Steel Plate – Exploring Different Grades and Their Applications

Together with iron, steel makes up about 95% of the world’s total metal tonnage in any given year. These materials are ever-present in our lives, with steel being crucial to everything from cars and construction to medical purposes.

If you’re working to hone your steel operation, knowing more about the metal is always vital. One of the more complex facets of the industry is the many different steel plate grades. By some estimations, there are thousands, making memorizing each one a tall task.

If you’re curious about the world’s iron and carbon alloy, we’re here to help. Read on for a quick guide to some of steel’s most popular uses and grades.

High-quality steel comes in a class of its own, and it’s not just judged by how much it costs. When it comes to steel plate grades, they can be an essential component that can determine how you decide which steel plate is fit for your requirements.

Steel plate grades are determined by various factors, which include:

• The composition of steel (ratios of various substances like steel, iron, aluminum, and more)
• Strength
• Formability
• Yield
• Size (width and thickness)
• Corrosion Resistance
• Cost

Many standards that steel plates are judged up can also be dependent on the technology and process used to make them. ASTM International is a global standards organization that analyses and publishes various technical standards for a wide range of materials. It currently publishes around 12,000 technical standards and is followed by governments globally.

What Are The Different Steel Plates Grades?

Steel is split into four main categories: Carbon steel, Alloy, Stainless, and Tool. Some of these are graded for structural steel, while others use the durable metal for less heavy-duty purposes.

A steel’s grade isn’t indicative of its quality, as the term would imply. Rather, steel grades are a way to categorize steel and what it’s used for. Here are some more of the most common grades of steel.

Like many other materials used for various construction purposes, steel plates are also utilized similarly. However, rigorous testing and evaluation of each steel plate must be done to ascertain its durability and quality for the long term.

Steel plate grades are an optimal way to determine which steel plate is ideal for your requirements. Depending on what you’re going to be using the steel plates for, the grade that it’s classified can be very important. There are various standards that different organizations release, but the one that is most followed is released by ASTM International.

Why They Are Crucial

Many people don’t understand the importance of steel plate grades and why they are essential before starting any type of construction. If you are involved with the construction business, you should know that these grades are crucial to comply with while not mandatory for all projects.

Adhering to these grades can ensure health, safety, durability, quality, and optimal adhering to other structures when the construction is ongoing. Depending on who you are working with, these standards might also become compulsory to follow.

ASTM Standards

ASTM standards can vary depending on which material and structure you’re working with. Here are some common standards that are used for steel plates.

• A36: This is a carbon steel variant utilized in general plate applications where the plate might be riveted, bolted, or welded. The minimum yield strength of 36 KSI. The plates need to have a minimum thickness of 8 inches.
• A572-50: This type of steel is used in general plate applications, similar to A36. It is composed mainly of Columbian-Vanadium steel. It should have a minimum yield of 50 KSI and is optimal where weight-saving is crucial to saving costs. You can find these steel plates up to 4 inches thick.
• A588: High-strength, low-alloy steel that is used in general plate applications. It is copper-bearing steel and has two to four times the corrosion resistance of carbon steel without copper. It offers a minimum yield strength of 42 KSI to 50 KSI. Cost savings can be achieved by reducing weight in this grade, optimal for many construction purposes.
• ASTM A516-GR70: This standard is crucial to fulfill when you require a steel plate that can withstand extreme conditions. It is ideal for containers like vessels, tanks, and boilers where high-pressure conditions are present. It is silicon-killed carbon steel with a fine-grain structure.
• T-1 Type B Construction Alloy Steel to A514: With a minimum yield strength of 100 KSI, it offers excellent strength, fabrication, and toughness properties. It is highly used in structural applications where strength is required to reduce overall weight and size. This standard is ideal if you plan to use steel plates for bridges, construction equipment, mining equipment, liners, bucket, and cranes.
• AR235, AR400 Abrasion-Resistant Plate: When looking for longevity, you need to find steel plates that can withstand abrasion, impact, and regular wear and tear. You can find two types of hardness for steel plates AR235 is ideal for moderate-resistance applications. AR400 is ideal for high-resistance applications. They are not suitable for structural and load-bearing applications. These standards suit mining and earth-moving equipment, mixing drums, material handling, chutes, and hoppers.
• A709: A709 steel is categorized as a low-alloy steel. It’s also known for its high strength and is dominantly used in structural applications.
  You’ll find A709 steel in vital infrastructure like bridges and buildings. It’s among the easiest steels to fabricate and is also known as an easy-to-weld steel. Consumers who favor this steel likely desire its adaptability and its resistance to outdoor conditions, such as severe weather.
• A913: A913 is similar to A709 in many ways. Both are “high-strength low-alloy” steels, and both are dominantly used for infrastructure. They have similar resistance to the outdoors, making both ideal for construction.
  A913 sets itself apart from A709 with its durability and resistance to fatigue. As such, it’s mostly favored in applications that put the steel under high stress.
• A992: A992 is also known as ASTM A992 and is the standard among structural steel. A992 has a higher tensile strength than the common A36 steel, making it desirable for high-stress construction. It’s easy to fabricate due to good weldability and is mostly found in commercial buildings and bridges.
• A514: A514 is one of the many grades of steel that isn’t desirable for construction projects. Instead, A514 is most used in the construction industry as equipment. The steel is perfect for the creation of heavy machinery and equipment.
  Outside of the construction industry, you’ll also find A514 in mining operations. Its most notable quality is its resistance to extreme temperatures, making it suitable for freezing weather. As such, it’s common for equipment intended for use in extreme cold.

