Quick Answer: Q&T Plates Are Available from 6 mm to 150 mm
Quenched and Tempered (Q&T) steel plates are typically available in thicknesses starting from 6 mm and going up to 150 mm, depending on:
- The grade (S690QL, S890QL, A514, etc.)
- The manufacturer or brand (e.g., Dillimax, HITEN, Strenx)
- The application (armor, structure, pressure vessel)
Standard stocked range:
- S690QL → 6 to 100 mm
- S890QL → 6 to 80 mm
- S960QL → 6 to 50 mm
- ASTM A514 → 6 to 100 mm
- Dillimax / HITEN → custom sizes up to 120 mm
Why Thickness Matters in Quenched Plates
When it comes to structural or critical applications, thickness directly affects
- Load-bearing capacity
- Weldability and preheat requirements
- Cutting and bending feasibility
- Delivery time and cost
A 25 mm S690QL plate may behave very differently than an 80 mm plate of the same grade during welding or forming.
What Controls the Available Thickness Range?
The max and min thicknesses depend on:
- The cooling rate after quenching (thicker plates may cool unevenly)
- The steel mill’s furnace and press capacity
- Grade-specific chemical composition and hardening depth
- Project-specific mechanical property guarantees
- ISO 9001, IBR, NORSOK (where applicable)
At Hindustan Steel, we offer cut-to-size Q&T plates in all thicknesses from 6 mm up to 150 mm, with guaranteed mill certification and impact-tested values.
Grade-Wise Q&T Plate Thickness Range Chart
| Grade | Standard | Min. Thickness | Max. Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S690QL | EN 10025-6 | 6 mm | 120 mm | Widely available, highly weldable |
| S890QL | EN 10025-6 | 6 mm | 80 mm | Medium-thickness preferred |
| S960QL | EN 10025-6 | 6 mm | 50 mm | Requires tight Q+T control |
| ASTM A514 | ASTM A514 / T1 | 6 mm | 100 mm | American spec; preheat important |
| Dillimax 690T | Dillinger Spec | 8 mm | 120 mm | Popular in Europe & GCC |
| JFE HITEN 780LE | JIS | 6 mm | 100 mm | Consistent mechanicals at low temp |
| Welten 900E | Japanese | 6 mm | 60 mm | High yield, thin plates |
Availability may vary depending on mill batch, import status, or stock profile. Always confirm stock before committing to job schedules.
What Affects the Price Based on Thickness?
Thicker Q&T plates may cost more due to:
- Lower yield per furnace run
- Slower cooling = higher energy cost
- Greater material loss during cutting
- More difficult handling and transport
Example:
A 25 mm thick S690QL plate might cost ₹110/kg, while the 80 mm thick version of the same grade could reach ₹135–₹150/kg depending on spec.
Cutting & Welding Tips by Thickness
| Thickness | Cutting Method | Welding Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 6–25 mm | Plasma / Laser | Minimal preheat, E7018 rods ok |
| 25–50 mm | Plasma / Oxyfuel | Preheat to 100–150°C, limit interpass |
| 50–100 mm | Oxyfuel / Waterjet | Preheat >150°C, monitor HAZ closely |
| >100 mm | CNC Bevel + Waterjet | Multilayer welds, possible post-weld relief |
As a rule: Thicker Q&T plates = more control needed during fabrication
What Thicknesses Are Readily Stocked by Hindustan Steel?
We maintain ready inventory of Q&T plates in the following thickness brackets:
| Thickness | Stock Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm – 20 mm | ✅ Regular Stock | Most used in trailer & chassis builds |
| 22 mm – 50 mm | ✅ Project Stock | Ideal for cranes, bridges, mining |
| 60 mm – 100 mm | ✅ On Order or Blocked | For infra, pressure vessels, railways |
| 100 mm+ | 🟠 Custom Production | For OEMs, defense & tender-based demand |
Thickness over 100 mm is usually milled on request, with delivery lead times of 3–5 weeks.
Export Support & Packaging by Thickness
We export Q&T plates in all thicknesses with tailored packing options:
- ≤25 mm: Steel-strapped bundles + waterproof wrap
- 25–50 mm: Edge-protected stacks on wooden pallets
- >50 mm: Individual heavy plate packing + forklift provisions
- Cut parts / CNC shapes: Crated with edge cushions
Shipments to: UAE, Vietnam, Kenya, South Africa, Oman, Indonesia — via Nhava Sheva & Mundra
SEO + Voice-Optimized FAQs
What is the thickest quenched and tempered steel plate available?
Up to 150 mm — available by special order depending on the grade.
Can I get 80 mm S690QL plate in India?
Yes. Hindustan Steel stocks and supplies cut-to-size S690QL up to 100 mm.
Is welding more difficult on thicker Q&T plates?
Yes. Thicker plates require higher preheat and more control of the heat-affected zone (HAZ).
What cutting method is best for thick Q&T plates?
Waterjet or oxyfuel cutting is best for plates over 50 mm to avoid hardness loss.
Do all grades offer the same thickness range?
No. For example, S690QL goes up to 120 mm, but S960QL is mostly limited to 50 mm.
Are thicker Q&T plates more expensive?
Yes, due to lower mill yield, handling difficulty, and processing cost.
Can I order CNC-profiled Q&T plates in 60 mm thickness?
Yes. Hindustan Steel offers custom-cut shapes in up to 100 mm Q&T steel.
Is there a weight limit per plate during export?
Plates above 80 mm are often shipped in split stacks or individually crated.
Do you offer test certificates for all thicknesses?
Yes, EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 MTCs are provided for all thicknesses with full traceability.
Final CTA: Need Cut-to-Size Q&T Plates in Custom Thickness?
Ask for:
- Real-time stock list by thickness
- CNC-cut drawing submission
- Pricing slabs for 6 mm to 150 mm plates
- Datasheets & weldability guides