ASTM A36 steel plate and beams are widely regarded as premier materials for construction projects and structural building.

But what exactly makes them so ubiquitous across various industries? What factors contribute to the widespread demand for this material?

Today, we aim to delve into the allure of ASTM A36 steel plate, exploring why it has earned such a prominent place in the market.

ASTM A36, developed by ASTM International, stands as a renowned carbon structural steel known for its widespread application in various industries. This mild and hot rolled steel possesses exceptional welding capabilities, making it ideal for processes like punching, grinding, drilling, tapping, and machining. Its versatility extends across multiple applications, thanks to its structural steel plate properties, even though it may not match the performance of higher-grade alloys.

Why A36 steel plate stands out as a premier choice for construction purposes is due to its composition as a type of carbon steel. Despite being cost-effective, it offers exceptional performance and robustness, capable of withstanding various levels of system pressure. Its high durability is noteworthy, and its recyclability adds to its appeal; it can be completely recycled by returning it to the furnace for the production of fresh steel products.

A36 steel plate serves as the foundational material for a wide array of construction and structural projects, thanks to its versatility and corrosion resistance, which vary depending on the thickness and alloy composition.

In practice, numerous manufactured goods utilize A36 steel plate, including warehouses, industrial and commercial structures, buildings (including pre-fabricated ones), pipes, tubing, cabinets, enclosures, and housings.

Furthermore, A36 steel can be transformed into various construction materials. ASTM A36 steel is available in multiple forms, such as rectangular, square, and circular bars, as well as steel shapes like angles, H-beams, I-beams, and channels. In the South East Asian region, this steel plate is commonly referred to as mild steel.

The ASTM A36 standard specification lists a range of materials that can be produced using this type of carbon steel, including steel rivets (ASTM A502 Grade 1), steel nuts (ASTM A563/M), bolts (ASTM A370 Grade A or F 568M), high-strength bolts (ASTM A325/M), anchor bolts (F1554), cast steel (ASTM A27/M Grade 65-35 [450-240]), carbon steel forgings (in ASTM A668 CLASS D), cold-formed tubing (ASTM A500 Grade B), and hot-formed tubing (ASTM A501), as well as hot-rolled steel plate, coil, and strip (ASTM A570/M, Grade 36).

Material Specifications and Properties We will outline the specifications of materials based on their chemical and mechanical properties. If you require the ASTM A36 standard specification in PDF format, please reach out to us, and we will promptly provide it to you.

Chemical Makeup of A36 Steel Plate A36 steel plate comprises the following chemical components: Carbon (C) content ranging from 0.25% to 0.29%, Copper (Cu) content of 0.20%, Iron (Fe) content of 98.0%, Manganese (Mn) content of 1.03%, Phosphorus (P) content of 0.04%, Silicon (Si) content of 0.280%, and Sulfur (S) content of 0.050%. Possessing outstanding properties, this steel plate is suitable for use in the construction of buildings, bridges, and various other structural purposes, allowing for bolting, riveting, and welding.

ASTM A36 steel is often compared to EN S275 steel plate due to their similar characteristics. A36 steel is categorized as a very low carbon steel, known for its remarkable strength and formability. It boasts the ability to be welded safely with minimal precaution. Additionally, this structural steel plate can undergo galvanization, enhancing its resistance to corrosion and ensuring top-notch quality.

Strength Characteristics: The mechanical properties of A36 steel include a tensile strength ranging from 58 to 80 ksi (400 to 550 MPa) and a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi (250 MPa). Furthermore, it exhibits an elongation of at least 20% in an 8-inch sample and a minimum of 23% in a 2-inch sample for steel plates and bars. Shapes and parts demonstrate elongation rates of 20% and 21%, respectively.

The mechanical characteristics of this steel can be modified through various heat treatments, leading to enhancements in its mechanical properties as per ASTM standards. These treatments offer the potential to adjust the yield strength of the steel plate.

Standards referenced in the manufacture of ASTM A36 carbon structural steel include:

1. A6/M specification for rolled structural steel bars, beams, plates, shapes, and sheet piling (pile sheet).
2. ASTM A27/M specification for carbon steel castings intended for general applications.
3. ASTM A307 specification for carbon steel bolts and studs with a tensile strength of 60,000 psi (415 MPa).
4. ASTM A325 for structural bolts made of steel, heat treated, with a minimum tensile strength of 105 or 120 ksi.
5. A325M for high-strength bolts and joints. g. A500, A501, A502, A563, A570, A668, and F568, which reference other steel products and materials.

Advantages and Uses of A36 Low Carbon (Mild) Steel Plate

A36 low carbon (mild) steel plate is widely utilized in various applications, particularly in the construction sector. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for forming a wide array of structures, including oil rigs, bins, tanks, bearing plates, rings, and more. Additionally, it finds extensive use in manufacturing components like jigs, cams, forgings, templates, gears, base plates, fixtures, sprockets, brackets, and ornamental works.

This steel plate's ductility allows for its use in specialized applications such as walkways, boat landing ramps, parking garages, and trenches. It is also favored for parts produced through flame cutting processes. Notably, A36 steel is not suited for use as cable or reinforcing bar.

Noteworthy Attributes:

1. Machinability and Weldability:A36 steel boasts a machinability rate of around 72 percent, with an average surface cutting feed of 120 feet per minute. It exhibits excellent weldability, accommodating various welding methods while ensuring high-quality welds and joints.
2. Heat Treatment Methods:ASTM A36 steel undergoes several heat treatment processes to enhance its properties. These include normalization, annealing, stress relieving, carburizing, and hardening treatments. Each treatment serves specific purposes in improving the steel's performance and structural integrity.
3. Mechanical Properties:A36 steel plate demonstrates exceptional yield strength, with a rating of 36,000 psi, alongside a high allowable bending stress of 22,000 psi. These properties enable structures made from A36 steel to withstand increased stress levels, ensuring safety and stability in various construction applications.

In essence, the properties of A36 low carbon steel facilitate its consistent deformation under stress, providing crucial safety margins in structures such as bridges and buildings. Its robust yield strength and bending stress tolerance contribute to its widespread usage across diverse engineering and construction projects.