of the plate.
• Width: The shorter dimension perpendicular to the length.
• Thickness: How thick the plate is, from one surface to the opposite surface.

Tools Required for Measuring Steel Plates

To obtain accurate measurements, it’s vital to use the right tools:

1. Steel Tape Measure: A flexible, retractable measuring tape made of steel, ensuring durability and precision.
2. Vernier Caliper: Perfect for measuring the thickness of the plate with high precision.
3. Straightedge: Helps in ensuring that the plate edges are straight and true.
4. Marker: Useful for marking measurement points on the plate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring a Steel Plate

1. Measuring the Length and Width

• Position the Steel Plate: Lay the steel plate on a flat surface.
• Start from One End: Place the end of the steel tape measure at one edge of the plate.
• Extend the Tape: Pull the tape across to the opposite edge to get the length.
• Measure the Width: Similarly, measure the width by starting from one side and extending to the opposite side.

2. Measuring the Thickness

• Open the Vernier Caliper: Ensure it’s at its maximum opening.
• Close the Jaws: Slowly close the jaws of the caliper until they snugly fit the steel plate without forcing them.
• Read the Measurement: Look at the vernier scale and record the thickness. It’s crucial to keep the caliper perpendicular to the plate for accuracy.

3. Checking for Straightness

• Place the Straightedge: Lay it across the length and width of the plate.
• Look for Gaps: If you notice any gaps between the plate and the straightedge, it indicates warping or bending.

Measuring a steel plate might seem straightforward, but the precision required in many applications makes it crucial to follow the right methods and use the appropriate tools. By understanding the dimensions, employing the correct tools, and being aware of factors that can affect accuracy, you can ensure that your steel plate measurements are both precise and reliable. Whether you’re in the construction industry, manufacturing, or any other field that relies on steel plates, accurate measurements are the foundation of quality and safety.

Application of Steel Plates

Steel plates are used in a multitude of applications due to their strength, durability, versatility, and availability in various sizes and grades. Here are some of the primary applications of steel plates:

1. Construction and Infrastructure:
   • Used in buildings for floors, roofs, and walls.
   • Bridges often use large steel plates in their construction.
   • Tunnels and other infrastructure projects use steel plates for reinforcement.
2. Shipbuilding:
   • Hulls of ships are predominantly made from steel plates due to their strength and resistance to the harsh marine environment.
3. Tank Manufacturing:
   • Steel plates are used in the production of tanks, from small propane tanks to massive tanks used in industrial processes or for storage of petroleum products.
4. Boiler and Pressure Vessel Manufacturing:
   • Steel plates can handle high pressures and temperatures, making them ideal for boilers and pressure vessels.
5. Automotive Industry:
   • Some parts of vehicles, especially in heavy machinery, are made using steel plates.
6. Military and Defense:
   • Armor plates in military vehicles, ships, and personnel carriers.
   • Construction of military bases and fortifications.
7. Energy Sector:
   • Wind turbine towers use large steel plates.
   • Platforms and rigs in the oil & gas industry.
   • Solar structures can use steel plates for foundational purposes.
8. Aerospace:
   • Parts of aircraft, rockets, and other aerospace equipment might utilize high-grade steel plates.
9. Manufacturing and Machinery:
   • Components for heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
   • Tooling plates and machine bases.
10. Line Pipes and Storage Tanks:
    • Steel plates are used to make large diameter pipes used for oil, gas, and water transmission.
    • Storage tanks for various chemicals and liquids.
11. Art and Sculpture:
    • Some artists use steel plates as a medium for their work, either by shaping the plates or by using them as a canvas.
12. Protective Structures:
    • In areas prone to severe weather, steel plates can be used to construct storm shelters or safe rooms.
    • Ballistic protection in certain secure facilities or vehicles.
13. Appliance Manufacturing:
    • Some home and industrial appliances have components made of steel plates.
14. Railroad Construction:
    • For parts of trains and tracks.
15. Mold and Die Industry:
    • Steel plates can be shaped into molds or dies for other manufacturing processes.

These are just some of the common uses of steel plates. The applications are vast, and new uses are continuously being discovered as technology and engineering practices evolve. Different applications will typically require steel plates with specific properties, so the plates are often tailored in terms of thickness, alloying elements, heat treatment, and other factors to meet the demands of their intended use.

How to purchase the correct steel plates?

Purchasing the correct steel plates involves a combination of understanding your project requirements and doing thorough research on available steel plate options. The following are methods to help you purchase suitable steel plates according to your needs:

1. Determine the Purpose and Application: Before anything else, it’s essential to know what the steel plates will be used for. Different applications may require different grades or types of steel.
2. Type of Steel:
   • Carbon Steel: The most commonly used and is divided into three categories: low, medium, and high carbon steel.
   • Alloy Steel: Contains additional elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, which gives it specific properties like improved corrosion resistance or increased strength.
   • Stainless Steel: Known for its corrosion resistance.
   • Tool Steel: Has properties like hardness and resistance to abrasion, making it ideal for tools and dies.
3. Select the Right Grade: Steel plates come in various grades, each tailored for specific applications. For example, structural steels are graded according to their yield strength. Ensure you pick a grade suitable for your intended use.
4. Plate Thickness: Based on your application, determine the necessary thickness of the plate. For structural applications, load-bearing capacity and other engineering factors will dictate the required thickness.
5. Dimensions and Size: Besides thickness, consider the dimensions like width and length. Will you need standard-sized plates or custom-sized ones?
6. Surface Finish: Depending on the application, you might need a particular surface finish. Common finishes include hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and pickled & oiled.
7. Check for Certifications: For specific applications, especially in construction or pressure vessel manufacturing, steel plates might need to meet particular standards or certifications. Examples include ASTM, ASME, or ISO standards.
8. Supplier Reputation: Research and select a reputable steel plate supplier or distributor. Look for reviews, testimonials, and check their previous projects if possible.
9. Price: While it’s essential to stay within budget, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Extremely low prices might indicate inferior quality or counterfeit products.
10. Ask for Material Test Reports (MTRs): MTRs provide a record of the material’s physical and chemical properties, ensuring it meets the specified criteria and standards.
11. Storage and Delivery: Ensure that the supplier can provide proper storage until delivery if needed. It’s crucial that steel plates aren’t exposed to moisture or corrosive environments that might compromise their quality.
12. Post-purchase Treatments: Depending on your needs, you might need to consider post-purchase treatments like galvanizing, painting, or other coatings to enhance the steel’s properties or longevity.
13. Recycling or Sustainability Considerations: If environmental considerations are essential for your project, inquire about the origin of the steel and whether it’s been recycled.
14. Consult Professionals: Especially for complex projects, consulting with engineers or metallurgists can offer guidance on the best type and grade of steel plate for your needs.

