Views: 3 Author: Monica Publish Time: 2025-09-08 Origin: Site
3 16 steel plate is flat-rolled steel stock and its thickness is 3/16 inch (approximately 0.1875 inches or 4.76 millimeters); it's a dimension rather than a specific material grade or composition. This thickness is thicker than sheet metal but thinner than heavy plate. 3 16 steel plate is commonly produced from carbon steel grades, low-alloy steels, or stainless steel and can be produced in hot-rolled or cold-rolled conditions.
3 16 steel plate thickness applications include fabrication of truck beds, trailers, and chassis components; industrial work platforms, walkways, and stair treads; machine guards, brackets, and frames; agricultural equipment parts; material handling bins and hoppers; certain structural components in construction; and base plates or wear plates where impact resistance and rigidity are needed without excessive weight.
Below are three types of 3 16 steel plates:
3 16 Diamond Plate Steel (Tread Plate):
3 16 diamond plate steel, formally known as raised pattern floor plate or tread plate, is characterized by its distinctive, regularly spaced raised diamond-shaped pattern integrally rolled onto one surface of the 0.1875 inch thick steel plate. This diamond pattern significantly enhances slip resistance and structural rigidity.
3 16 Diamond Plate Steel typically made from carbon steel grades like ASTM A36 or A1011 or stainless steel 304/316. The raised diamonds provide excellent traction, making it the premier choice for industrial applications such as catwalks, stair treads, platform decking, truck and trailer floors, and loading ramps.
The 3/16" thickness offers enough to withstand moderate impact loads, foot traffic, and equipment abrasion, while remaining manageable for cutting, forming, and welding during fabrication. Its inherent strength-to-weight ratio and anti-slip properties make it indispensable in the manufacturing, transportation, and heavy equipment sectors.
3 16 Flat Steel Plate:
3/16" flat steel plate is the basic, untextured form of steel stock at a thickness of 0.1875 inches/4.76 mm.
It is supplied in hot-rolled or cold-rolled/sheet conditions; it may undergo further processing like pickling, oiling, or galvanizing. It is thick enough to provide significant load-bearing capacity and rigidity for structural components, machine frames, brackets, chassis parts, and base plates, yet thin enough to be readily sheared, laser/plasma cut, bent, punched, and machined without excessive force. Its broad availability and cost-effectiveness make it essential for fabrication shops, OEMs, and construction projects requiring reliable, dimensionally stable flat stock.
3 16 Mirror Steel Plate:
3 16 mirror steel plate is a precision-finished flat steel plate achieving an exceptionally smooth, highly reflective, near-optical quality surface, akin to a mirror.
This finish is attained through an extensive multi-stage polishing process, progressing through progressively finer abrasives followed by buffing with polishing compounds. While most commonly produced from austenitic stainless steel grades, it can also be fabricated from carbon steel with protective coatings.
3/16 mirror steel plate's primary function is aesthetic and hygienic: the flawlessly smooth, non-porous surface minimizes adhesion of dirt, bacteria, and contaminants, making it easy to clean and sterilize. Consequently, it finds critical applications in high-end architectural cladding, elevator interiors, luxury appliances, sanitary fittings, display fixtures, and specialized scientific or decorative components.
Representative 3/16" x 4' x 8' Steel Plate Price Comparison (Single Sheet Estimate - US Market):
Note: Prices are highly volatile and location-dependent. These are indicative ranges for common base conditions. Always get current quotes.
Alloy Type | Common Grade | Key Properties | Price Range (USD per Sheet - Single Sheet) | Relative Cost Factor |
Carbon Steel | A36 | General purpose, structural, weldable | 150−250 | 1.0x (Base) |
HSLA Steel | A572 Grade 50 | Higher strength than A36 (50 ksi yield) | 180−300 | 1.2x - 1.4x |
Stainless Steel | 304 / 304L | Good corrosion resistance, weldable | 500−800 | 3.3x - 4.0x |
Stainless Steel | 316 / 316L | Enhanced corrosion (Mo), esp. chlorides | 700−1,100 | 4.7x - 5.5x |
Abrasion Resistant | AR400 | High hardness (400 Brinell) wear plate | 350−550 | 2.3x - 2.8x |
Abrasion Resistant | AR500 | Very high hardness (500 Brinell) | 450−700 | 3.0x - 3.5x |
Here are the comprehensive factors influencing the price of a 3/16" x 4' x 8' steel plate:
Base Material Cost and Alloy
Because the base cost of the raw materials varies drastically. Common carbon steel A36 is the most economical. High-strength low-alloy steel A572 costs more due to added elements. Stainless steel grades 304 and 316 command a substantial premium due to high nickel and chromium content.
