ASME SA36 Steel Plate | SA-36 Carbon Structural Plate Supplier
What is ASME SA36 Steel?
ASME SA36, also searched as SA-36, SA36, SA36M, ASME SA-36/SA-36M, SA-36 plate and ASTM A36, is carbon structural steel adopted into ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II, Part A. The current Code text states that SA-36/SA-36M is identical with ASTM A36/A36M for the ASTM edition listed in that Code year. Chemistry, tensile, yield and elongation are the same numbers. The difference is the name on the purchase order and the name printed on the mill test certificate.
This book covers carbon steel plates, shapes and bars of structural quality for riveted, bolted or welded construction of bridges and buildings, and for general structural purposes. It is not a pressure-vessel plate book. It is not ASTM A516 Grade 70. A516 / SA-516 sits under A20 / SA-20. It is not ASTM A573 Grade 58 / 65 / 70. A573 is a toughness tank plate limited to 40 mm. It is not A572 Gr.50. A572 is Nb-V HSLA.
Tensile is 58–80 ksi / 400–550 MPa. Yield is 36 ksi / 250 MPa min for the usual plate thickness band. Plates over 8 in [200 mm] may drop to 32 ksi / 220 MPa yield under the A36 / SA-36 table. Elongation on plates and bars is 20% in 8 in and 23% in 2 in. General requirements follow ASTM A6 / ASME SA-6, not A20 / SA-20.
SHH STEEL is a global steel mill sourcing partner and steel manufacturer & exporter (mill-direct, China origin). We buy SA-36 / A36 from qualified Chinese mills, check the certificate against the name the order actually wrote, and ship plate to fabricators in the USA, Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. If the drawing says SA-36, the MTC says SA-36. If the drawing says A36, the MTC says A36. Dual marking is possible only when both books and the Code edition table are met.
Related pages: ASTM A36 steel plate, ASTM A36 / A36M, structural steel plates and carbon steel plates.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| ASME book | SA-36 / SA-36M | Confirmed |
| ASTM twin | A36 / A36M | Identical text for adopted year |
| Other search names | SA36, SA36M, ASME SA36, A36 plate | Covered |
| Product form on this page | Plate | Confirmed |
| Also in the book | Shapes and bars | Quoted separately |
| Steel type | Carbon structural steel | Confirmed |
| Intended use | Bridges, buildings, general structure | Confirmed |
| Tensile | 400–550 MPa (58–80 ksi) | Confirmed |
| Yield | 250 MPa (36 ksi) min, usual thickness | Confirmed |
| General requirements | A6 / SA-6 | Confirmed |
| Supply role | Global steel mill sourcing partner | SHH STEEL |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 / third-party | As ordered |
HSLA sisters belong on ASTM A572 / A572M structural steel plates. European structural sisters belong on EN 10025-2. Vessel carbon sisters belong on ASTM A516 and ASME SA516.
Chemical Composition
SA-36 uses the same chemistry table as A36. Carbon and manganese change with thickness. Product analysis, when ordered, follows A6 / SA-6 product-analysis tolerances.
Heat Analysis — ASME SA-36 / ASTM A36 Plates
| Element | To 20 mm (¾ in) | Over 20 to 40 mm | Over 40 to 65 mm | Over 65 to 100 mm | Over 100 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C), max | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.26 | 0.27 | 0.29 |
| Manganese (Mn) | — | 0.80 – 1.20 | 0.80 – 1.20 | 0.85 – 1.20 | 0.85 – 1.20 |
| Phosphorus (P), max | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 |
| Sulfur (S), max | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si), max | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.40 |
| Copper (Cu), min when specified | 0.20 | 0.20 | 0.20 | 0.20 | 0.20 |
Thin plate does not carry a manganese range in the A36 / SA-36 table. That is normal. Do not reject a 12 mm SA-36 plate because Mn is not 0.80–1.20. Silicon is required on plates 40 mm and over in many editions; write it if the destination file cares. Copper is only a minimum when the order specifies copper steel.
This chemistry is not ASTM A283 Grade C. It is not A572 Gr.50. SHH STEEL prints heat analysis on every certificate and product analysis when ordered. Density is 7.85 g/cm³.
Mechanical Properties
Buyers search SA36 mechanical properties, SA-36 yield, ASME SA36 tensile and A36 vs SA36 strength.
