FAQs

The grades in the 1995 and 2008 versions of the standard will be very similar. However, there will be some differences between some of the grades in the two versions of the standard. Details of the differences can be obtained from the standard or by discussing specific issues with BlueScope Steel. Please contact BlueScope Steel Direct on Free Call 1 800 789 to discuss.

Yes, XLERPLATE® steel floorplate is sometimes referred to as 'checker plate'. It is structural steel plate with a raised pattern, often used for industrial flooring. The product can be sourced from XLERPLATE® steel floorplate or XLERPLATE LITE® steel floorplate in a wide range of thicknesses.

BlueScope proposes to introduce the revised grades progressively in 2010. The grades will be initially available as part of the Custom Range and then rolled out as the standard grades in the later half of 2010.

BlueScope Steel has delayed introducing the new version of AS 1548 until it obtained clarification with regards to the status of the grades in the ASME code. ASME have now approved the grades in the 2008 version of the AS 1548 Standard.

This is largely because they have been derived or originated in countries with different approaches to the naming system. Generally when there are a number of grades within a Standard they are grouped and listed sequentially with some regard to either the chemistry (eg. K1010, K1020) or the strength (eg. 250, 350).

BlueScope Steel may be able to supply the International Standard, but it will depend on the order quantity required. For some specifications where the chemical composition of the overseas grade cannot be married in with a grade regularly produced in Australia, the minimum manufacturing quantity may be as much as 500 tonnes. For this reason, an equivalent Australian grade (that has similar mechanical properties) may be a suitable alternative. Contact XLERPLATE® steel Customer Service on 1300 135 004 to discuss your needs.

There are a large number of variables that may restrict the availability of specific sizes of XLERPLATE® steel. These include: product Standard restrictions, mill rolling rules and physical limits, metallurgical rules for mechanical property development, and grade rationalisation. If the actual size you require does not appear to be available please contact your XLERPLATE® steel distributor or contact us.

For the most up-to-date information please Download XLERPLATE® steel Size Schedules.

Normalising is a heat treatment process that refines the grain size of XLERPLATE® steel. The plate is put into a furnace and heated to a particular temperature. At this temperature a transformation takes place in the metallurgical structure of the steel. When subsequently cooled to room temperature, numerous new steel grains are formed that produce the desired fine-grained homogeneous structure. Care is required in the normalising process to ensure the correct temperature control, as well as heating and cooling rates which are achieved in order to ensure the correct properties are obtained.

The resulting fine grained structures improve both the strength and toughness of steel products.

In the first instance, contact the distributor that supplied the material. They will then contact the appropriate BlueScope Steel state sales office. Make sure you provide all details of the material eg. serial number, dimensions, grade and your questions regarding XLERPLATE® steel to your distributor.BlueScope Steel will contact you via your distributor to assess the situation. They may also arrange for works-based Customer Technical Service personnel to contact you and discuss your questions.