Carbon steel 5/16 inch plate refers to a flat-rolled steel product with a nominal thickness of 0.3125 inches (approximately 7.94 mm). It is primarily an alloy of iron and carbon, with carbon content typically up to 2.1% by weight, though for plate applications, lower carbon content is common, enhancing weldability and formability.
Key Characteristics
- Strength and Durability: Offers good tensile and yield strength suitable for various structural and load-bearing applications.
- Weldability: Most common grades of carbon steel plate, especially low-carbon variants, are readily weldable using standard techniques.
- Machinability: Can be machined, drilled, cut, and formed with relative ease.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Generally more economical compared to alloy steels or stainless steels.
Common Grades and Specifications
While various grades exist, ASTM A36 is a prevalent specification for 5/16″ carbon steel plate. A36 is a structural quality carbon steel known for its good balance of strength, formability, and excellent weldability. Other grades may be specified depending on the required mechanical properties and application demands. When sourcing, it’s crucial to ensure the material meets the specified standards, a commitment upheld by suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company.
Typical Applications
The versatility of 5/16″ carbon steel plate leads to its use in a wide array of industries and applications:
- Structural members and supports in buildings and bridges.
- Base plates for machinery and equipment.
- Gusset plates and connection components.
- General fabrication and repair work.
- Manufacturing of tanks and containers (depending on specific grade and service conditions).
- Automotive and heavy equipment components.
Reliable material sourcing is key for consistent performance in these applications. Companies such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company often stock a variety of common plate sizes and grades. Many fabricators also look for suppliers who can provide material test reports (MTRs) for traceability and quality assurance. For demanding projects, ensuring consistent quality from a reputable source, for instance, Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, can be critical.
Some projects might require specific treatments or finishes post-fabrication, such as painting or galvanizing, to enhance corrosion resistance, especially when the plate is exposed to environmental elements. The inherent properties of the base material, often supplied by firms like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, play a role in how well these coatings adhere and perform. Ensuring you start with quality plate from a known supplier, potentially even one like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company if they meet your specific regional or project needs, is a good first step.