Tensile and Yield — ASME SA-36 / ASTM A36 Plates and Bars
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 58–80 ksi / 400–550 MPa |
| Yield point, min (usual thickness) | 36 ksi / 250 MPa |
| Yield point, min (plates over 8 in / 200 mm) | 32 ksi / 220 MPa |
| Elongation in 8 in. [200 mm], plates and bars, min | 20% |
| Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], plates and bars, min | 23% |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
Shapes use the same tensile and yield, with 21% elongation in 2 in. For plates wider than 24 in [600 mm], A6 / SA-6 reduces elongation by two percentage points. Floor plate need not report elongation.
Do not quote A573 Grade 70 (485–620 MPa, 290 MPa yield) on an SA-36 order. Do not quote ASTM A516 Grade 70 (485–620 MPa vessel table) as if it were SA-36.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Book | What buyers search | Swap? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASME SA-36 / SA36 | SA-36 | SA-36, SA36, SA36M | This page |
| ASTM A36 steel plate | A36 | A36 plate | Twin book |
| ASTM A283 Grade C | A283 | A283 Gr.C | No |
| A572 Gr.50 | A572 | A572GR50 | No |
| EN 10025-2 S235JR | EN 10025-2 | S235JR | No auto swap |
| EN 10025-2 S275JR | EN 10025-2 | S275JR | No auto swap |
| DIN 17100 St37-2 | DIN 17100 | St37-2 | No auto swap |
| JIS G3106 SM400A | JIS G3106 | SM400A | No auto swap |
| ASTM A516 Grade 70 | A516 | A516 Gr.70 | No |
Equivalent Material Grades
SA-36 and A36 are the same chemistry and the same tensile table. They are not automatic substitutes for every other 250 MPa structural plate in the world.
In the United States the two official names are ASME SA-36/SA-36M and ASTM A36/A36M. ASTM A36 steel plate is the everyday structural search. SA-36 is the Code / Section II search. ASTM A283 Grade C is a different carbon plate book. A572 Gr.50 is HSLA.
In Europe buyers compare EN 10025-2 S235JR, EN 10025-2 S235J0 and EN 10025-2 S275JR. S235 is closer on yield. S275 is stronger. See EN 10025-2.
In Germany the usual comparison is DIN 17100 St37-2 or DIN 17100 St37-3. See DIN 17100.
In Japan they compare JIS G3106 SM400A, JIS G3106 SM400B or JIS G3106 SM400C. See JIS G3106.
In China the nearest carbon structural comparison is GB/T 700 Q235 (Q235B / Q235C / Q235D) and GB/T 3274 Q235 plate. Q345 lines up with A572 / S355, not SA-36.
| Designation | Country / region | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASME SA-36 / SA36 / SA36M | USA | SA-36 | Name on this page |
| ASTM A36 steel plate | USA | A36 | Identical adopted text |
| ASTM A283 Grade C | USA | A283 | Different carbon book |
| EN 10025-2 S235JR | Europe | EN 10025-2 | Structural comparison |
| EN 10025-2 S275JR | Europe | EN 10025-2 | Higher yield comparison |
| DIN 17100 St37-2 | Germany | DIN 17100 | Structural comparison |
| JIS G3106 SM400A | Japan | JIS G3106 | Welded structural comparison |
| GB/T 700 Q235 | China | GB/T 700 | Nearest carbon structural comparison |
Dual marking is possible only when both books are fully met.
Carbon Structural Service
Buyers pick SA-36 when a bill of materials, a Code list or an EPC specification writes the ASME name. Buyers pick ASTM A36 steel plate when the job is a warehouse, a platform, a base plate or a general structure. Search phrases such as SA36, SA-36, SA36M, ASME SA36 plate and SA-36/SA-36M all point here.
It is the wrong plate for a Section VIII vessel that names SA-516. That work is ASTM A516 Grade 70 and the ASTM A516 family. It is the wrong plate for HSLA frames that name A572 Gr.50 or ASTM A572 Grade 65.
SHH STEEL supplies this plate to fabricators in the United States, Mexico, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Weldability
SA-36 is ordinary carbon structural plate. It welds with the processes used on A36: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW and oxy-fuel where the shop still uses it.
Qualify to the applicable structural code or, when the equipment is Code work that actually listed SA-36, to Section IX. Consumables are carbon-steel family electrodes. A procedure written for EN 10025-2 S235JR is close in alloy type but is not automatically the SA-36 WPS. A procedure written for ASTM A516 Grade 70 is a vessel procedure. Preheat on thin plate is often not required; thick plate and low ambient temperature still need a written WPS. The fabricator owns the WPS. SHH STEEL can share mill heat data for that review.
Heat Treatment and Delivery Condition
Usual delivery from SHH STEEL for SA-36 plate is as-rolled. Normalized plate is supplied when the purchase order asks for it. SA-36 does not require quench and temper. It is not a Cr-Mo vessel heat-treatment book.