Finding Out The Right Steel Plate Grade for Your Needs

When you’re wondering what type of steel plate grade is optimal for your requirements, you need to know what each grade can be used for and where it is ideal.

• A36: Structural steel channels, steel plates, wide flange beams, I-beams, structural angles. It is ideal for many applications, including fixtures, rings, bearing plates, cams, and many others.
• A500 is a cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing in rounds and shapes. Ideal for bridges and buildings, as well as general structures.
• A572: Available in five grades, 42, 50, 55, 60, and 65. The most common one used for applications is A572-50. It is used in various structural applications like buildings, bridges, transmission towers, construction equipment, and truck wireframes.
• A588: Has a wide range of applications, including transmission and phone towers, bridges, gusset plates, and housing enclosures. It has optimal strength to weight ratio.

Depending on what industry you are working in and what you’re looking for, steel plates can be the ideal solution. For some grades, there are additional standards like steelmaking and heat treatment.

You will also find sub-categories within some grades, as is the case for A572, A516, and many others. The sub-categories can be divided based on varying levels of strength, toughness, durability, weight-saving, etc.

Contact Bushwick Metal Experts When Deciding On Your Steel Grade

With thousands of steel plate grades, there’s a perfect choice for any operation. Think of what sort of steel your project requires before purchasing your steel so that you can find the perfect grade.

Intsel Steel East is the leading distributor of steel in the northeast. We have more than a century of service with half a dozen locations across the East Coast from our partnership with Bushwick Metals. We have been catering to all metal requirements of our US customers for over a century and can provide you with any metal specification. Contact us for a quote on your next delivery of high-quality steel.

Steel Floor Plate Sizes At Bushwick Metals

Steel isn’t just a super-strong construction material. It’s also essential for maintaining the social responsibility and sustainability of any given project. For one thing, steel is 100% recyclable, meaning that it has a low environmental impact. Additionally, steel is great for the world economy. The steel industry supports 96 million jobs across the globe.

Because of these factors, many businesses are investing in projects that use more steel than before. Steel sheet floor plates, for example, are a popular way for businesses across industries to create a safer, greener workspace. But how do you use steel sheet floor plates? And what are the most common steel floor plate sizes? Read on for a complete guide to sizing and usage that will help you select the best option for your purposes.

What Are Steel Sheet Floor Plates?

As suggested by the name, floor plates are flat sheets of steel that can be placed on the ground. However, they are not any kind of ordinary flooring.

Floor plates are a special kind of flooring that is primarily used to prevent slippage. They come with a raised tread pattern on the top to prevent workers, or even products, from slipping and tumbling to the ground. Because of this, floor plates are most common in industries where workers face slippery conditions. They are also prevalent in the transportation and storage of goods that could easily slide across the floor.

