Description
The Workhorse of Modern Structural Steel
When we first started producing ASTM A572 Grade 50 plates over 15 years ago, we knew it would become one of our most requested materials. Why? Because it solves real-world problems. Take bridge projects in coastal areas where standard carbon steel corrodes too quickly, or heavy machinery that needs lighter weight without sacrificing strength. This HSLA steel delivers exactly that balance.
We see it used everywhere – from the girders supporting 10-story office buildings to the undercarriage of mining excavators. The magic lies in its chemistry: a precise balance of manganese, silicon, and microalloyed niobium that gives 50 ksi (345 MPa) yield strength while keeping carbon equivalent below 0.45. That means your welders won’t curse us when joining thick sections with SMAW or FCAW processes.
Where Performance Meets Practicality
- The 345 MPa yield strength isn’t just a number – it lets engineers reduce plate thickness by 15-20% versus A36 steel in comparable spans, cutting both material and shipping costs
- Our controlled rolling process ensures consistent toughness, even at -20°C where some competitors’ plates show brittle behavior
- For corrosive environments, the copper content (0.25-0.40%) forms protective oxide layers, giving 2-3x better atmospheric corrosion resistance than plain carbon steel
- One customer in shipbuilding reported 30% fewer weld repairs compared to their previous supplier’s Grade 50 plate, thanks to our tighter sulfur control (<0.03%)
We produce everything from 6mm thin plates for agricultural equipment up to 150mm heavy sections for offshore platforms. All plates undergo ultrasonic testing per ASTM A435, with optional Charpy V-notch impact testing at -40°C.
Made in China, Built for Global Standards
Our Qingdao mill holds dual certification to ASTM A572 and EN 10025 S355 standards. When a German engineering firm needed plates with both CEV < 0.45 and 27J minimum impact at -40°C, we delivered – with mill test reports showing actual values of 0.42 CEV and 35J average.
Whether you need:
– 200-ton orders for bridge girders with shot-blasted finish
– 5-ton prototypes with custom edge trimming
– Plates cut to your nesting patterns with plasma or laser
We’ve done it all. The advantage of working directly with our factory? We control every step – from ladle refining to final inspection – so you get exactly what your drawings specify. No surprises, just consistent quality that lets you focus on fabrication, not rework.
Get in touch with your next project requirements. We’ll share actual mill data from similar jobs and help optimize both performance and cost.
