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

Which Steel Plate Should You Choose for Your Project?

Steel buyers and engineers often face a critical decision: which steel grade best fits their application—structural, pressure vessel, or general fabrication? It’s essential to understand the differences between common steel plate grades. Among the most widely used carbon steel plates in global markets are ASTM A36, A283 Grade D, and A572 Grades 50 and 65. These grades differ in terms of yield strength, chemical composition, and mechanical properties—making grade selection essential for cost-effectiveness and performance.

If you’re sourcing steel internationally, understanding each grade’s equivalent steel in other standards—such as EN, JIS, or GB—is equally important. For example, ASTM A283 Grade D equivalent grades include S235JR or Q235B, depending on the application. Similarly, ASTM A572 Grade 65 equivalent options may include S355ML or high-strength low-alloy alternatives in Europe or Asia. Knowing these equivalents helps simplify cross-border procurement and ensures compliance with regional specifications.

In this guide, we compare the mechanical and chemical properties of the most commonly used carbon steel plate grades—A36, A283, and A572—and provide equivalent grade references in global standards. Whether you’re designing a storage tank, fabricating a bridge, or sourcing structural steel for general construction, this comparison will help you choose the most suitable material with confidence.

Full Mechanical Properties Comparison Table

Compare the full range of steel plate grades including A36, A283 Gr. C, A516 (Gr. 60 / 65 / 70), and A572 (Gr. 42–65). Use this table to determine which material best fits your structural, pressure, or heavy-load application.

ASTM to EN Steel Standard Equivalents

If you are working on international projects or supplying across markets, it’s essential to understand how ASTM grades translate to European EN standards. The table below provides approximate equivalents based on mechanical properties and applications.

⚠️ Please consult your project specifications or contact our technical team to verify compatibility before material substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Grade Equivalents

Q: What is the EN equivalent of A36 steel?

The closest EN equivalent to ASTM A36 is S235JR under EN 10025-2. Both offer similar yield strength (~250 MPa) and are commonly used in general structural applications.

Q: Is A572 Grade 50 the same as S355JR?

ASTM A572 Gr.50 is often considered equivalent to S355JR in EN standards, with comparable yield strength (~345 MPa). However, detailed mechanical and chemical requirements may differ slightly. Always confirm with project specifications.

Q: Can I use P355GH instead of A516 Gr.70?

Yes, P355GH (EN 10028-2) is widely accepted as the EN equivalent of A516 Grade 70, especially for pressure vessel applications. Both have similar tensile strength and notch toughness.

Q: What is the difference between A516 Gr.70 and A572 Gr.50?

A516 Gr.70 is a pressure vessel steel, while A572 Gr.50 is a high-strength structural steel. They are not interchangeable. Use A516 for boilers and tanks; use A572 for bridges, frames, or cranes.

Q: Is A283 Gr. C similar to A36?

Yes, A283 Grade C and A36 are both mild carbon steels used for general structural purposes. A36 has slightly higher strength and is more commonly used in modern construction projects.

Q: What is the equivalent of A572 Grade 65 in EN standard?

ASTM A572 Gr.65 roughly corresponds to S460NL in EN 10025-3, which offers similar high yield strength for demanding structural use like towers and bridges.

Q: Can A283 Gr.C replace A36 in construction?

In some non-critical applications, A283 Gr.C may be used as a low-cost alternative to A36. However, its lower strength may not meet modern structural requirements. Always check engineering standards.

Q: What is the difference between S355JR and S355NL?

Both belong to the EN 10025 series, but S355NL is a normalized steel with better low-temperature toughness than S355JR. For cold climate or critical applications, S355NL is preferred.

💡 Need to confirm spec compliance for your country or project? Contact CJM for documentation and MTCs.

ASTM A36 Steel Plate

Grade Comparison Table:

Chemical Composition:

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

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

ASTM A283 Steel Plate (Grades A–D)

Grade Comparison Table:

Chemical Composition:

📎 Explore more about A283 Steel Plate from our specialized pages.

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

Grade Comparison Table:

Chemical Composition:

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

Grade Comparison Table:

Chemical Composition:

📎 Explore more about A516 Steel Plate from our specialized pages.

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 You 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

Ready to Source Steel Plates?

CJM Supplies All Common Steel Plate Grades

CJM exports high-quality A36, A572, A516, and A283 steel plates to clients in the construction, energy, tank manufacturing, and engineering industries worldwide.

✔ Full Thickness Range
✔ Custom Cutting & Marking Available
✔ Factory-Direct Pricing from China

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