Manufacturing Process and Mill Origin
The production method impacts cost. Hot-rolled carbon/HSLA plate is generally the most cost-effective process. Cold-rolled sheet/plate involves more processing steps and commands a premium. Mirror finish stainless requires extensive multi-stage polishing, adding significant labor and consumable costs. Plates produced by major integrated mills have different base costs compared to those from smaller or re-rollers. Origin also affects shipping costs and potential import tariffs/duties.
Quantity, Purchasing Volume and Distribution
Price per sheet is heavily dependent on order volume. Purchasing full bundles directly from a mill or primary service center yields the lowest unit cost. Buying small quantities single sheets or a few sheets incurs significant handling, cutting, and markup premiums, especially through secondary distributors or retail metal suppliers. Service centers add margin to cover inventory, processing, and logistics.
The weight of a 3/16 inch steel plate is determined by its thickness, dimensions (length and width), and material density.
Steel Plate Weight Calculation Formula:
Weight (lbs) = Thickness (inches) × Width (inches) × Length (inches) × Density (lbs/in³)
Steel density is typically 0.2833 lbs/in³
Step-by-Step Calculation for a Standard 4' x 8' Sheet:
Convert dimensions to inches:
Width = 4 ft = 48 inches
Length = 8 ft = 96 inches
Thickness = 3/16" = 0.1875 inches
Calculate Volume:
Volume = 0.1875 in × 48 in × 96 in = 864 in³
Density:
Weight = 864 in³ × 0.2833 lbs/in³ ≈ 244.8 lbs
Weight per Square Foot:
Area of 1 ft² = 144 in²
Weight/ft² = Thickness (in) × 144 in² × 0.2833 lbs/in³
= 0.1875 × 144 × 0.2833 ≈ 7.66 lbs/ft²
The "strength" of a 3/16" steel plate depends critically on the specific alloy or grade of steel used, as well as factors like loading conditions, temperature, fabrication methods, and edge preparation. The thickness primarily influences stiffness and weight, but inherent material strength comes from its chemical composition and processing.
Yield Strength:
The stress at which the material begins to deform plastically (permanently bend).
l A36 Carbon Steel: ~36,000 psi (250 MPa) minimum.
l A572 Grade 50 HSLA Steel: ~50,000 psi (345 MPa) minimum.
l 304 / 304L Stainless Steel: ~30,000 - 35,000 psi (205 - 240 MPa).
l 316 / 316L Stainless Steel: ~30,000 - 35,000 psi (205 - 240 MPa).
Tensile Strength:
The maximum stress the material can withstand before breaking.
l A36: 58,000 - 80,000 psi (400 - 550 MPa).
l A572 Gr 50: 65,000 psi (450 MPa) minimum.
l 304 / 304L Stainless: 75,000 - 90,000 psi (515 - 620 MPa).
l 316 / 316L Stainless: 75,000 - 90,000 psi (515 - 620 MPa).
l AR400: ~200,000 psi (1,380 MPa) min.
l AR500: ~250,000 psi (1,725 MPa) min.
Hardness:
Resistance to surface indentation and abrasion.
l A36: ~120-150 HBW.
l A572 Gr 50: ~130-170 HBW.
l 304/316 Stainless: ~150-200 HBW.
l AR400: 360-440 HBW.
l AR500: 460-544 HBW.
3 16 steel plate is available in stock in many locations, both online and in-store. Online, you can compare prices, check delivery times, review previous customer reviews, and find discounts.
At JN Alloy, you can always find the most competitive online prices and purchase 3 16 steel plate in any size and quantity.
