Versatile Steel Plate Fabrication for Vast, Diverse Applications

Structural steel is one of the world’s most versatile materials, with near-limitless potential, as skilled steel fabricators can customize the metal for nearly any imaginable application. Among steel products, steel plate may be the most versatile—in addition to the wide variety of types and grades of steel available to choose from, they can be supplied in almost any size or thickness and cut to any needed shape. That is before any other steel plate fabrication or flat processing, which could range from additional CNC flame, plasma, or laser cutting to rolling, forming, welding, and finishing.

 

Being able to do a lot to steel plate means we can accomplish quite a lot with steel plate. In this post, we will spotlight some of the diverse applications and real-world uses for steel plate due to some of the most popular, versatile, and value-adding services for structural steel plate fabrication.

Industries and significant areas of use for structural steel plates include: 

• Construction

Across almost all buildings, warehouses, and commercial structures, steel plate plays a vital and versatile role. They make foundations strong and add reinforcement throughout structures of all sizes. They’re also essential in most prefabricated homes.

Steel’s strength-to-weight ratio is the best among building materials, and, despite its versatility, it’s incredibly consistent and reliable. In addition to possessing the strength to serve as a large building’s structural framework, steel plates can withstand long-term environmental variables and require very minimal maintenance. 

• Bridges & Road Work

Steel is highly regarded as a significant component in constructing short- and long-spanning bridges for railway tracks, roadways, and pedestrians. Steel plate is particularly common as foundation support and reinforcement for bridges due to their ductility and tensile strength, which allow the metal to withstand heavy and dynamic loads with considerable bend before breaking. 

In other civil construction and roadway projects, steel plate is frequently seen placed over holes or other compromised portions of the road. These skid-resistant steel road plates are convenient temporary solutions for allowing uninterrupted traffic flow during road construction and repair projects, and they’re strong enough to repeatedly withstand heavy automobiles.

• Automotive & Transportation 

Steel is counted on as a core material in most transportation mediums, especially in heavy trucks. Most vehicles need to be durable and relatively lightweight — properties steel plate delivers perfectly. Steel accounts for more than 50% of the weight of the average car or truck, with the strength of steel plate providing protection in the event of an accident.

Large shipping containers and trailers tailored for over-the-road trucking and hauling are commonly built using various forms of steel sheet and plate. Steel is strong enough to protect any type of cargo effectively, while anti-corrosion and rust-resistant properties help preserve the shipping containers themselves.

The exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum, stainless steel, and steel plate — combined with desirable durability and resistance to extreme temperatures — also makes the metals essential in airplane construction and aerospace applications.

• Military Applications

Military buildings, vehicles, and other equipment across all branches of the armed forces are often fortified with the help of structural steel plates.

They’re commonly found in tanks, trucks, helicopters, and ships designed for high-stress use over dangerous terrain, combat zones, and other demanding settings. Military-grade steel plates are also typically used in structural and vehicle armor, weapons, and ballistic testing and development.

• Oil, Gas, & Other Energy

Steel plates and other products are in high demand within the energy sector. In nearly all types of power plants and energy grids, steel plates are required within critical mechanisms, related equipment, and specialty vehicles.

Offshore oil rigs require steel plate supports capable of withstanding severe conditions, and many oil and gas pipelines use steel plates to maximize strength and avoid corrosion for long-lasting performance. The oil and gas industries are heavily regulated for safety, applying high standards and material specifications in certain environments. 

Steel plates can be easily formed and welded to suit particular pipelines’ needs or required repairs. Steel plates are also frequently used for pressure vessels such as boilers and gas tanks, which require reliable protection against leaks and extreme temperatures. Finally, manufacturers need steel plates as foundational base plates throughout related components within emerging markets such as large-scale wind turbines and solar power.

Westfield Steel: Fabrication for Any Application

“We do more with steel.”

That’s more than just a catchy marketing mantra—it’s a Westfield Steel commitment to meeting any and all of the diverse, wide-ranging needs of our customers. 

We do more with steel, so you can do more with steel. No matter your specific needs within the uses mentioned above or other unique industries, the initial capabilities of your steel partner impact the results and applications available for the final product.

Westfield Steel is more than just a large-inventory supplier. With structural steel plates and products always in stock, we add further value through custom fabrication and flat processing services to meet your needs.

• CNC Flame, Plasma, and Laser Cutting
• Shearing and Mechanical or Flame Beveling
• Rolling, Forming, and more Machining
• Punching, Notching, and Drilling
• Welding and Assembly
• Finishing (Deburring, Shot Blasting, Galvanizing, and More)

Talk to one of our steel experts today to learn more, discuss your projects, and request an estimate.

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