If the structural specification asks for Charpy, write the temperature and joules. A36 / SA-36 does not automatically include impact. If the job wants copper-bearing plate, write Cu min 0.20.
The certificate lists ASME SA-36 / SA-36M and/or ASTM A36/A36M as the order named; heat number; heat analysis; tensile to the 400–550 MPa table; delivery condition. Certificates may be EN 10204 3.1 or EN 10204 3.2. When the contract cites a Code year, SHH STEEL checks that the ASTM edition on the MTC is acceptable to that Code year’s Table II-200-1.
Dimensions
Usual supply range from SHH STEEL for SA-36 carbon structural plate:
- Thickness: 6 mm – 200 mm, thicker by mill agreement under A6 / SA-6
- Width: 1500 mm – 4000 mm
- Length: 3000 mm – 12000 mm
This is not limited to 40 mm. That 40 mm cap belongs to A573, not SA-36. Shapes and bars are in the same book but are quoted as separate items. Browse more sizes on the products index.
Tolerances
Dimensional limits for ASME SA-36 plate follow ASTM A6 / ASME SA-6 unless the purchase order names another table. Do not apply pressure-vessel A20 / SA-20 extras unless the order writes them.
Typical thickness tolerance idea for SA-36 plate (A6 / SA-6 reference)
| Nominal thickness (mm) | Usual minus (mm) | Usual plus (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 – 10 | −0.4 | +0.8 |
| 10 – 16 | −0.5 | +0.9 |
| 16 – 25 | −0.6 | +1.0 |
| 25 – 40 | −0.8 | +1.2 |
| 40 – 80 | −1.0 | +1.6 |
| 80 – 150 | −1.2 | +2.0 |
| 150 – 200 | −1.6 | +2.4 |
Width on 1500–4000 mm plate is commonly held to about ±20–25 mm unless a tighter extra is named. Length on 3000–12000 mm plate is commonly held to about +50 / 0 mm or ±25 mm by mill practice. Flatness follows A6 / SA-6 unless a tighter class is written. Edge condition is mill edge or cut edge as ordered. Camber and out-of-square follow A6. If the calculation used minimum thickness after corrosion or after machining, write the allowed minus on the RFQ. SHH STEEL will not assume a zero-minus extra on SA36 plate unless the order says so.
Supplementary Requirements
SA-36 already defines chemistry and the 400–550 MPa tensile table. Extra items still have to be written on the purchase order.
Name on the certificate. Write SA-36, A36, or both. Do not leave it to the mill to guess.
Code year. If the job is tied to a BPVC edition, name that year so the ASTM revision on the MTC can be checked.
Charpy details. Write temperature, joules, location and orientation if impact is required.
Normalized delivery. Write it when the file wants N instead of as-rolled.
Copper steel. Write Cu min 0.20 when atmospheric corrosion is a concern.
Product analysis. Especially C, Mn, P and S.
Through-thickness / Z-test. Name Z15, Z25 or Z35 when the plate will be welded in the thickness direction.
NDE. A6 ultrasonic extras as named.
Identification and stamping. Heat number, SA-36 or A36, thickness and mill logo.
Third-party witness. EN 10204 3.2 with SGS, TÜV, BV, ABS, CCS, DNV or the inspector named.
Applications
| Industry | Typical components |
|---|---|
| Buildings and platforms | SA-36 / SA36 base plates |
| Bridges and frames | SA-36 carbon structural plate from SHH STEEL |
| General fabrication | SA-36M / A36 gussets and stiffeners |
| Comparison vs S235 | SA36 next to EN 10025-2 S235JR |
| Comparison vs A572 | SA-36 next to A572 Gr.50 |
| Not for Code vessels | Use ASTM A516 Grade 70 instead |
SA-36 is the plate for a file that wants carbon structural plate under the ASME name. It is the wrong plate for a pressure vessel that names SA-516. That work sits on pressure vessel steel plates. It is the wrong plate for weathering design that names Corten. That work sits on Corten A / B.
Supply Capability
SHH STEEL sources ASME SA-36 / ASTM A36 from first-line Chinese mills and ships it on worldwide terms. Partner mills include Wuyang (Wugang), Angang, Shougang, Hanye, Anyang Iron & Steel, Baosteel, Xinyu, Xingcheng, Yongjin, Tsingshan, TISCO (Taiyuan), Jiuquan (JISCO), Lianzhong, Zhangpu and Baoxin, plus other qualified mills when the size requires it.
