Steel Connection Plates
Your Trusted Steel Connection Plate Manufacturer | GNEE
GNEE Steel Structure is a professional steel connection plate manufacturer in China, producing splice plates, base plates, gusset plates, end plates, and bridge U-ribs for structural steel projects worldwide.
All products are fabricated to AISC 360-22, Eurocode 3 EN 1993-1-8, and GB 50017-2017 standards, using steel grades from Q235B to Q420B (GB), A36 to A709 (ASTM), and S235JR to S460N (EN), with plate thicknesses of 6mm–80mm and maximum dimensions of 12,000mm × 3,000mm. Our facility operates under ISO 9001:2015 with CE marking (EN 1090) and AWS D1.1 certification, equipped with CNC plasma cutting, laser cutting, drilling lines, and in-house NDT testing (UT/RT/MT) to ensure every custom steel connection plate meets your quality requirements.
The following is our full range of steel connection plate products, each fully customizable to your drawings and specifications.
What Are Steel Connection Plates?
Steel connection plates are flat steel components used to join individual structural steel members — such as beams, columns, braces, and truss elements — into a unified load-bearing framework. They serve as the critical interface where forces are transferred between connected members, making them one of the most structurally significant elements in any steel building or bridge project.
In a typical steel framed structure, connection plates appear at every major joint: where a beam meets a column (end plate connection), where a column meets the concrete foundation (base plate), where two segments of the same member are joined (splice plate), and where diagonal braces converge at a single node (gusset plate). Each connection type is engineered to transfer specific combinations of axial force, shear, and bending moment while maintaining structural integrity under both static and seismic loading conditions.
The failure of a single connection plate can compromise an entire structural system. This is why international design standards — AISC 360, Eurocode 3, and GB 50017 — all contain detailed provisions for connection plate design, including minimum edge distances, bolt spacing, weld sizing, and material toughness requirements.
Why Choose Us?
Custom Fabrication to Your Drawings
Every project has unique connection requirements. Send us your shop drawings in PDF, DWG, or DXF format with material specifications, and we produce custom steel connection plates to your exact dimensions — including non-standard bolt hole patterns, irregular gusset plate geometries, and special edge distances.
Three-Standard Compliance
We manufactured in compliance with project designs based on AISC 360-22, EN 1993-1-8, and GB 50017-2017, covering the three most widely used structural steel design codes worldwide. This means wherever your project is located, we can manufacture connection plates that meet your engineer's design basis.
Wide Range of Steel Grades and Plate Thicknesses
From Q235B/A36/S235JR for general connections to Q420B/A709/S460N for heavy-duty structural joints, we stock and process the full spectrum of structural steel grades. Plate thicknesses range from 6mm to 80mm, with maximum single-plate dimensions of 12,000mm × 3,000mm — covering everything from light shear tabs to thick bridge gusset plates.
Strict Quality Control
Our facility operates under ISO 9001:2015, CE (EN 1090), and AWS D1.1 certifications, equipped with CNC plasma cutting, laser cutting, drilling lines, and full NDT testing (UT/RT/MT). Every order undergoes 100% dimensional inspection before shipment.We also support third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or TUV upon request.
Steel Grades and Design Standards
Our steel connection plates are available in a wide range of structural steel grades to meet different project requirements. You can select from Q235B to Q420B (GB), A36 to A709 (ASTM), or S235JR to S460N (EN) based on your design loads and governing code. Whether your project follows AISC 360-22, Eurocode 3 EN 1993-1-8, or GB 50017-2017, we fabricate each plate to the specified standard. High-strength bolts in A325/A490 or 8.8s/10.9s grades are also available for slip-critical connections.
| Steel Grade (GB) | Steel Grade (ASTM) | Steel Grade (EN) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q235B | A36 | S235JR | ≥ 235 | General structural connections |
| Q355B | A572 Gr50 | S355JR | ≥ 355 | Load-bearing connections, columns |
| Q390B | A588 | S355J2W | ≥ 390 | Bridge structures, weathering steel |
| Q420B | A709 Gr50 | S460N | ≥ 420 | Heavy-duty structural joints |
Our Steel Connection Plates Export Cases
Our steel connection plates have been exported to 60+ countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America — supporting projects from industrial workshops to bridge infrastructure and high-rise buildings.
