Myth vs Fact: The Thicker the Plate, the Stronger?

In the world of construction and industry, many believe that the thicker the steel plate, the stronger and more durable it is. However, is this assumption completely true? Let's dissect this myth with the actual facts.

Myth: Thicker Steel Plates Are Definitely Stronger
Many people assume that the thickness of the steel plate is the only factor that determines the strength of the material. Logically, the thicker it is, the stronger it is at supporting the load. However, this assumption is not always true because the strength of steel is influenced by many other factors.

Fact: Steel Plate Strength is Determined by More Than Just Thickness
Here are some factors that affect the strength of steel plates other than thickness:

1. Type and Composition of Steel
Steel has various grades and material mixtures that affect its resistance. For example:

High carbon steel has greater tensile strength than low carbon steel even though it has the same thickness.

Galvanized steel plate is more resistant to corrosion than ordinary black steel plate.

2. Standards and Certification
Steel plates that have SNI, ASTM, or JIS certification have gone through a strength and durability testing process. Two plates with the same thickness but with different production standards can have different strength levels.

3. Production Methods and Additional Treatments
The hot rolled (HR) and cold rolled (CR) processes on steel plates produce different properties. Cold rolled steel, although thinner, is often stronger because it goes through an additional hardening process. In addition, treatments such as heat treatment or hardening also affect the durability of the material.

4. Design and Application
In building structures and industry, plate design and how the plate is used are more important than just thickness. For example:

Steel plates with folded or reinforced structures can be stronger than thicker flat plates.

Expanded metal steel plates are often used for lightweight construction but remain strong because of better load distribution.

So, the assumption that the thicker the steel plate means the stronger it is a MYTH if you do not consider other factors such as the type of steel, standards, production methods, and design of its use.

If you need quality steel plates with the right specifications for your project, PT Intisumber Bajasakti (ISBS) provides a variety of choices with the best quality assurance.

📞 Phone: +6221 66675999
🌐 Website: www.intisumberbajasakti.com

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