SHIP BUILDING CARBON STEEL

Carbon Steel:
Carbon steel plate grades are classified by carbon content (low, medium, high) and applications, with ASTM A36 being the most common structural grade. Key Grades
Include High-Strength A572 (Grade 50/60), Pressure Vessel Quality A516 (Grade 70) and Atmospheric Corrosion-Resistant A588 (Corten). Plates range from 3/16" to 6" in thickness.

For diverse structural, bridge and pressure-vessel uses. 
Common Carbon Steel Plate Grades:
 ASTM A36: The Industry Standard for General Structural Applications. It is low-carbon.
Highly Weldable and Ductile.
 ASTM A572 (Grade 50): A High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel with a 50 ksi Yield Point
used when a higher strength than A36 is required.
 ASTM A516 (Grade 70): Designed for pressure vessels and boilers, offering excellent
toughness at lower temperatures.
 ASTM A588 (Corten): A weather-resistant structural steel containing copper often used in
Bridges and Exposed Structures for Corrosion Resistance.
 ASTM A283 (Grade C): A General-Purpose Carbon steel suitable for structural applications
requiring moderate strength and good formability.
 ASTM A537 (Class 1/2): Heat-Treated Carbon Steel Plates designed for Pressure Vessels
with enhanced strength and toughness.
 1045 Carbon Steel: A Medium-Carbon Steel Used for Stronger Structural Components
requiring higher wear resistance.
 AR400/AR500: Abrasion-Resistant Steel Plates designed for Heavy Wear and Mining
Applications. 
Classification by Carbon Content:
 Low Carbon Steel (0.01%–0.03%): Known as Mild Steel Highly Ductile and easy to
Weld (e.g., A36).
 Medium Carbon Steel (60%–65%): Balances strength and ductility, good for heavy
Machinery (e.g., A516, 1045).
 High Carbon Steel (60%–65%): Used for hardened applications requiring high wear
Resistance. 
Key Selection Factors:
 Structural Strength: A572 and A588 offer higher yields than A36.
 Pressure/Temp: A516 is specifically designed for high-pressure service and notch
Toughness.
 Environmental: A588 provides superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
 Fabrication: A36 is typically the most versatile for cutting, drilling and welding.