How Do Steel Sheet Floor Plates Work?

Steel floor plates have a raised surface that works by increasing the traction between the floor and whatever hits its surface. This could include a package, a crate, or even a worker’s boot. This increase in traction is the equivalent of “pumping the breaks” on a sudden movement. It slows down the contact between an item and the ground, thus creating a sense of stability. As a result, steel sheet floor plates create slip-resistant floors.

You can find steel floor plates with a variety of different tread patterns. Checker plates resemble a checkers board, while diamond plates look like a collection of quadrilaterals. However, both types of patterns work equally well when it comes to enjoying the benefits of floor plates.

What Size Steel Floor Plate Is Best for Worker Safety?

This is a natural question, as many businesses purchase steel floor plates with worker safety in mind. In the United States, trips and falls account for 15% of all accidental deaths and 25% of injury claims. Because of this, slip-resistant floors are key to earning your workers’ trust and guaranteeing their safety.

But, what size steel floor plate is best for worker safety? The answer to this question depends a lot on your workspace and the type of slippage that could happen there. If you are purchasing a floor plate for an industrial kitchen floor, you may consider a smaller floor plate.

Our smallest steel floor place spans 48 x 96 inches. You can purchase one of these to protect workers in a cooking area. However, if you are worried about slippage in a larger space, such as a construction trailer, you may consider a larger size. Our largest steel floor plate is 60 x 240 inches.

Which Size Steel Plate Has the Best Price for the Quality?

When researching workplace flooring, it’s normal to worry about costs. Many business owners wonder about floor plate sizing in terms of price/quality ratio. Which floor plate size is the least expensive one?

The reality is that steel plate flooring can cut a lot of costs for your business. However, there is no one “cheap” size that will keep overall prices low. The reason for this you must size your floor plates according to your workplace.

This is particularly true for logistics and supply chain companies. Most of these businesses do everything in their power to keep shipments safe. However, harsh weather conditions and slippery roads can take their toll on transported goods. When crates or packages slip and fall, a company’s products can be damaged. This can significantly reduce the amount of profit that your business gains from a single shipment.

Steel floor plates prevent this slippage and can prevent a business from losing money on damaged goods. However, this only works if you buy the right size plates for your needs. In order to determine which size floor plate is best for you, measure the interior of your freight. Then, order floor plates that will cover the interior. This will eventually help your business save money.

What Steel Floor Plate Sizes Are Available?

Steel floor plates come in a variety of cuts and sizes. However, not every supplier can provide the exact floor plates that you require. Luckily, Bushwick Metals provides a wide variety of steel floor plates in several different sizes. In fact, our inventory includes ten different floor plate sizes with a range of dimensions.

Our selection includes the following floor plate sizes (in inches):

• 48 x 144 with 1/8 thickness
• 48 x 240 with 1/8 thickness
• 60 x 120 with 1/8 thickness
• 60 x 240 with 1/8 thickness
• 48 x 96 with 1/8 thickness
• 48 x 120 with 1/8 thickness
• 48 x 96 with 1/4 thickness
• 60 x 240 with 3/8 thickness
• 48 x 240 with 1/2 thickness
• 60 x 240 with 1/2 thickness

Whether you need a steel floor plate to line the floor of your truck or to up the safety of your industrial kitchen, we have floor plates that will fit your purposes.

Order Your Steel Floor Plates Today

Do you need to increase the safety of your workplace? Or, are you hoping to reduce the slippage of your crate shipments? Either way, Bushwick Metals has the best floor plates for you.

Get in touch with us and place an order. We offer a wide variety of steel floor plate sizes for all of your slip-resistant flooring needs. The best part is that we offer a next-day delivery service. As a result, you can get your steel floor plates practically as soon as you order them.

Universal Mill Plates: Our Sizes And Capabilities

Steel is one of the most popular building materials in the world. Along with iron, it comprises 95 percent of metal production in the United States. But why is steel so popular? Its strength, durability, and versatility make it ideal for all types of metalwork. From heavy-duty bridges to creating intricate detail work, steel is a top choice!

