What is Carbon Steel?

But first, let's quickly go over what carbon steel is. Carbon steel is an alloy made primarily of iron and carbon. By varying the amount of carbon content, different grades are produced with distinct properties:

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• Low carbon (mild) steel contains 0.06-0.25% carbon for higher ductility.
• Medium carbon steel has 0.25-0.55% carbon for greater strength.
• High carbon steel has 0.55-1% carbon, making it extremely hard and strong.

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The carbon content increases the steel's hardness and strength, while reducing its malleability. Other elements like manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and silicon are also present in small amounts.

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Carbon steel is popular because it's economical, strong, hard yet relatively easy to machine and weld compared to other steel types. Its combination of durability and workability makes it extremely versatile for a wide range of manufacturing and construction applications.

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What is Carbon Steel Plate Processing?

Carbon steel plate processing refers to the various treatments and services performed to modify carbon steel plates into desired shapes, sizes, thickness and finishing. Some common processing methods include:

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Cutting: Perhaps the most common processing need is cutting plates into specified dimensions and profiles. Methods like oxy-fuel flame cutting, plasma cutting, saw cutting and shearing are used.

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Drilling/Machining: Drill presses and machining equipment precisely create holes, threads, beveled edges and other features in the steel plates.

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Grinding/Blasting: Abrasive blasting like shot blasting removes surface mill scale from plates for improved surface finishes and paint/coating adhesion. Grinding reduces plate thickness with high accuracy.

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Bending: Plate rolling machines curve steel plates into cylindrical or conical shapes, while press brakes bend plates at specific angles.

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Forming: In addition to rolling and bending, carbon steel plates can undergo various other forming processes to create virtually any 2D or 3D shape required.

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At the highest level, processing allows carbon steel plates to be customized and finished to meet the exact needs of their intended application and optimize their use.

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Common Uses of Carbon Steel Plates

The reasons carbon steel plates need processing in the first place stem from their diverse array of applications across many industries:

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Construction: Used to build buildings, bridges, ships, storage tanks and other heavy structures that require immense strength and durability.

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Manufacturing: Components like tools, machinery parts, gears, screws and more are made from carbon steel plates.

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Energy: Oil/gas storage tanks, pressure vessels and equipment used in power plants are often constructed from thick carbon steel plates.

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Transportation: Carbon steel plates are formed into parts for trucks, shipbuilding, railcars and other heavy equipment that must withstand repeated stress.

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The processing methods depend on the specific carbon steel plate grade and its intended end use. Tight tolerances and specifications must be met.

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Apache Steel Works: High-Quality Carbon Steel Plate Processing

When it comes to carbon steel plate processing in Houston, Apache Steel Works stands out because of its fast turnaround times, competitive pricing, quality workmanship, and excellent customer service.

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Our 32,000 sq. ft. fabrication facility houses state-of-the-art equipment capable of handling all types of carbon steel plate processing in-house as a true "one-stop shop". This includes plasma and oxy-fuel cutting up to 14" thick, drilling, machining, forming, rolling, grinding and more.

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Apache Steel Works has the expertise and capabilities to precisely process carbon steel plates to meet your project's specifications. We're committed to delivering custom, high-quality processing solutions on time, every time. Contact us today at 832-962-7010 to discuss your needs for carbon steel plate processing in Houston.

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