Complete Guide to Types of Steel Sheets and Their Applications

What Is a Steel Sheet?

A steel sheet is one of the most widely used steel products, produced in thin or thick flat plates through rolling processes. These sheets come in different chemical compositions and physical properties and are used in various industries such as construction, automotive, and industrial equipment.

They are available in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and standards, which makes proper selection crucial for improving project quality and reducing costs.

Classification by Production Process

1. Hot Rolled Steel Sheet

• Produced at high temperatures (above 1100°C)
• Features:
  • Rough, dark surface
  • More flexible and easier to form
  • Lower production cost
• Applications:
  Metal structures, tanks, industrial frames, rails, heavy vehicles

2. Cold Rolled Steel Sheet

• Processed at room temperature for better precision and surface finish
• Features:
  • Smooth and shiny surface
  • Higher strength
  • Suitable for painting and fine finishes
• Applications:
  Home appliances, car bodies, delicate industrial parts, office equipment

Types of Steel Sheets by Coating and Alloy

1. Galvanized Sheet

• Coated with zinc (Zn) to resist rust and corrosion
• Uses:
  Roofing, greenhouse frames, ductwork, automotive parts, appliances

2. Aluzinc Sheet

• Zinc, aluminum, and silicon coating for better heat and chemical resistance
• Uses:
  Electrical industry, warehouses, billboard frames

3. Tinplate Sheet

• Coated with tin to prevent rust, ideal for food packaging
• Uses:
  Cans, bottle caps, food and beverage containers

4. Stainless Steel Sheet

• High chromium and nickel content for corrosion and oxidation resistance
• Types:
  • 300 series: Corrosion and heat resistant (e.g., 304, 316)
  • 400 series: Magnetic and wear resistant (e.g., 430)
• Uses:
  Food processing, medical tools, decoration, storage tanks

5. Alloy Steel Sheet

• Contains elements like manganese, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, or nickel
• Uses:
  Military, aerospace, petrochemical, boilers, pressure vessels

6. Wear-Resistant Sheet (Hardox)

• Extremely hard, used in high-abrasion environments
• Uses:
  Excavators, dump trucks, conveyors, mining mills

7. Checkered Sheet

• Surface with raised patterns to prevent slipping
• Uses:
  Emergency stairs, elevator floors, industrial hall flooring

8. Perforated Sheet

• Regularly punched with holes
• Uses:
  Air ventilation, decorative covers, industrial machine guards

Common Steel Sheet Standards

Steel sheets are manufactured under international standards such as:

• DIN (Germany)
• ASTM (USA)
• JIS (Japan)
• EN (Europe)

Each standard includes specific chemical and mechanical requirements and should be selected based on final use and project needs.

Major Steel Sheet Producers in Iran

• Mobarakeh Steel Company (MSC): Largest producer of hot and cold rolled sheets
• Kavian Steel: Specializes in heavy steel sheets
• Oxin Steel (Ahvaz): Focuses on wide and alloy steel sheets
• Gilan Steel: Produces hot-rolled sheets with high capacity

Conclusion

Understanding the types and properties of steel sheets is essential for proper material selection, cost optimization, and structural durability. Choosing the right steel sheet is the foundation for safe, efficient, and advanced industrial construction.