Lastly, always maintain good communication with your supplier. They might offer insights or suggestions based on their expertise and experience in the industry.

How to select steel plates manufacturer?

Choosing a steel plate manufacturer requires considering various factors to ensure product quality, comply with industry standards, and meet your specific needs. Here are the steps to select a steel plate manufacturer:

1. Determine Your Requirements:
   • Type of Steel: Different applications require different types of steel such as carbon steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel.
   • Specifications: Define the thickness, dimensions, grade, and quantity of steel plates needed.
   • End-use: The application for which you’ll be using the steel plates can influence the choice of manufacturer. Some specialize in specific sectors like construction, shipbuilding, or automotive.
2. Research and List Potential Manufacturers:
   • Use industry directories, online platforms, trade associations, or recommendations from peers.
   • Consider both domestic and international manufacturers based on your needs and location.
3. Verify Certifications and Standards:
   • Ensure the manufacturer follows industry standards such as ISO, ASTM, or other relevant certifications.
   • Ask for certificates of compliance or test reports.
4. Check Experience and Reputation:
   • Prioritize manufacturers with a proven track record and experience in producing steel plates.
   • Seek out customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies.
5. Visit the Manufacturing Facility (if possible):
   • A site visit can offer insights into the manufacturer’s capabilities, machinery, technology, and quality control processes.
   • Observe the cleanliness, organization, and general condition of the facility.
6. Assess Product Quality:
   • Request samples to assess the quality firsthand.
   • Check for uniformity, surface finish, and consistency.
7. Evaluate Pricing:
   • Obtain quotes from multiple manufacturers.
   • Remember, the lowest price might not always indicate the best value. Consider the quality and reliability of the products, as well as any value-added services offered.
8. Assess Communication and Customer Service:
   • Good communication is crucial for understanding your needs and addressing any concerns.
   • Evaluate their responsiveness, clarity, and willingness to provide information.
9. Lead Time and Flexibility:
   • Understand the manufacturer’s lead time for production and delivery.
   • Assess their flexibility in catering to specific or urgent requirements.
10. Check for Additional Services:

• Some manufacturers offer value-added services like custom cutting, drilling, or coating which might be beneficial based on your needs.

11. Terms and Conditions:

• Review their payment terms, warranty conditions, return policy, and any other contractual obligations.

12. Environmental and Social Responsibility:

• Evaluate their commitment to sustainable practices, waste management, and social responsibilities.

Once you’ve gone through these steps, make a well-informed decision based on your findings. Establishing a strong and lasting relationship with a reputable steel plates manufacturer can be beneficial for the long-term success of your projects.

Why Choose Guanxin to Be Your steel plate Supplier?

If you are pitching your company as a steel plate supplier, you’ll want to highlight the key advantages and unique selling points that set you apart from competitors. The following are the reasons why customers choose Guanxin as their steel plate supplier:

1. Quality Assurance:

• Guanxin adheres to rigorous quality control standards, ensuring every steel plate meets or exceeds industry benchmarks. Our in-house testing facilities confirm the strength, durability, and consistency of our products.

2. Extensive Range:

• Guanxin offers an expansive inventory of steel plates in various grades, thicknesses, and dimensions, ensuring that we can cater to diverse industry needs, from construction to shipbuilding to automotive.

3. Competitive Pricing:

• Leveraging our advanced manufacturing processes and bulk purchasing power, guanxin offers competitive prices without compromising on quality.

4. Rapid Turnaround:

• Guanxin’s state-of-the-art facilities and efficient supply chain management allow for quick order processing and delivery. We understand the importance of timelines and strive to meet them consistently.

5. Customization Capabilities:

• Guanxin has the capability to offer customized steel plate solutions, from specific cuts to tailored grades, ensuring your exact requirements are met.

6. Experienced Team:

• Guanxin’s team of experts has vast industry experience and is always available to offer guidance, answer queries, and provide technical support.

7. Sustainability:

• We’re committed to responsible manufacturing. Our production processes are designed to minimize waste, and we actively work towards reducing our carbon footprint.

8. Transparent Communication:

• With a customer-centric approach, we believe in transparent communication, providing regular updates about order status, shipment, and delivery timelines.

9. Global Reach:

• Whether you’re local or international, our expansive distribution network ensures timely and safe delivery of products to your doorstep.

10. After-Sales Support:

• Our relationship doesn’t end after a sale. We provide comprehensive after-sales support, including product usage guidelines, maintenance tips, and warranty services.

Remember to modify this based on your company’s actual strengths, capabilities, and values. Tailoring the pitch to address the specific needs or concerns of your potential clients can also make it more compelling.

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