Top Things You Might Not Know About A36 Steel

If you're new to shopping for steel, you might not know about the different types and classifications of steel that are available. If you shop with a steel supplier, however, chances are good that you will see A36 steel available. You might have even seen A36 steel before and might have wondered what it is and whether or not it's the right type of steel for you to purchase for your project. These are some of the top things that you'll want to know about A36 steel if you're hoping to learn a little more about steel for an upcoming project.

It's Considered a General Purpose Steel

When someone mentions "general purpose steel," there's a good chance that they are talking about A36 steel. Although other types of steel might be a better choice for some projects, if you're looking for a versatile type of steel that you can use for many different projects and purposes, you will probably find that purchasing A36 steel is a good idea.

It Is Low Carbon Steel

When purchasing steel, one thing that you should pay attention to is whether it's low, medium, or high carbon steel. A36 steel is an example of low carbon steel; this means that there is only a very tiny amount of carbon mixed in with the steel. Low carbon steel does not rust, which is pretty much always a good thing, particularly if you know that your steel is going to be exposed to the elements. Low carbon steel is typically non-stick, and it can be exposed to high temperatures that other types of steel can't always be exposed to, too.

It's Easy to Work With

If you purchase A36 steel, you will probably find that your steel is very easy to work with if you have the right tools. You can cut, bend, and form A36 steel so that it properly suits your purposes. If you're experienced with welding and have welding equipment, then you should be able to weld your A36 steel, too.

It's Usually Labeled

If you are interested in purchasing A36 steel because of what you have heard and read about it, then you might be wondering if it will be hard to find. Luckily, most suppliers keep A36 steel of various types and sizes in stock all the time. Typically, it's labeled as "A36 steel," although you might also sometimes see it labeled as "general purpose steel." If you aren't sure, you can ask your steel supplier for help with finding this useful type of steel so you can use it for whatever project you are working on.

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