Weathering Steel Plate Corten A Corten B S355J2WP 2mm-60mm Patina Sheet For Bridge Container Facade

Weathering steel plate, known worldwide by the trade name Corten, is a high strength low alloy steel that develops a stable, dense oxide layer when exposed to alternating wet and dry atmospheric conditions. This patina seals the surface against further corrosion, which is why the material is specified for steel bridges, transmission towers, shipping containers and railway wagons that must serve for decades without painting. Our range covers Corten A, the copper phosphorus grade preferred for architectural cladding and artistic sculpture, and Corten B, the higher strength grade used in bridges and load bearing structures, together with the European designations S355J2WP and S355J2W and the Chinese Q355NH grade.

The visual character of weathering steel is as important as its technical performance. Architects value the warm brown orange patina that deepens over time and eliminates the need for coatings, while engineers value the yield strength of 345 to 355 MPa combined with good weldability using matching weathering steel consumables. In cyclic wet dry environments the corrosion rate of weathering steel is only a fraction of that of plain carbon steel, and the material is most reliable where the structure can dry out between rain events, such as open bridges and unclad facades. We supply plates in thicknesses from 2mm sheet for facade panels to 60mm plate for bridge girders, with cutting and edge preparation available for fabrication.

• Self protecting patina: the dense oxide layer forms naturally and reduces long term corrosion without paint or galvanizing.
• Distinctive architectural appearance: the evolving brown orange surface gives buildings and sculptures a signature industrial aesthetic.
• High strength structural grade: yield strength of 345 to 355 MPa allows lighter sections than ordinary structural carbon steel.
• Proven bridge pedigree: Corten B and S355J2W are specified for highway and railway bridges with minimum maintenance costs.
• Good weldability: the alloy welds with low hydrogen processes and matching filler, retaining corrosion performance at the joint.
• Wide thickness range: from 2mm architectural sheet to 60mm load bearing plate, cut and delivered to your drawing.

Weathering steel plate is used for steel bridges and viaducts, railway rolling stock and containers, transmission towers, highway noise barriers, retaining walls, building facades and roof cladding, landscape sculptures, planters and garden edging, outdoor staircases and walkways, and industrial chimneys. Fabricators and facade contractors buy the sheet for rainscreen cladding panels with exposed bolted joints, while structural steel workshops use the heavy plate for girders and trusses that will never receive paint. Shipping container manufacturers specify the material for container corner structures and door frames that face the harshest marine conditions.

Plates are delivered on steel skids with waterproof wrapping and edge protectors, and because the surface is designed to rust, no oil coating is applied. Cut panels for architecture are separated with paper to avoid surface marking during transport. Each delivery includes mill certificates with chemical composition, tensile and impact results, and we can arrange exposure tests on sample coupons so you can confirm the patina development in your local climate. Our team supports designers with advice on detailing, drainage and welding consumables to get the full service life from the material.