Industrial Workshop Project
Year: 2026
Country: Indonesia
Products: Q355B column base plates, beam splice plates, bracing gusset plates, GB 50017-2017 standard, Sa 2.5 sandblasting + epoxy zinc-rich primer + polyurethane topcoat
Quantity: 8 tons
Bridge Infrastructure Project
Year: 2024
Country: Philippines
Products: ASTM A709 Gr50 truss gusset plates, orthotropic deck U-ribs, girder splice plates, AASHTO LRFD / AWS D1.1 standard, CNC plasma cut with shop primer
Quantity: 15 tons
Power Plant Project
Year: 2020
Country: Uzbekistan
Products: S355JR heavy-duty base plates (60mm thick), end plates, shear tabs, Eurocode 3 EN 1993-1-8 standard, shot blasted and painted
Quantity: 12 tons
Warehouse Project
Year: 2021
Country: Saudi Arabia
Products: A572 Gr50 column splice plates, base plates, end plates, AISC 360-22 standard, epoxy zinc-rich primer + polyurethane topcoat
Quantity: 6 tons
High-Rise Building Project
Year: 2025
Country: Nigeria
Products: S355JR beam end plates, column base plates, shear tabs, Eurocode 3 EN 1993-1-8 standard, epoxy zinc-rich primer + polyurethane topcoat
Quantity: 10 tons
Port Facility Project
Year: 2023
Country: Chile
Products: A572 Gr50 gusset plates, splice plates, base plates, AISC 360-22 standard, epoxy zinc-rich primer + polyurethane topcoat
Quantity: 9 tons
Manufacturing Process of Our Steel Connection Plates
Every steel connection plate we produce goes through a strictly controlled five-step manufacturing process — from raw material inspection to final packing — ensuring dimensional accuracy, weld integrity, and coating quality that meet international project requirements.
| Step | Process | Equipment / Method | Key Control Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Material & Cutting | Steel plate grade inspection and cutting to size | CNC plasma cutting, laser cutting | Grade certification, edge quality, dimensional tolerance |
| 2. Drilling | Bolt hole making per drawings | CNC drilling line, drilling machines | Hole diameter, spacing, edge distance, position accuracy |
| 3. Welding | Assembly of stiffeners, end plates, gusset fittings | Qualified welders per AWS D1.1 / GB 50661 | WPS/PQR, full/partial penetration welds, fillet welds |
| 4. Surface Treatment | Blasting and coating | Sandblasting to Sa 2.5, epoxy primer, polyurethane topcoat, hot-dip galvanizing (ASTM A123) | Coating thickness, adhesion, complete coverage |
| 5. Inspection & Packing | Dimensional and NDT inspection, packing for shipment | UT/RT/MT testing, dry film thickness gauge, protective packing | 100% dimensional check, weld integrity, sea freight protection |
Quality Control
Every steel connection plate undergoes strict inspection at three stages — before, during, and after production — to ensure full compliance with your drawings and project standards.
| Stage | Inspection Items | Method / Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming Material | Steel grade verification, mill certificate check, surface defect inspection | MTC review, visual inspection, spectrometer testing |
| In-Process | Plate dimensions after cutting, hole diameter and position, weld quality | CNC machine self-check, measuring tape, caliper, visual weld inspection |
| Final Inspection | Plate thickness, length, hole position, edge distance, weld integrity, coating thickness | 100% dimensional inspection, NDT testing (UT/RT/MT), dry film thickness gauge |
NDT Testing Capabilities:
| Method | What It Detects | When Applied |
|---|---|---|
| UT (Ultrasonic Testing) | Internal weld defects — porosity, slag, lack of fusion | Full-penetration welds on thick plates (≥25mm) |
| RT (Radiographic Testing) | Internal weld defects with permanent film record | Critical welds requiring documentation |
| MT (Magnetic Particle Testing) | Surface and near-surface cracks | Fillet welds, groove weld surfaces |
Note:Third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or TUV supported upon request.
How to Choose the Right Steel Connection Plates？
Selecting the right connection plate involves evaluating several key factors, then matching them to the correct product type.
