ASTM A36 steel plate and ASTM A572 steel plate are two popular structural steel types. Their chemical composition and mechanical properties make them have high strength and workability and are ideal for structural applications.
However, although they have similar characteristics, there are some differences between A36 and A572 steel plates that may affect the buyer's decision on which material to use in their project.
A36 steel plate is considered low carbon or mild steel because it contains between 0.05% and 0.25% carbon content. The low carbon content of A36 steel plate makes it one of the most easily inductive or processable carbon steel types, which means it is easy to form and process into various structural shapes.
A572 steel plate is also a mild carbon steel, but certain chemical alloys (such as phosphorus, manganese, and silicon) are added in greater amounts, making it a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel, which means it has higher strength and lower weight. These characteristics make A572 steel plates ideal for structural applications that need to be able to withstand high pressures, such as bridges and transmission towers.
