Description

Technical Parameters

Product Overview

A36 Steel Plate is the most commonly used structural steel grade under ASTM A36 standard. It offers a balanced combination of strength, weldability, and machinability, making it the go-to material for general construction and industrial applications.

Our A36 steel plates are hot-rolled, fully killed, and certified with mill test reports (MTRs) to ensure compliance with ASTM specifications. Available in standard and custom sizes, with surface options including bare, oiled, or primed.

Key Advantages

One-stop steel procurement

✅ Excellent weldability – Low carbon content reduces cracking risk
✅ High formability – Easily bent, rolled, punched, or drilled

✅ Cost-effective – Lower price than high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels
✅ Readily available – Stocked in most thicknesses and sizes

✅ Predictable performance – Well-documented mechanical behavior
✅ Easy to machine – Ideal for milling, turning, and drilling

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Technical Specifications

Standard: ASTM A36 / A36M, using the latest version specification
Material type: Low-carbon structural steel, with carbon content ≤ 0.26%, excellent welding performance
Thickness range: 4.75mm – 300mm (3/16" – 12"), tolerance according to ASTM A6
Width: Maximum 3000mm (120"), customizable
Length: Maximum 12000mm (480"), flame cutting, precise dimensions
Tensile strength: 400 – 550 MPa (58,000 – 80,000 psi)
Minimum yield strength: ≥ 250 MPa (36,000 psi), suitable for plates with thickness ≤ 8"
Elongation: ≥ 20% at 8" gauge length / ≥ 23% at 2" gauge length, good plasticity, less prone to cracking
Hardness (Brinell): 140 – 160 HB, normal range
Density: 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³)
Chemical composition: Carbon ≤ 0.26% / Manganese 0.85 - 1.20% / Phosphorus ≤ 0.04% / Sulfur ≤ 0.05%

Applications & Suitable Scenarios

Building construction

Beams, columns, trusses, and support frames

Bridge components

Cross-bracing and structural members

Heavy equipment

Truck frames, crane parts, bulldozer blades

Industrial machinery

Conveyor systems, hoppers, brackets

Shipbuilding (secondary)

Bulkheads, deck structures (non-stress critical)

Comparison: A36 vs. AH36, SS400 & S355

Grade	Standard	Yield (MPa)	Tensile (MPa)	Best For	Key Difference
A36	ASTM	≥250	400–550	General structural	Best weldability & availability in US
AH36	Marine (ABS/DNV)	≥355	490–620	Ship hulls (critical structure)	Higher strength, impact toughness at low temp
SS400	JIS G3101	≥245	400–510	Asian construction projects	Similar to A36, but lower impact requirement
S355	EN 10025	≥355	470–630	European heavy load-bearing structures	Stronger but less ductile than A36

Choose A36 IF:
- Your project is in North America or follows ASTM specifications
- You need guaranteed 36,000 psi yield strength
- You require certified MTRs from an ISO-accredited mill
- Weldability and machinability are top priorities

Choose S235JR IF:
- Your project is in Europe or follows EN standards
- Lower tensile strength (360-510 MPa) is acceptable
- You need compliance with CE marking requirements

Choose SS400 IF:
- Your project is in Asia or follows JIS standards
- Cost is the primary deciding factor
- Impact toughness is not a critical requirement

why choose us?

1. VERIFIED QUALITY
Every shipment includes Mill Test Reports (MTRs) from ISO 17025-accredited mills. We retain samples from each heat for 5 years for full traceability.

2. FLEXIBLE PROCESSING
In-house cutting, drilling, beveling, and surface preparation. We deliver ready-to-use plates – not just raw material.

3. GLOBAL SHIPPING EXPERTISE
We export to North America, EU, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Our logistics team handles all documentation, customs clearance, and shipping insurance.

4. METALLURGICAL SUPPORT
Our in-house metallurgists review your application before you buy. We recommend the right grade, thickness, and surface finish – no upselling.

5. COMPETITIVE PRICING
Direct mill partnerships allow us to offer competitive prices without compromising quality. Volume discounts available for regular orders.

6. ON-TIME DELIVERY GUARANTEE
We commit to delivery dates in writing. Late delivery compensation is available for qualified orders.

Contact our team for a quote or free cutting plan

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User Evaluation

We've used over 200 tons of A36 plates from this supplier. Every batch came with MTRs and consistent yield strength. Welding was smooth with no edge cracking. Delivery was ahead of schedule.

Mark T

Civil Engineer – Texas, USA

We fabricate crane outrigger pads and truck frames. A36 gives us the strength without being too hard on our tooling. Only minor surface rust on some plates – but expected with hot-rolled. Would buy again.

Linda K.

Production Manager – Ontario, Canada

Compared S355 and A36 for a warehouse project. A36 saved us 18% on material cost with zero performance compromise. The team also cut plates to exact lengths – no waste.

Raj P.

Procurement Lead – UAE

FAQ

01.Can A36 steel be used for pressure vessels?

No. A36 is not certified for pressure vessel applications. For ASME pressure vessel use, consider SA36 or SA516 Grade 70.

02.Is A36 the same as mild steel?

Yes, in most contexts. A36 is a specific ASTM grade of low-carbon mild steel with guaranteed minimum yield strength (36 ksi).

03.Can A36 be heat treated?

A36 is not designed for heat treating (quenching & tempering) because of its low carbon content. For hardened applications, use 1045 or alloy steel.

04.Does A36 have an equivalent European grade?

Yes – S235JR (EN 10025) is often considered the closest equivalent, though S235JR has slightly lower tensile strength (360–510 MPa).

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