SA283 Grade C is a structural quality, low to intermediate tensile strength carbon steel plate used for general applications like structural components, tanks, and equipment, known for being easily weldable and machinable, with mechanical properties including a minimum yield strength of 30 ksi (205 MPa) and tensile strength of 55-75 ksi (380-515 MPa). It's an ASME/ASTM standard (A283/A283M) for structural use, distinct from pressure vessel steels, and is supplied as-rolled, offering good formability for various fabrications.
Key Characteristics:
Type: Structural Carbon Steel Plate.
Applications: General structural purposes, low-pressure tanks, building construction, equipment fabrication.
Strength: Low to intermediate tensile strength.
Weldability: Good, generally considered soft and easy to weld.
The price of SA283 Grade C steel plate is influenced by a combination of global market forces and specific transactional factors. As a commodity-grade carbon steel, its price is heavily tied to the base cost of hot-rolled steel, with minimal premiums for its specific grade.
Here are the key factors that influence its price:
1. Macro & Market Factors (The "Base Price" Drivers)
These set the underlying cost for all hot-rolled carbon steel.
Hot-Rolled Coil (HRC) Index Price: This is the single biggest determinant. SA283 Grade C is essentially a specific specification of commodity HRC. Its price moves directly with indices like US Midwest HRC.
Raw Material Costs: Prices of iron ore, scrap metal, and coking coal.
Energy Costs: High natural gas and electricity prices increase steelmaking costs.
Import Tariffs & Trade Policies: Section 232 tariffs in the US directly raise the cost of domestic steel by limiting cheaper imports.
Domestic Supply & Demand: Strong construction and manufacturing activity increases demand and pushes prices up.
2. Grade-Specific Factors (Minimal Premium)
Low Specification Premium: SA283 Grade C is a basic low-carbon steel with no mandatory impact toughness or special treatments. It carries little to no premium over the base HRC price, unlike higher-grade steels (e.g., A572, A516). Its value is in its standardization and availability.
Competition: It is produced by many mills and widely stocked, fostering price competition.
3. Purchase & Transaction Factors (Your Final Quote)
These cause the price to vary significantly between buyers.
Order Quantity: The #1 transactional factor. Full truckload (TL) or mill-direct tonnage orders get the lowest price per pound. Small will-call purchases from a service center carry the highest premium.
Product Form & Dimensions:
Thickness & Width: Standard, in-inventory sizes (e.g., 1/4", 1/2" thick) are cheapest. Odd thicknesses or oversized plates require special rolling and cost more.
Processing: Buying pre-sheared, flame-cut, drilled, or primed plate adds significant cost over buying "mill edge" raw plate.
1. What Is SA283 Grade C?
SA283 Grade C is a low-carbon, general-purpose structural steel plate in the ASTM A283 standard, commonly used for low-stress structural applications like tanks, bins, and building frames where welding and forming are required.
2. What Is The Yield Strength Of SA283 Grade C?
The minimum yield strength of SA283 Grade C is 30,000 psi (205 MPa), making it suitable for applications with moderate structural loads.
3. What Is The Difference Between SA283 Grade A, B, C, And D?
The primary difference is increasing strength: Grade A (24 ksi min yield), Grade B (27 ksi), Grade C (30 ksi), and Grade D (33 ksi). Higher grades offer more strength but slightly less formability.
4. Is SA283 Grade C Weldable?
Yes, SA283 Grade C has excellent weldability due to its low carbon content, making it suitable for most common welding methods like SMAW, GMAW, and SAW without requiring complex procedures.
5. What Is SA283 Grade C Equivalent To In Europe?
The closest European equivalent is S235JR (EN 10025-2) based on comparable yield strength (~235 MPa nominal) and general application. Note that S235JR has mandatory impact toughness.
6. Where Is SA283 Grade C Commonly Used?
It is used in fabricating storage tanks, water towers, ductwork, building frames, agricultural equipment, and other general structural components not subjected to high stress or pressure.
7. Can SA283 Grade C Be Galvanized?
Yes, its low-carbon, low-alloy composition makes it an excellent candidate for hot-dip galvanizing, commonly used for outdoor structural components requiring corrosion protection.
8. What Is The Chemical Composition Of SA283 Grade C?
Typical composition includes Carbon (max 0.24%), Manganese (max 0.90%), Phosphorus (max 0.035%), and Sulfur (max 0.04%), ensuring good weldability and formability.
9. Is SA283 Grade C A Pressure Vessel Steel?
No, it is not rated for pressure-retaining service. For pressure vessels, materials like SA516 Grade 60 or 70 (with notch toughness requirements) are specifically designed and coded for that purpose.
10. What Is The Difference Between SA283 And A283?
There is no technical difference. A283 is the ASTM material standard, while SA283 is the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code adoption of the same standard, requiring ASME-compliant certification for code-bound components.
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff.