Bushwick Metals is the East Coast’s largest steel product provider. Explore our impressive universal mill plate range and find out how we aim to exceed expectations!

What Is A Universal Mill Plate?

A universal mill plate, or UM plate, is a flat sheet of metal rolled to a specific size. The width, up to 12″, is first created by a vertical roll. The plate is then set to a specific thickness by a horizontal roll, with the minimum being 1/4″.

UM plates are ideal for building projects due to their strength and structural integrity. You can also create different instruments and objects with UM plates. Your project will determine the plate’s size and weight specifications.

Although universal mill plates are tough, they’re no match for the weather. If you’re considering outdoor construction, you might need to look at another option. Galvanized or stainless steel does better in harsh conditions.

Which Steel Grades Are Available?

There are over 3,500 different grades of steel manufactured today. Each has unique chemical, physical, and environmental elements. But don’t worry, you won’t have to choose between such a wide variety because we only stock the specific grades you’ll need!

A36 Steel Plate

The A36 steel plate is one of the most commonly used grades in construction. It’s often an essential component in buildings, bridges, agricultural equipment, and automotive parts. With its low carbon content, this grade is soft enough for welding and forming.

A572-50 Steel Plate

The A572 Grade 50 steel plate is a tough, low-alloy steel. It’s often used to build cranes, road plates, bridges, and buildings. This steel grade is ideal for reducing costs because its strength means fewer materials are needed.

A588 Steel Plate

The A588 steel grade combines strength and corrosion resistance. It boasts two to four times the rust protection of carbon steel without added copper. This grade is perfect for welding, rivets, and bolts and is often found in bridges and buildings.

ASTM A516-GR70

This carbon steel plate is optimal for high-pressure vessels like boilers and tanks. It functions best in moderate to low-temperature situations. The A516 Grade 70 plate is especially vital in structures where notch toughness is key.

ASTM A514/T-1 Type B Alloy Steel Plate

Also known as the T-1 steel plate, the A514 plate is a high-strength quenched and tempered steel. It’s heat-treated with a two-step process that increases strength by altering the grain structure. This steel plate is widely used in bridges, mining and construction, and other high-impact projects.

AR235 And AR400 Abrasion-Resistant Plate

For impact and abrasion resistance, these two steel grades are the go-to. They can withstand much more than the common A36 grade and offer a long life expectancy. These grades are not ideal for projects that require a lot of welding due to cracking possibilities.

AR235 offers moderate resistance, whereas AR400 is ideal for high-resistance projects. Typical uses include mining equipment, mixing drums, material handling, and linings. This steel grade should not be utilized in structural or load-bearing construction.

Choosing the correct steel grade is essential in ordering the proper universal mill plates. That’s why we recommend contacting us before you order if you’re unsure! The professionals at Bushwick Metals can guide you through the entire process.

Universal Steel Plates in Every Size

As your number one steel distributor, Bushwick Metals offers an extensive inventory of steel plates. Our structured steel plates range in size from 1/4″ x 9″ to 2″ x 12″ to suit every project.

Available 1/4″ UM plates:

• Size: 1/4″ x 9″, Weight: 7.66 lb
• Size: 1/4″ x 10″, Weight: 8.51 lb
• Size: 1/4″ x 11″, Weight: 9.36 lb
• Size: 1/4″ x 12″, Weight: 0.21 lb

Available 5/16″ UM plates:

• Size: 5/16″ x 9″, Weight: 9.57 lb
• Size: 5/16″ x 10″, Weight: 10.63 lb
• Size: 5/16″ x 11″, Weight: 11.70 lb
• Size: 5/16″ x 12″, Weight: 12.76 lb

Available 3/8″ UM plates:

• Size: 3/8″ x 9″, Weight: 11.49 lb
• Size: 3/8″ x 10″, Weight: 12.77 lb
• Size: 3/8″ x 11″, Weight: 14.04 lb
• Size: 3/8″ x 12″, Weight: 15.32 lb

Available 7/16″ UM plates:

• Size: 7/16″ x 9″, Weight: 13.40 lb
• Size: 7/16″ x 10″, Weight: 14.89 lb
• Size: 7/16″ x 12″, Weight: 17.87 lb

Availale 1/2″ UM plates:

