How to Choose the Right Structural Steel Grade, Thickness, and Type for Your Project

Guide to Selecting Structural Steel Plates

Choosing the right structural steel plate is critical for the success of your project—whether you’re building a bridge, fabricating a telecom tower, or developing heavy machinery. At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we help buyers make informed decisions by understanding plate grades, applications, standards, and strength-to-weight ratios. This guide breaks down every key factor to simplify your purchase decision.

What Are Structural Steel Plates and Why Are They Used?

Structural steel plates are thick, flat rolled steel sheets designed for load-bearing applications in construction and industrial sectors. Known for their strength, ductility, weldability, and ease of fabrication, these plates form the backbone of modern infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, PEBs, ships, cranes, and towers.

Typical Use Cases for Structural Steel Plates

Key Mechanical Properties to Evaluate

When selecting structural plates, assess the following:

• Yield Strength (MPa) – Ability to resist permanent deformation
• Tensile Strength (MPa) – Maximum stress before breakage
• Elongation (%) – Ductility/flexibility
• Impact Strength – Toughness under shock load
• Hardness – Resistance to wear and tear
• Thickness Tolerance – Accuracy for tight fabrication

How to Select the Right Structural Steel Grade?

Here’s how you can decide based on strength, environment, and standards:

Tip: For export compliance, match local standards with global equivalents (e.g., A36 vs S355 vs IS 2062).

Which Standards to Consider When Selecting?

You should consider both national and international standards like:

• IS 2062 (India)
• EN 10025 (Europe)
• ASTM A36 / A572 (USA)
• JIS G3101 SS400 (Japan)
• DIN 17100 St52 / St37 (Germany)
• GOST 380-94 St3 (Russia)

Always cross-check equivalents and certifications.

Choosing the Right Thickness & Width

• Common thickness range: 6 mm to 150 mm
• Widths available: 1250 mm to 3000 mm
• Lengths: Custom cut to 12,000 mm or more

Decide based on project span, load-bearing requirements, and fabrication ease.

When to Choose High Tensile Plates?

Choose high tensile grades like SAILMA, JFE Hiten, or NAXTRA when:

• You need higher load capacity with less weight
• You’re designing crane booms, chassis, or tall towers
• You want to save weight and cost in transportation

Custom Fabrication or Profile Cutting Tips

At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we offer:

• Cut-to-length processing
• Plasma/Oxy profile cutting
• CNC bending and forming
• Shot blasting and painting

Choose profiles (rectangular, trapezoid, arc) that minimize scrap and reduce welding load.

Why Hindustan Steel Corporation Is Your Best Partner?

• 40+ years of experience in plate solutions
• Ready stock of all grades including S355J2, IS 2062, and SAILMA
• Cut-to-length, mill TC, IBR-certified, and export-ready
• Fast delivery across India and 6+ countries
• Dedicated support for fabricators and EPC contractors

Export Guidance for Overseas Structural Projects

If exporting to UAE, Africa, or Southeast Asia:

• Match EN 10025 or ASTM norms
• Ensure 3.1 MTC + Test Certificates
• Look for sea-worthy packing
• Choose Hindustan’s Indian alternatives to A36 / S355 for better cost-efficiency.

Buyer Tips for First-Time Structural Plate Buyers

• Never compromise on grade and test certificate
• Check for UT test, Charpy impact value, and bend test
• Avoid over-specifying—consult engineers to optimize thickness

Choose pre-cut profiles to save fabrication time

Certifications You Should Ask Before Ordering

• Mill Test Certificate (MTC 3.1 or 3.2)
• IBR or PED Approval (if for pressure applications)
• ISO 9001 Quality Management
• BIS IS 2062 Standard Approval

15 FAQs – Guide to Selecting Structural Steel Plates