Mill test certificates are issued to EN 10204 3.1 as standard. EN 10204 3.2 is arranged when the order names a third-party hold point.
Usual stock and rolling thickness: 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, 36 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm.
Processing: CNC or flame cutting, bevel, flattening, UT to the named class.
Trade terms: FOB Shanghai main, CIF destination available. Payment: TT, LC, or TT + LC.
Ocean time from Shanghai: US West 14–18 days; US Gulf 28–35 days; Rotterdam / Antwerp 28–35 days; Jebel Ali 18–25 days; Singapore 7–12 days; other ports quoted.
Third-party: SGS, TÜV, BV, ABS, CCS, GL, VL, DNV, RINA, NK, KR, or the inspector named.
Global Delivery & Markets
SHH STEEL is a global steel mill sourcing partner with mill partnerships in China. We supply ASTM, ASME, EN, DIN, JIS and GB steel to buyers in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. Origin is mill-direct, China origin.
SHH STEEL has supplied steel plates to the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, El Salvador, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan and Korea.
Typical lead time: ex-stock 5–7 days; standard rolling about 30–45 days; 3.2 inspection about 45–60 days.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
Experience on this grade is simple: print the name the order wrote. SA-36 on the drawing means SA-36 on the MTC. A36 on the drawing means A36 on the MTC. SHH STEEL as a global steel mill sourcing partner and steel manufacturer & exporter (mill-direct, China origin) prices SA-36 / A36 from first-line mills, reports the 400–550 MPa table, and issues 3.1 as standard or 3.2 when specified.
We keep the book on the order. SA36 is not A573. SA-36 is not ASTM A516 Grade 70. SA-36 is not A572 Gr.50. If the drawing says vessel plate or 345 MPa HSLA, we will not ship SA-36 and call 36 ksi close.
FAQ
- What is ASME SA36 steel plate?
- ASME SA-36, also searched as SA36, SA36M and SA-36/SA-36M, is carbon structural plate adopted in ASME Section II, Part A. It is identical with ASTM A36/A36M for the adopted ASTM year. Tensile is 400–550 MPa and yield is 250 MPa min. SHH STEEL supplies this plate worldwide as a global steel mill sourcing partner.
- Is SA-36 the same as A36?
- Chemistry and tensile are the same. The difference is the name on the certificate and whether the contract needs the ASME Section II designation. SHH STEEL prints the name the purchase order writes.
- Can SA-36 be used for pressure vessels?
- SA-36 is structural carbon steel under A6/SA-6. Code vessels that name SA-516 need vessel plate, not SA-36.
- What is the equivalent of SA-36?
- The twin book is ASTM A36. Market comparisons include S235JR, St37-2, SM400A and GB/T 700 Q235. Dual marking only when both books are met.
- What is the maximum thickness for SA-36 plate?
- The book is not capped at 40 mm like A573. SHH STEEL commonly supplies 6–200 mm, thicker by mill agreement.
- Can SHH STEEL ship SA-36 to the USA, Europe or the Middle East?
- Yes. SHH STEEL quotes FOB Shanghai and CIF to US West, US Gulf, Rotterdam, Jebel Ali, Singapore and other major ports.
- What is the delivery time for ASME SA-36 plate?
- Ex-stock about 5–7 days when plate is in yard. Standard mill rolling about 30–45 days. 3.2 inspection about 45–60 days.
- Can SHH STEEL issue EN 10204 3.2 for SA36?
- Yes. EN 10204 3.1 is standard. EN 10204 3.2 is arranged with SGS, TÜV, BV, ABS, CCS, DNV or the inspector named on the order.
Conclusion
ASME SA36 Steel Plate is carbon structural plate at 400–550 MPa tensile and 250 MPa yield, identical with ASTM A36 for the Code-adopted year. Whether the inquiry says ASME SA36, SA-36, SA36, SA36M, SA-36/SA-36M or A36, SHH STEEL as a global steel mill sourcing partner and steel manufacturer & exporter (mill-direct, China origin) supplies plate with SA-36 / A36 chemistry, the 58–80 ksi tensile table, A6 / SA-6 dimensions, and EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification.
SHH STEEL supplies ASME SA36 / SA-36 Carbon Structural Plate to the USA, Mexico, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia for work that actually names this grade.
Contact SHH STEEL for mill rolling, stock inquiry, cutting, bevel, 3.2 inspection or a worldwide quotation.
ASME SA36 Steel Plate, SA-36, SA36M, ASTM A36, carbon structural plate, SA-36 supplier, SHH STEEL