• Size: 1/2″ x 9″, Weight: 15.32 lb
• Size: 1/2″ x 10″, Weight: 17.02 lb
• Size: 1/2″ x 11″, Weight: 18.72 lb
• Size: 1/2″ x 12″, Weight: 20.42 lb

Available 5/8″ UM plates:

• Size: 5/8″ x 10″, Weight: 21.27 lb
• Size: 5/8″ x 12″, Weight: 25.53 lb
• Size: 5/8″ x 9″, Weight: 19.15 lb

Available 3/4″ UM plates:

• Size: 3/4″ x 9″, Weight: 22.97 lb
• Size: 3/4″ x 10″, Weight: 25.52 lb
• Size: 3/4″ x 12″, Weight: 30.63 lb

Available 7/8″ UM plates:

• Size: 7/8″ x 9″, Weight: 26.81 lb
• Size: 7/8″ x 10″, Weight: 29.78 lb
• Size: 7/8″ x 12″, Weight: 35.74 lb

Available 1″ UM plates:

• Size: 1″ x 10″, Weight: 34.03 lb
• Size: 1″ x 12″, Weight: 40.840 lb
• Size: 1″ x 9″, Weight: 30.63 lb

Available 1 1/4″ UM plates:

• Size: 1 1/4″ x 10″, Weight: 42.53 lb
• Size: 1 1/4″ x 12″, Weight: 51.04 lb
• Size: 1 1/2″ x 10″, Weight: 51.05 lb
• Size: 1 1/2″ x 12″, Weight: 61.26 lb

Available 2″ UM plates:

• Size: 2″ x 10″, Weight: 68.06 lb
• Size: 2″ x 12″, Weight: 81.68 lb

With 37 universal mill plate sizes, we’re up for the challenge of supplying our customers with whatever they need. Do you need something specific? Take advantage of our value-added services with customization options!

Our Value-Added Services

Yes, our inventory is impressive, but our customer service beats all! Choose our value-added services when you place your order and receive precisely what you need. Saving our customers time and money is our goal!

We offer the following optional services with every order:

• Saw cutting
• Plasma cutting
• Oxy-fuel cutting
• Drilling
• Tapping
• Milling
• Plate shearing
• Plate bending and forming
• Slotting
• Countersinking
• Carbide and Plasma scribing
• Beveling

On top of that, our customers can expect the fastest delivery possible! We try to get every order distributed within a 24-hour window. No more waiting for days for products to show up when you really need them!

Try Bushwick Metals For Your Steel Needs!

A universal mill plate can be an integral part of your construction work. Sometimes you may need a custom size, specific shape, or other details that are hard to find.

At Bushwick Metals, we know how much time and quality affect your business. That’s why we work hard to deliver each order as fast as possible, without sacrificing value. We believe our customers deserve the best of the best!

Whether you need a UM plate cut to size or a bulk order delivered tomorrow, we can do it! Request a free quote today or contact us for more information about our products and services.

A36 Steel Plates: Properties & Uses | An Overview

In 2020, the global steel plate market reached a value of $53.9 billion and is expected to grow to $65 billion by 2026. Over the years, steel has quickly become one of the most common materials for structural applications. Steel is an alloy of carbon and iron, but there are many different types with many different uses.

When planning a project, choosing the correct materials is essential. This article will provide an overview of A36 steel, which is one of the most common types of steel on the market. Keep reading to see why A36 steel might be the perfect choice for you.

What Is A36 Steel?

ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) is a standards organization that regulates the standards of a huge range of materials, systems, services, and products all over the world.

One such material is A36 steel, which is one of the most common metals used for structural purposes. For most types of steel, the chemical composition is what determines the grading.

A36 Steel Chemical Composition

A36 is low carbon steel, and as such has a carbon content of less than 0.3% (by weight). This makes it very resistant to heat treatment.

A number of other alloying elements may be present in small amounts to give the final product desirable characteristics. As with most alloys, the amounts of these various elements can vary slightly. A typical makeup would be as follows:

• Iron – 98%
• Carbon – 0.25 – 0.29%
• Copper – 0.2%
• Manganese – 1.03%
• Phosphorous – 0.04%
• Silicon – 0.28%
• Sulphur – 0.05%

These values may be different depending on the shape of the part being made or the application of the material.

