The All-Powerful Plate

Plate steel, a versatile material fabricated into an array of widths and thicknesses, embodies the backbone of numerous industries. Its multifaceted utility finds expression in a myriad of applications. Below, we delve into the top five primary deployments of this indispensable resource.

Plate is used most notably in the construction industry, for projects both small and large. It is often utilized to build foundations and the physical structures themselves. Plate is used in such structures as skyscrapers, airports, and bridges. Another significant area within construction that heavily relies on steel plate is roadwork. Plate engineered for such purposes is slip-resistant which makes it a quick and effective temporary fix for holes and other compromised stretches of road during construction and repair.

Military applications require a higher grade of plate than for other uses. This is because the plate in these instances is often being used for more advanced applications including the fabrication of aircrafts, tanks, and armored vehicles. Notably, the Navy specifically, utilizes plate for ship construction and repair.

As mentioned above, plate is often used to build and repair ships and shipping containers. Aside from playing a huge part in the manufacturing of ships themselves, plate is used extensively for barges and offshore equipment (e.g. oil rigs). The material’s strength, along with its resistance to elemental corrosion, is the primary attribute that makes plate optimal for such maritime projects.

A valuable strength of steel plate is how it can be engineered to be durable and resistant to environmental and climate erosion. For this reason, plate is a primary material used to create pressure vessels. Since these vessels store compressed fluids and/or gases, resistance to temperature and weather is imperative for safety and to minimize the risk of combustion.

Plate steel is commonly used in the locomotive and railcar industries because it provides durability and safety to the vehicle structure. Given the material’s strength, it can be engineered to be relatively lightweight compared to other materials that offer the same strength. This is an important feature for many, if not most, railcar manufacturers, as it allows for improved efficiency.

No matter what your plate needs are, Texas Iron and Metal has what you need, when you need it. Unlike other steel distributors, Texas Iron and Metal can help maximize your budget by quoting surplus plate where appropriate. Give us a call today at 713-672-7595 or use our quote cart to get a free quote!