Proper specification of a Plate
Proper specification of a Plate
(OP)
We are having an internal debate about how to "correctly" specify a steel plate on drawings. We have conflicting procedures based on fabricating, design, or drafting backgrounds.
width(in) x thickness (in) x length (ft-in)
short dim(in) x thickness (in) x long dim(ft-in)
thickness (in) x width (in) x long dim (in)
thickness (in) x width (in) x long dim (ft-in)
Does anyone have a definitive reference?
width(in) x thickness (in) x length (ft-in)
short dim(in) x thickness (in) x long dim(ft-in)
thickness (in) x width (in) x long dim (in)
thickness (in) x width (in) x long dim (ft-in)
Does anyone have a definitive reference?






RE: Proper specification of a Plate
thickness (in) x width (in) x long dim (ft-in)
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
PL 1/2 x 12 x 1'-0"
PL 1 x 4 x 0'-8"
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
Here's another document that shows the "old" way vs. the "new" way:
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
If it is being cut from a larger plate, you need to put the thickness first. That is what will be pulled from the rack and moved to the cutting and layout table: a 1/2 thick "x by y" sheet of plate steel that will become a smaller piece. Same for metric: 12 mm thick, or 16 mm or whatever defines the source.
If it is being cut from a long flat bar, then the width and thickness matter, but the final length are less important. So it will be cut from a 3 x 1/2 flat bar 20 feet long, or a 4 x 1/4 flat bar 20 feet long, or a 1 x 1/4 flat bar leftover 12 feet long. Regardless, all will be cut into 18 long pieces. Or into 3 inch long pieces.
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
BA
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
Now, getting your junior engineers and CAD people to properly call out things is another matter. I had to resort to a beer tax when a PE would mess up simple steel call outs he would had to donate a buck to our company beer fund.... I think it just ended up that I was getting more free beer and still frustrated.
Charlie says:
"Actually, it should be highlighted
that there is very little, if any, structural
difference between flat bars and
plates. Consequently, plate is becoming
a universally applied term today and a
PL ½ x 4½ x 1'-3", for example, might
be fabricated from plate or bar stock."
Free PDF, just saved it to my library.
If this link doesn't work just do a search at AISC:
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HTH,
Andrew Kester, PE
Florida
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
- Plates ( mm ) thickness x width x length
- Flat bars ( mm ) width x thickness x length
In design and drafting width=short dim, length= long dim
That's in metric.
Once in a while you may see some variations, but ..hey you can always understand which dimension is which.
RE: Proper specification of a Plate
Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.