A36 Steel Properties

The chemical makeup of steels determines the characteristics. This low amount of carbon gives A36 steel many desirable qualities:

Formability

Good formability means that a metal can be easily formed into a shape as required, without necking or cracking. Necking is when a specific point on a part thins faster than the surrounding material. Necking eventually leads to cracking.

A metal’s elongation is the amount of strain it can endure under tensile testing. The greater the elongation, the more strain it can take.

Weldability

This quite simply refers to a metal’s ability to be welded. A36 steel has good weldability, so it is relatively easy to join two pieces together with a strong weld. Common methods such as gas metal-arc, shielded metal-arc, submerged-arc, flux core, and resistance welding are all suitable.

Machinability

This is a measure of how easily the material can be machined (i.e. cut) while keeping a good finish. This is ideally done while maintaining a low cost. Cutting A36 steel is generally quite quick and easy. It also does not cause much wear to the cutting tool used.

Ductility

A ductile material is one that will deform permanently when stress is applied. This could be bending, stretching, or spreading.

When a part is stressed, it will first deform elastically, meaning it will return to its original shape. When it goes past the ‘elastic limit,’ it will not return to its original shape. A36 steel is quite ductile, able to elongate to roughly 20% of the original length. More brittle materials will fracture more easily when stressed.

Strength

A36 is a very strong grade steel, which is one of the main reasons for its popularity.

A36 plates that are less than 8″ thickness can have a minimum yield strength of 36,000 psi and an ultimate tensile strength of 58,000-80,000 psi. This is an impressive level of strength, especially when taking into account the weight of the metal. This level of strength, along with the ductility of A36 steel, means that it has excellent impact resistance.

Cost

One of the main advantages of A36 steel is that it is relatively cheap to manufacture. This is an advantage across all industries, regardless of application. As A36 steel is often used for structural components, it is beneficial to be able to produce large quantities for bridges or buildings without having to spend excessive amounts.

What Are A36 Steel Splates Used For?

Structural applications are perhaps the most common uses for A36 steel. The mechanical properties make it an ideal construction material. It is not naturally corrosion-resistant, so is more often used for internal structures.

If needed, A36 steel can be galvanized to improve its corrosion resistance. This is done if the steel will be in an environment where it is exposed to moisture or weathering. External structures such as bridges and oil rigs are suitably made with A36 steel plates.

The strength-to-weight ratio is also a very useful trait when it comes to such applications.

A36 uses also often include some smaller applications:

• Walkways
• Boat landing ramps
• Base plates
• Parking garages

While it is less common, A36 steel plates are also sometimes used within the oil and gas industry, industrial manufacturing, and road plates.

Steel plates are also available in several other grades. Each grade has different characteristics to make them suitable for varying applications.

What Do You Need?

When it comes to different metals, the choices are nearly endless. For some jobs, A36 steel is the perfect material, but for others, you may need something harder, lighter, or more resistant to corrosion, for example.

Bushwick Metals is a leading supplier of metals, with a large number of types and parts in stock, ready to go. Our value-added services put us ahead of the competition, and we offer next-day delivery, so whatever you need, we’ll get it to you right away.

If you’re ready to order or just have some questions, the team is always ready to help. Click here to get in touch with us today.

Common Applications Of AR Steel Plates And Where To Purchase Them

The global AR steel plate market was valued at $2.661 billion in 2020. By the end of 2027, this is expected to grow to $3.925 billion.

If you are looking to invest in steel plates for a project, the first thing you need to know is that there are a number of types. For a successful project, making the right choice is essential. AR steel is one of the more common, with various different applications.

For an explanation of what AR steel plate is, and how it could be useful to you, keep reading.

What Is AR Steel Plate

Abrasion-resistant (AR) steel is a high-carbon steel alloy. As the name suggests, it is more resistant to abrasions than other steel.

As with all types of steel, it has a number of different characteristics, which determine the applications it is suitable for.

Like most metals, AR steel has a number of grades available. Some of the most common are AR400, AR450, AR500, and AR600. The primary difference in these grades is the BHN (brittle hardness number). The higher the BHN, the higher the level of hardness.

