Whether you’re new to the steel industry or sourcing materials for a large international project, carbon steel plates are one of the most common, important products you’ll come across.
This guide will help you understand what carbon steel plates are, why they’re used globally, and what to look for before making a purchase. Even if you’re not a technical expert.
What are Carbon Steel Plates?
Carbon steel plates are flat sheets of steel made primarily from iron and carbon. The amount of carbon in the steel affects its strength, hardness, and flexibility.
CS plates grades like ASTM A36, SA 516, SA 537 are commonly used.
Carbon Plates are used in construction, manufacturing, machinery, and infrastructure because they are:
- Strong
- Affordable
- Easy to weld and form
Even if you don’t know much about metals, just remember: carbon steel plates are a versatile material that serves as the backbone of many industrial projects.
Types of Carbon Steel Plates
Carbon steel plates like SA 537 Class 1 and SA 537 Class 2 are commonly used in pressure vessel applications due to their excellent strength and impact resistance at high temperatures.
In addition, the SA 516 series is highly popular for boiler and pressure vessel use. This includes Grade 60, Grade 65, and Grade 70, which offer increasing levels of tensile strength and durability. As you move up the grades.
Moreover, some plates undergo additional testing for specific environments. For example, SA 516 Grade 60, 65, and 70 HIC Tested Plates are treated to resist Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC), which is critical in wet or corrosive environments. Similarly, the NACE-certified variants of these grades are designed to resist sulfide stress corrosion cracking, in compliance with NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 standards — a must-have for oilfield applications.
Some common grades of Carbon Steel you might see:
Little Knowledge about SA Grades:
These grades are chooses for changing temperatures, pressures and other requirements. Global buyers should know specifications and certifications standards requirements like ASME, ASTM and EN before buying Carbon Steels.SA 537 Plates includes two classes: Class 1 and Class 2. SA 537 standards requires heat treatment.
Manufacturers use SA 516 Grades 60, 65 and 70 for pressure vessels and boilers. The higher the grade number, the stronger the plates become.
Properties to Know About CS Plates
Before Buying Carbon Steel Understand this:
- Rust Protection: Carbon steel rusts without coating. So use paint or zinc coating. (if needed)
- Strength: High carbon content = stronger plates.
- Endurance: Good quality carbon steel plates can absorb pressure and heavy loads.
- Weld-ability: Low carbon plates are easier to weld and cut.
Common Uses in Carbon Steel Plates
Carbon steel plates are everywhere. Industries like –
- Construction: buildings, bridges, structural supports
- Shipbuilding: hulls, decks, offshore platforms
- Machinery & Equipment: parts, frames, tools
- Oil & Gas: storage tanks, pipelines, pressure vessel
CS Plates is helpful for those Industries that demand performance like strength.
Most Important Things to Consider Before You Buy Carbon Plates
If you’re buying carbon steel for the first time (especially internationally), here’s what to check-
Thickness and Sizes
Plates range from mm to inches (thick)
Check dimensions matching your application
Grades and Standards
Confirm which grades are useful like A516 (Grades 55, 60, 65, 70) or SA-537
Check International Standards like ASTM / ASME SA, EN, IS etc.
Carbon Plates Supplier
Ask for Mill Test Certificates (MTC), HIC Tested or NACE to prove the quality
Check carbon steel supplier’s history for overseas orders
Surface Quality and Finish
What kind of environment you have if moisture is involved
Finish means Painted, Galvanized, Untreated, Hot Rolled or Cold Rolled
Verify every details, choose right grades, and collaborate with trusted suppliers for long term value.
Tips for International Buyers of Carbon Steel Plates
Buying carbon steel plates internationally? Here’s how:
- Ask for detailed product specifications, standards and MTCs
- Clarify FOB, CIF, etc. and delivery times
- Verify if import duties or certifications apply in your country like USA, UK, UAE, and Germany etc.
Choose carbon steel plate suppliers with export experience and proper packaging
Carbon Plates Buyers can be from different countries so check according to your environment what is suitable for your applications. You should check carbon content, size, grade, and international standards before purchase.
Therefore, when choosing a carbon steel plate, it’s important to not only consider the base grade but also whether HIC or NACE testing is required. By selecting the right type, you ensure both compliance and performance in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Carbon Steel Plates:
Is carbon steel better than steel?
Carbon steel is a type of steel that contains a higher amount of carbon compared to other types. As a result, it is stronger but also more brittle and more prone to rust than mild steel. Depending on its application, it may offer high strength but limited flexibility.
What is the cost of carbon steel plate per kg?
CS plate price typically ranges from ₹55 to ₹85 per kg in India, $0.64 to $1 USD per kg. Grades, thickness, and market conditions have important role in price fluctutaions. Always check current rates from carbon steel plates suppliers.
Is carbon steel healthy to eat from?
Yes, carbon steel is healthy and safe to cook with. Because of no chemical coatings and also used in kitchens.
Which is better, cast iron or carbon steel?
Carbon steel is lightweight and also heats fast. Cast iron hold heat for long time and is more strong. Carbon steel for quick cooking while cast iron is better for slow even heat.
How to calculate carbon steel plate weight?
Weight (kg) =Length (m) ×Width (m) ×Thickness (m) ×Density (kg/m³). Density of carbon steel is 7850 kg/m³.
Which is better, aluminium or carbon steel?
Aluminium is lighter, cheaper, and heats faster. Carbon steel is strong, durable, and better for high heat.
Does carbon steel rust?
Yes, carbon steel can rust if exposed to moisture and air without protection. Paint, galvanizing, or zinc zing prevent rusting.