Shipbuilding Steel Plate
Steel plate is used in building and repairing ships, and is typically a primary material in the production of marine structures. As an important part of the shipbuilding process, steel plate is an essential product for shipbuilding, and the terms “shipbuilding steel plate” and “marine steel plate” are often used interchangeably.
Shipbuilding steel plate is used both in the construction of new vessels and in the repairs and maintenance of existing vessels. It is usually made from a variety of steel grades, including ABS and AISI. The material used in shipbuilding is finely processed and more complex than the steel used in other forms of construction, requiring the ability of the manufacturer to carefully monitor the alloy, carbon and other alloying elements used.
Shipbuilding steel plate can be further divided into hot rolled and cold rolled varieties. Hot rolled and cold rolled steel plates are suitable for various applications depending on their strength, formability and resistance to wear, corrosion and other forms of damage. Shipbuilding steel plates come in two common grades: ABS and AISI.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) corporate grade of shipbuilding steel plate is both stronger and tougher than a lower grade AISI. This grade is usually specified for vessels carrying a high payload, and requires higher strength characteristics than regular grade steels. ABS grades offer excellent formability and weldability characteristics for repairs and new construction of marine vessels.
American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) grade steel plate is the most commonly used steel plate in vessel fabrication, and is usually suitable for almost any application. It is strong, tough and weldable, and is often accepted for applications that involve high payloads, like the transportation of heavy cargo. AISI grade steel plates are easily cold worked, therefore are suitable for repairs and modifications, as well as new construction.
Shipbuilding steel plates must comply with strict governmental regulations, as well as the quality standards demanded by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These plates must meet the mechanical, chemical, and physical properties required by classification societies. The standards set by the classification societies must be strictly followed in order to ensure the safety and integrity of the vessels they are designing and constructing.
Shipbuilding steel plates are subject to tremendous stresses and strains due to the nature of the work they perform in extreme maritime conditions. When steel plates are subjected to loading, tension and compression, or even shearing forces, it is possible for the steel to deform, crack or even break. This can place the entirety of the vessel, its crew and its cargo in danger. Therefore, it is important to choose the highest quality steel plate when building or repairing a ship.
Shipbuilding steel plate is essential in constructing and maintaining marine vessels. It must be of the highest quality, as any failure to use the right material can have disastrous consequences. Shipbuilding steel plate must adhere to the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the classification societies that regulate the construction of vessels. When properly manufactured and used, shipbuilding steel plate is strong, tough, and provides excellent formability and weldability for repairs and new construction.
