Steel Sheet and Plate; The Foundation of Primary Industries

Steel sheet (or plate) is one of the most widely used metal sections, serving either as a finished product or as the primary raw material for manufacturing other steel sections such as pipes and profiles. In line with the product portfolio of Artan Foolad Pardis, the supply of steel sheets stands alongside our secondary structural profiles. For B2B industrial buyers, having a precise understanding of steel grades, production methods, and dimensional tolerances is essential.

Types of Steel Sheets Based on Production Methods

Depending on the rolling process and heat treatment, steel sheets possess distinct mechanical properties and surface finishes:

1. Hot Rolled Steel Sheet (Black Sheet)

These sheets are manufactured at high temperatures (typically above 930°C). Due to high-temperature oxidation, their surface has a dark, matte finish.

• Widely Used Grades:
• ST37: Commercially known as Mild Steel. Characterized by low carbon content, excellent weldability, and high ductility. Mainly used in construction and profile manufacturing.
• ST52: A high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel sheet. Suitable for manufacturing industrial sheds, heavy machinery, and structural parts under heavy load.
• Standard Widths: 1000, 1250, 1500, and 2000 mm.

2. Cold Rolled Steel Sheet (Oiled Sheet)

After undergoing an acid pickling process, hot rolled sheets are cold-reduced at room temperature. This process yields a smooth, polished finish, high surface quality, and outstanding dimensional accuracy. Their primary applications include the automotive industry, home appliances, and metal furniture.

3. Galvanized Steel Sheet

To prevent corrosion and rusting, the sheet’s surface is coated with a layer of zinc (Zn). These sheets are extensively used in humid environments, for manufacturing greenhouse pipes, ventilation ducts, and corrugated roofing.

Dimensional Tolerances and Their Impact on Weight and Price

One of the most critical challenges when purchasing steel sheets is the thickness tolerance.

This principle applies directly to the sheets themselves. Rolling mills produce sheets within a permissible error margin (tolerance). For instance, a sheet with a nominal thickness of 2 mm might actually measure 1.9 mm or 2.1 mm. In high-tonnage orders, this millimeter-level deviation leads to a significant difference in the final cargo weight and invoice amount. International manufacturing standards define these tolerances precisely.

Formula for Calculating Steel Sheet Weight

Industrial buyers must be able to estimate the product’s weight before physical weighing. The weight of steel sheets is calculated using the following formula:

$$Weight=L\times W\times T\times 7.85$$

• $Weight$: Weight of the sheet in kilograms (kg)
• $L$: Length of the sheet in meters (m)
• $W$: Width of the sheet in meters (m)
• $T$: Thickness of the sheet in millimeters (mm)
• $7.85$: Standard density of steel (g/cm3g/cm^3g/cm3)

Strategic Applications in Industry

1. Production of Secondary Steel Sections: Welded steel pipes (including gas and tested pipes produced in accordance with ISIRI 3360, ISIRI 2440, and DIN 2441 standards) and structural hollow sections (box sections) are manufactured by bending and welding steel sheets.
2. Structural and Engineering Projects: Construction of built-up girders (plate girders), bridges, and heavy steel structures.
3. Pressure Vessels: Fabrication of tanks, boilers, and oil or gas storage tanks (using specialized alloy sheets like ASTM A516).