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What Are the Most Common Steel Plate Grades Like A36, A283, and A572?

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Cold cut machinery structural steel sheet for mechanical parts manufacturing
Carbon steel plates in bulk shipment for structural and pressure vessel use

When sourcing carbon steel plates for construction, manufacturing, or industrial projects, it’s essential to understand the differences between common steel plate grades. Each grade has specific chemical compositions, mechanical properties, and intended applications. This guide explains the most widely used carbon steel plate grades—A36, A283, A572, and more—to help buyers make informed decisions.

What is a Steel Plate Grade?

A steel plate grade refers to a standardized classification of steel based on chemical composition and mechanical performance. These grades are defined by organizations such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and EN (European Norms). Selecting the right grade ensures that your project meets structural, strength, and safety requirements.

1. ASTM A36 Steel Plate

Grade Comparison Table:

StandardEquivalent Grades
ASTM A36EN S235JR, JIS SS400, GB Q235B

Chemical Composition:

ElementC (%)Mn (%)P (%)S (%)
A36≤ 0.260.60–0.90≤ 0.04≤ 0.05

ASTM A36 is one of the most commonly used structural carbon steel plates. Known for its excellent weldability and machinability, it is ideal for general structural use.

Typical Applications:

  • Bridges and buildings
  • Equipment bases
  • Oil and gas piping structures

Mechanical Properties:

PropertyValue
Yield Strength≥ 250 MPa
Tensile Strength400–550 MPa
Elongation≥ 20%

2. ASTM A283 Steel Plate (Grades A–D)

Grade Comparison Table:

GradeEquivalent Standards
A283 AJIS G3101 SS330
A283 BJIS G3101 SS330
A283 CEN S185, S235JR
A283 DSimilar to EN S235J0

Chemical Composition:

GradeC (%)Mn (%)P (%)S (%)
A283 A≤ 0.14≤ 0.90≤ 0.035≤ 0.040
A283 B≤ 0.17≤ 0.90≤ 0.035≤ 0.040
A283 C≤ 0.24≤ 0.90≤ 0.035≤ 0.040
A283 D≤ 0.27≤ 0.90≤ 0.035≤ 0.040

Mechanical Properties (Grade C):

PropertyValue
Yield Strength205 MPa
Tensile Strength380–515 MPa
Elongation20–25%

3. ASTM A572 Steel Plate (Grades 42, 50, 60, 65)

Grade Comparison Table:

GradeEquivalent EN Standard
A572 Gr. 42EN S275JR
A572 Gr. 50EN S355JR / S355J2
A572 Gr. 60EN S420NL
A572 Gr. 65EN S460ML

Chemical Composition:

GradeC (%)Mn (%)P (%)S (%)Si (%)
A572 Gr. 42≤ 0.21≤ 1.35≤ 0.035≤ 0.0400.15–0.40
A572 Gr. 50≤ 0.23≤ 1.35≤ 0.035≤ 0.0400.15–0.40
A572 Gr. 60≤ 0.26≤ 1.50≤ 0.035≤ 0.0400.15–0.40
A572 Gr. 65≤ 0.26≤ 1.65≤ 0.035≤ 0.0400.15–0.40

Mechanical Properties (Grade 50):

PropertyValue
Yield Strength≥ 345 MPa
Tensile Strength450–620 MPa
Elongation≥ 18%

4. ASTM A516 Steel Plate (Grades 55, 60, 65, 70)

Grade Comparison Table:

GradeEquivalent Standards
A516 Gr. 55EN P275GH
A516 Gr. 60EN P295GH
A516 Gr. 65EN P355GH
A516 Gr. 70EN P355GH, JIS SB410

Chemical Composition:

GradeC (%)Mn (%)P (%)S (%)Si (%)
A516 Gr. 55≤ 0.180.60–1.20≤ 0.030≤ 0.0300.13–0.45
A516 Gr. 60≤ 0.210.60–1.20≤ 0.030≤ 0.0300.13–0.45
A516 Gr. 65≤ 0.240.79–1.30≤ 0.030≤ 0.0300.13–0.45
A516 Gr. 70≤ 0.300.79–1.30≤ 0.035≤ 0.0350.13–0.45

Mechanical Properties (Grade 70):

PropertyValue
Yield Strength≥ 260 MPa
Tensile Strength485–620 MPa
Elongation≥ 17%

Applications of carbon steel plates in construction energy and machinery

How to Choose the Right Steel Plate Grade?

When selecting a grade, consider:

  • Required strength and durability
  • Weldability and machinability
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Regulatory compliance (e.g., ASTM, EN)
  • Operating environment (temperature, load, pressure)

For example, buyers looking for steel plates for wind towers should prioritize A572 or S355. On the other hand, pressure vessel manufacturers typically select A516 or A387 alloy steel plates.

Who Typically Searches for These Steel Grades?

Buyers searching for grades like A36, A283, A572, or A516 typically include:

  • Construction companies sourcing structural steel plates for commercial buildings, bridges, and warehouses
  • Engineering procurement contractors (EPCs) managing infrastructure or industrial projects
  • Boiler and pressure vessel fabricators looking for plates with high notch toughness like A516
  • Machinery and wind energy OEMs requiring high-strength low-alloy plates like A572
  • Steel stockists and distributors who purchase multi-grade inventory for resale in local markets

These buyers often compare grades based on specific project specs or tenders, and seek technical documentation, pricing transparency, and logistical capabilities.

Added Value for Buyers: What They Need to Know

To better serve procurement professionals, we’ve added extra value sections:

  • Mill Certificates & Traceability: All plates come with MTC on request
  • Cut-to-Length & Shape Options: Flame, plasma, and waterjet cutting available
  • Weldability Guidance: Grades like A36 and A572 are easy to weld using standard methods
  • Global Delivery: CJM ships to Southeast Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East
  • Compliance Support: Need dual certification or custom stamping? We help meet local standards

📎 Explore more about A36 Steel Plate from our specialized pages.

Tips for Global Buyers

  • Work with a supplier offering certificates and material traceability
  • Ask about custom cutting, surface treatment, or edge preparation
  • Ensure your supplier can handle international logistics and packaging standards

A36 Steel Plate Supplier

Ready to Source Steel Plates?

At CJM, we supply a wide range of carbon and alloy steel plates for structural, pressure vessel, and industrial applications. Whether you need A36 steel sheets, A572 high-strength plates, or boiler-grade A516, our team offers global support and fast delivery.

📞 WhatsApp: +86 181 9190 6640
📩 Email: info@cjmstainlesssteel.com

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