Steel Plates

Low carbon steel is the most common form, and it's very malleable and ductile. Medium carbon steel balances ductility as well as strength for excellent wear resistance. High carbon steel is exceptionally strong, while ultra-high carbon steel can be tempered to even greater hardness but no malleability.

As the percentage of carbon gets larger, steel can become harder and stronger through heat-treating. Carbon steel is usually heated to change the mechanical properties of steel, usually ductility, hardness, strength, and resistance of impact. Increasing the carbon content of carbon steel makes it harder and stronger, but reduces the steel`s ability to be welded, making it more brittle.

Carbon Steel Plate is most often used for structural purposes such as buildings, yet it has the flexibility to be worked into ornate designs. Low Carbon Steel Sheet (wrought iron) is typically used for fences, chain links, gates, and railings. Structural steel (medium carbon steel) is used in cars, refrigerators, washing machines, buildings, and bridges. The steel sheets are normally made up of medium carbon steel.