Steel plates can be manufactured by large steel factories or smaller, more specialized plants. Steel plates are one of the many types of steel that can be produced, other types include steel bars, sheets, slabs, rolls, and more. Steel plates are often used for structural and construction applications, pressure vessels, marine and offshore equipment, and military applications. The grade, elements and parameters of a steel plate are also important in how it is used.

Types

A steel plate is a broad and generic term for steel in the form of a plate. However, steel can be combined with other metals to form alloys, which can make them corrosion resistant, stronger or lighter. In addition to what alloy of steel plate is made, the thickness can range from 3/16 inch to several inches. For example, a pressure vessel application of a steel plate may only require 3/4 inch thickness, while military grade anti-armor ammunition testing may require it to be as thick as possible.

Construction

The construction industry requires many types of steel in all sizes. Steel plates can be found in buildings, bridges and on construction vehicles. The company, K.K.L. Metal Trading, makes structural steel plates for use in sports stadiums, airports, pre-fabricated buildings, warehouses, railway stations and vehicles.

Pressure Vessel Plate

Pressure vessel plate is a type of steel plate used for storage containers. These storage containers can be boilers, gas tanks, or any unit that stores compressed gas or fluid. They can be manufactured to hold contents at outdoor temperatures or hold contents are more extreme temperatures. Depending on the purpose, these steel plates can be course-grain or fine-grain.

Marine

Steel plates are also used extensively in the shipbuilding industry. The plates are used for ships and barges or oil rigs and other offshore equipment. They may be manufactured structural parts or they may be implemented as repair pieces. Sometimes extremely durable steel plates are needed, especially in the construction of large offshore facilities.

Military

The Department of Defense often requires higher-grade steel plates for use in military vehicles and buildings. Steel industries with military contracts manufacture steel according to the purposes and standards set by the Department of Defense and its other departments such as the Army, Air Force and Navy. Military steel plates are used in tanks, jeeps, trucks and ground vehicles, as well as helicopters, jets and other aircraft. The Navy uses this steel for shipbuilding and naval repair.