Product introduction 

Carbon structural steel plates and low-alloy structural steel plates are the two most widely used structural steel plates in the industrial sector. They are primarily used to manufacture mechanical components that bear or transmit loads, and engineering structures (such as bridges, buildings, and ships). Their core characteristics are their combined structural load-bearing capacity and ease of processing, with costs tailored to the needs of different scenarios.

Feature

High strength

good toughness

easy to process

cost-effective

The essential difference between the two steel plates

Carbon structural steel plate: Its primary chemical components are iron (Fe) and carbon (C), with little or no other alloying elements (such as Mn and Si, which are not designed as strengthening elements) or only trace amounts (≤0.1%). Its performance is primarily controlled by its carbon content.

Low-alloy structural steel plate: Based on carbon steel, a small amount of alloying elements (such as Mn, Si, Cr, Ni, V, Ti, etc.) is deliberately added (total amount ≤ 5%). The purpose is to significantly improve key properties such as strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance while maintaining a low cost, and to compensate for the performance deficiencies of carbon steel.

Common standards and grades

Carbon structural steel plate

Q195/Q215 (Grades A/B): Low-carbon steel with low strength and ease of stamping, used for thin plates (such as iron sheets and tank bottoms) and light-loaded structural parts.

Q235 (Grades A/B/C/D): The most widely used carbon steel, offering a combination of strength and Weldable, used in steel structures, bridges, machinery casings, and containers.

Q275 (Grades A/B): Medium-carbon steel with high strength, used for heavy-duty brackets, agricultural machinery parts, and small machinery gears.

Low alloy structural steel plate

Q345 (Grades A/B/C/D/E): The most widely used low-alloy steel (formerly 16Mn steel), with a yield strength of 345 MPa, over 50% higher than Q235. It is used in bridges, high-rise buildings, ships, and pressure vessels.

Q390/Q420 (Grades C/D/E): High-strength steel with vanadium/titanium additions for grain refinement. It is used in large engineering structures (such as long-span bridges) and heavy machinery frames.

Q460/Q500 (Grades D/E): High-strength, weathering steel containing chromium and nickel. Suitable for offshore platforms and outdoor towers (such as high-voltage transmission towers), it reduces painting and maintenance costs.

Mechanical properties

Application areas

Heavy-load engineering structures

Mobile device structure

Harsh environment applications

Low temperature/shock scenarios