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Low-Carbon Steel Plate Specifications: Complete Guide

Issuing time:2025-09-16 11:50

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Low-carbon steel plates are versatile materials widely used in construction, automotive manufacturing, machinery production, and various industrial applications. Their specifications are defined by multiple factors including dimensions, material grades, mechanical properties, and industry standards. This guide covers all key specifications to help you select the right low-carbon steel plate for your needs.

1. Dimensional Specifications

Low-carbon steel plates are primarily categorized into cold-rolled and hot-rolled varieties, each with distinct dimensional ranges and characteristics:

Steel Plate TypeThickness Range (mm)Width Range (mm)Length Range (mm)Key CharacteristicsTypical Applications
Cold-Rolled Low-Carbon Steel0.1~6.0 (common: 0.3~3.0)600~2000 (standard: 1000/1250/1500)1000~6000 (custom lengths available)Smooth surface, high precision, uniform thickness, higher hardnessAutomotive panels, home appliance casings, precision stampings
Hot-Rolled Low-Carbon Steel1.2~200 (common: 3.0~20)600~3000 (standard: 1250/1500/1800/2000)2000~12000 (cut-to-length or coil)Scale surface, moderate precision, good toughnessStructural steel components, containers, machinery bases, pipes
Important Notes:

  • Standard vs. non-standard sizes: Common standard sizes include 1250mm×2500mm and 1500mm×6000mm, with custom sizes available upon request

  • Coil vs. sheet: Plates ≤6mm are often supplied as coils (hundreds of meters long), while thicker plates are supplied as individual sheets

  • Tolerance ranges: Follow industry standards (e.g., GB/T 709) with typical thickness tolerances of ±0.02~±0.1mm for cold-rolled and ±0.1~±0.5mm for hot-rolled plates

2. Material Specifications: Grades and Standards

The material specifications of low-carbon steel plates are determined by their grade (chemical composition, mechanical properties) and execution standards (production specifications). Different countries and industries have distinct grading systems.

Mainstream Chinese Grades (GB/T Standards)

Grade SeriesTypical GradesCarbon ContentYield Strength (≥MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)Key Properties
Ordinary low-carbon steelQ195≤0.12%195315~430Lowest strength, good ductility, easy to weld
High-quality low-carbon steelQ215A/B≤0.15%215335~450Higher strength, better weather resistance than Q195
General purposeQ235A/B/C/D≤0.22%235375~500Balanced performance (strength, ductility, weldability)
Stamping special steelSPCC (cold-rolled)≤0.15%130~270270~410High surface precision, good cold formability
Deep drawing steelSPCD/SPCE (cold-rolled)≤0.10%120~240260~380Excellent ductility, no aging brittleness

International Grade Equivalents

  • ASTM A36 (USA): Equivalent to GB Q235B, C≤0.25%, yield strength≥250MPa

  • JIS SS400 (Japan): Equivalent to GB Q235B, tensile strength≥400MPa

  • EN S235JR (Europe): Equivalent to GB Q235C, better low-temperature impact performance

Key Standards

  • Cold-rolled plates: GB/T 11253 "Carbon Structural Steel Cold-Rolled Thin Plates and Strips"

  • Hot-rolled plates: GB/T 711 "High-quality Carbon Structural Steel Hot-Rolled Thick Plates and Strips"

  • Stamping plates: GB/T 5213 "Cold-Rolled Low-Carbon Steel Plates and Strips"

  • International: ASTM A36, JIS G3101, EN 10025

3. Special Specifications for Specific Applications

Thickness-Specific Specifications

  • Ultra-thin plates: 0.1~0.3mm (e.g., SPCC ultra-thin cold-rolled), for precision electronics, battery casings

  • Medium plates: 20~60mm (e.g., Q235B hot-rolled), for heavy machinery bases, bridge components

  • Extra-thick plates: >60mm (custom-made), for large pressure vessels, shipbuilding

Surface Treatment Specifications

  • Galvanized low-carbon steel (GB/T 2518): Zinc-coated for enhanced corrosion resistance, used in outdoor components

  • Pickled plates: Hot-rolled plates with scale removed, suitable for direct welding/stamping

Performance-Customized Specifications

  • Weathering low-carbon steel (e.g., Q235NH): With Cu, P elements for 2-3x better atmospheric corrosion resistance

  • Low-alloy low-carbon steel (e.g., Q345A, C≤0.20%): Higher strength (yield≥345MPa) with good weldability

4. Key Considerations for Specification Selection

  • Match the material to its application: Cold-rolled for stampings (SPCC/SPCE), hot-rolled for structural parts (Q235B)

  • Specify dimensional tolerances: Precision equipment requires strict tolerance (e.g., ±0.05mm)

  • Consider industry standards: Export products may need to meet ASTM, JIS, or EN standards

  • Balance cost and delivery: Non-standard sizes may incur additional processing fees and longer lead times

Understanding these specifications is crucial for selecting the right low-carbon steel plate for your project. For specific inquiries about availability or pricing, please contact our sales team with your detailed requirements including thickness, width, length, grade, and surface treatment needs.


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