ASTM A36 Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Structural Plate For General Construction
ASTM A36 hot rolled plate (also known as A36 carbon steel plate, A36 structural plate, hot-rolled mild steel plate, or general-purpose steel plate) is the most commonly specified carbon steel plate for structural applications. With a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa (36 ksi), A36 offers an excellent balance of strength, weldability, and formability. It is the go-to choice for bridges, buildings, heavy equipment, and general fabrication.
ASTM A36 is a low-carbon, mild steel plate that combines affordability with reliable performance. It is widely available and easy to machine, weld, and form. While it lacks the high strength of specialized grades like A572 or A514, its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it the most popular carbon steel plate grade worldwide.
Why A36?
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Versatile – suitable for countless applications
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Weldable – excellent performance with standard welding procedures
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Formable – can be bent, rolled, and fabricated easily
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Available – large stock of standard sizes ready to ship
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Affordable – lowest cost per pound among structural steels
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A36 / A36M |
| Material Type | Low-carbon mild steel |
| Thickness | 3mm – 150mm (⅛" – 6") |
| Width | 1000mm – 4000mm (48" – 160") |
| Length | 3000mm – 12000mm (10' – 40') |
| Delivery Condition | As-rolled / Normalized / Controlled rolled |
| Process | Hot rolled |
| Surface Finish | Black (mill scale) / Pickled & oiled / Bare |
| Cutting Services | Plasma cutting / Laser cutting / Shearing / Flame cutting |
| Edge Condition | Mill edge / Sheared edge / Gas cut edge |
| Tolerance | Per ASTM A6/A6M |
| Inspection | UT (ultrasonic) / Mechanical / Chemical / Visual |
| Certification | EN 10204 Type 3.1 (standard) / Type 3.2 (upon request) |
Common Size Availability
| Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Stock Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 – 20 | 1500 – 2000 | 6000 | In stock |
| 20 – 50 | 2000 – 2500 | 6000 – 9000 | In stock |
| 50 – 100 | 2000 – 3000 | 6000 – 10000 | Available |
| 100 – 150 | 2000 – 3000 | 6000 – 12000 | Made-to-order |
Key Properties & Advantages
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent Weldability | Low carbon content allows welding without preheating for most thicknesses |
| Good Formability | Can be bent, rolled, punched, and sheared with standard equipment |
| High Ductility | Elongation ≥ 20% – absorbs impact without brittle failure |
| Machinable | Easy to drill, saw, and mill |
| Cost-Effective | Most economical structural steel plate option |
| Widely Available | Standard sizes in stock for immediate shipment |
Chemical Composition (ASTM A36)
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.26 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60 – 0.90 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.050 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.40 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≥ 0.20 (when specified) |
Note: A36 has a low carbon equivalent (CE), making it one of the most weldable carbon steels available.
Mechanical Properties (ASTM A36)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (min) | 250 MPa (36 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength | 400 – 550 MPa (58 – 80 ksi) |
| Elongation (200mm) | ≥ 20% |
| Elongation (50mm) | ≥ 23% |
| Hardness (typical) | 120 – 160 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa (29,000 ksi) |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³) |
Thickness-Dependent Yield Strength
| Plate Thickness | Min Yield Strength |
|---|---|
| Up to 200mm (8") | 250 MPa (36 ksi) |
| Over 200mm to 250mm | 220 MPa (32 ksi) |
Typical Applications
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Building Construction | Beams, columns, trusses, floor plates, stair treads |
| Bridge Engineering | Bridge decks, approach ramps, stiffeners |
| Heavy Equipment | Crane booms, excavator bodies, dump truck floors |
| General Fabrication | Machine bases, brackets, gussets, mounting plates |
| Infrastructure | Highway barriers, signposts, transmission towers |
| Shipbuilding | Barge decks, hatch covers, stiffeners (non-hull) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between ASTM A36 and mild steel?
A: Very little. ASTM A36 is a specific grade of mild steel with guaranteed minimum yield strength (36 ksi). "Mild steel" is a general term for low-carbon steels. Most mild steel meets A36 requirements, but A36 provides certified properties.
Q2: Can A36 hot rolled plate be bent?
A: Yes. A36 is highly formable. It can be bent, rolled, and curved without cracking for most radii. For tight radii or thick plates, preheating may be recommended.
Q3: Is A36 weldable? Do I need preheating?
A: Yes, A36 is excellent for welding. Preheating is generally not required for plates under 1" (25mm). For thicker plates or cold weather conditions, preheat to 50–100°C (120–210°F).
Q4: What is the difference between A36 and A572 Grade 50?
A: A36 has lower strength (36 ksi vs. 50 ksi yield). A572-50 is stronger but less ductile. Choose A36 for general fabrication and forming; choose A572-50 when weight reduction or higher strength is needed.
Q5: Can you provide flame-cut or plasma-cut shapes?
A: Yes. We offer custom cutting services – circles, rings, rectangles, and complex shapes from A36 plate. Send your CAD or drawing for a quote.
Q6: What certifications do you provide?
A: We supply EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill test certificates with every shipment. Type 3.2 or third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV) is available upon request
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