Typical levels are as follows:

• AR400: 360-400 BHN
• AR450: 430-480 BHN
• AR500: 460-544 BHN
• AR600: 570-625 BHN

AR Steel Chemical Composition

Each grade has a slightly different chemical composition, resulting in varied characteristics.

A typical example is AR500 steel. As with all steels, this is primarily iron, with the following composition:

• Carbon – 0.31%
• Manganese – 0.95%
• Phosphorus – 0.025%
• Sulfur – 0.005%
• Silicon – 0.65%
• Chromium – 0.75%
• Nickel – 1%
• Molybdenum – 0.75%
• Boron – 0.003%

This particular grade has a yield strength of 200 ksi, a tensile strength of 225 ksi, and an elongation of 12″ (with a 2″ thickness)

Manufacturing Process

A two-part process known as quenching and tempering is used to produce AR steel. This causes a change in the grain structure which helps increase the toughness of the metal as well as increasing the formability. The change in grain results in through-hardening.

Quenching

The process of quenching involves heating the material (usually to 1,300 – 1,650°F) followed by rapid cooling with water.

This increases the hardness of the steel and forms a crystal-like structure within it.

Tempering

Done after quenching, the metal is re-heated to a below-critical temperature (roughly 300-700°F) and then cooled naturally at room temperature.

The heating breaks down the previously formed crystal structure, which then forms again during the cooling stage. The majority of the strength and hardness will be retained while increasing the ductility of the steel. Through-hardening is a term that refers to the structural change in the grain from this process.

The Advantages of AR Steel

There are several advantages to AR steel for many applications. These characteristics are the result of the chemical composition of the steel, as well as the manufacturing process.

Hardness and Wear Resistance

Due to the additional carbon present in AR steel, the hardness and toughness are enhanced. It will maintain its form even after a large amount of wear and tear.

In a number of projects, wear and tear can be the main cause of failures. The wear resistance of AR steel can be a huge advantage here. Fewer breakdowns mean less time and money spent on repairs, as well as fewer interruptions to production.

This makes it more suitable for high-wear applications, and less so for structural applications support beams in buildings or bridges.

Formability and Machinability

With metals, as hardness increases, formability decreases. As a very hard metal, AR steel doesn’t generally have great formability. It does, however, have several options in this aspect. The different grades available have different levels of formability. Depending on your project, you can assess your options, and find the right grade of AR steel for you.

AR500 and AR600 for example, are harder grades. They will provide exceptional durability but can be difficult to machine. AR plate steel welding is also fairly difficult for these grades.

Other grades such as AR400 and AR450 are more balanced in terms of hardness and formability. They can be reasonably machined or welded but are still quite durable in comparison to other steels.

Cost

Generally, AR steel is a bit more expensive than other types. In the long run, however, it could actually result in lower costs. The hardness and durability mean that less maintenance or repairs will be needed. A cheaper metal that is less durable will be more likely to fracture and need replacing more often.

It is worth noting that grades with a higher BHN generally cost more than those with a lower BHN, but other factors will also have an effect on the overall cost (i.e. market conditions, order size, etc.).

Common Uses of AR Steel Plate

The most prominent advantage of AR steel is its durability. It is primarily used for applications that involve a lot of wear, such as:

• Excavators
• Tunnel construction equipment
• Material conveyors
• Bulldozers
• Boring machines
• Chutes
• Silos
• Steel rolling equipment
• Balers
• Coal hoppers
• Pulverizer lining

The list goes on, and there are many other common uses amongst various types of machinery as well as power plants.

Choosing the Right Materials

Just like every other metal, AR steel plate has a number of pros and cons. When it comes down to choosing the right material for your project, all of these should be taken into account.

Bushwick Metals have been supplying high-quality steel for over 100 years. Whether you need AR steel plate metal or any other steel for your project, we’ve got you covered. We provide value-added services such as plate processing, saw cutting, and bending, and offer next-day delivery, so your order can be out to you as soon as you need it.

If you are interested in making an order, or just have some questions, get in touch with us by clicking here. We are always ready to help.