Key Factors to Consider:
| Factor | What to Determine | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Moment, shear, or axial-only | Determines plate type (end plate, shear tab, splice, or gusset) |
| Design loads | Axial force, shear, bending moment | Determines plate thickness, bolt quantity, weld type |
| Steel grade | Match to connected members | Lower-grade plate at high-strength joint creates weak link |
| Governing standard | AISC 360, Eurocode 3, or GB 50017 | Must match project location and engineer's design basis |
| Corrosion protection | Epoxy coating, galvanizing, or weathering steel | Depends on service environment |
| Bolt hole type | Standard, oversized, or slotted | Affects tolerance and edge distance per AISC Table J3.3 |
Match Your Needs to Our Products:
| If Your Connection Requires... | You Need | View Product |
|---|---|---|
| Extending beam or column length | Splice plates | Structural Steel Splice Plates |
| High-strength splicing for heavy members | High-strength splice plates | High-Strength Custom Splice Plates |
| Column anchoring to concrete foundation | Base plates | High Strength Steel Base Plate |
| Heavy columns in high-rise or industrial projects | Heavy-duty base plates | Heavy-Duty Base Plate for Columns |
| Custom base plates for special column profiles | Custom base plates | Custom Heavy-Duty Steel Base Plates |
| Truss joints or bracing intersections | Gusset plates | Custom Structural Steel Gusset Plates |
| Orthotropic bridge deck stiffening | Bridge U-ribs | Steel Bridge U-rib |
Our Service Process
From drawing review to final delivery, we provide end-to-end service for your steel connection plate project:
| Step | Stage | What We Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drawing Review | Send us your connection plate drawings (PDF/DWG/DXF) with plate dimensions, hole patterns, and weld details. No drawings yet? Our engineers can design splice plates, base plates, gusset plates, and end plates based on your connection type and design loads |
| 2 | Drawing Confirmation | We review hole diameter, spacing, edge distance, plate thickness, and weld type, flag any issues per AISC/Eurocode 3/GB 50017, and confirm final shop drawings with you |
| 3 | Quotation | Price calculated based on steel grade (Q235B–Q420B / A36–A709 / S235JR–S460N), plate thickness (6–80mm), hole quantity, surface treatment, and destination port |
| 4 | Contract & Deposit | After proposal confirmation, we sign the contract and begin production upon receiving the deposit |
| 5 | Production | CNC plasma/laser cutting → CNC punching/drilling bolt holes → welding of stiffeners and gusset fittings → surface treatment (Sa 2.5 blasting + epoxy/galvanizing), all per confirmed drawings |
| 6 | Quality Inspection | 100% dimensional inspection of plate thickness, hole position, and edge distance + NDT testing (UT/RT/MT) on welds + coating thickness measurement, third-party inspection (SGS/BV/TUV) supported |
| 7 | Packing & Loading | Plates packed with protective separators to prevent surface scratching, container loaded with photos |
| 8 | Shipping & Documentation | Ship to your destination port with full export documents (CO, Form A/E/F, MTC, inspection report, packing list) |
Professional Packaging & Shipping
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Packing Method | Plates stacked with wooden separators between layers to prevent surface scratching; steel straps for bundling; steel pallet or wooden case for small parts |
| Moisture Protection | VCI anti-rust paper wrapped inside, plastic film outside for sea freight protection |
| Container Loading | 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ available, loading photos provided before and after sealing |
| Shipping Terms | FOB, CIF, CFR, DDP available upon request |
| Destination Ports | Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, South America, Central Asia — 40+ countries served |
| Documentation | Packing list, commercial invoice, CO, Form A/E/F, MTC, inspection report — all provided for customs clearance |
Value-Added Services
Free Drawing Review — Our engineers check dimensions, hole patterns, and weld details before production and flag any issues.
Material Traceability — Mill test certificate (MTC) provided with every batch, full traceability from steel mill to finished plate.
Corrosion Protection Consultation — We recommend the right coating system based on your service environment.
Production Progress Reports — Weekly photos from cutting to packing, so you always know your order status.
Door-to-Port Shipping — Container loading, booking, and shipping to your destination port with tracking.
Sample Service — Small batch or sample plates available for quality confirmation before bulk order.
FAQ
Q: What types of connection plates do you manufacture?
A: We manufacture structural steel splice plates, steel base plates for columns, structural gusset plates, end plates, shear tabs, and steel bridge U-ribs. All products can be customized to customer drawings, with plate thicknesses from 6mm to 80mm.
Q: Can you produce custom connection plates to my drawings?
A: Yes. Send us your shop drawings (PDF, DWG, or DXF) with material specifications, and our engineering team will review them for manufacturability and provide a quotation. If you don't have drawings yet, we can assist with connection plate design based on your project requirements.
Q: What is the typical lead time?
A: Standard lead time is 25–45 days from drawing approval to shipment, depending on order quantity, plate thickness, and complexity. Rush production is available for urgent projects.
Q: Do you provide installation guidance for connection plates?
A: Connection plates are typically installed by the erection contractor on site. However, we can provide installation drawings and torque requirements for high-strength bolts. For complex projects, we can arrange a technical engineer on site upon request.
Q: Can you assist with connection plate design if I only have structural drawings?
A: Yes. If you have structural drawings showing member sizes and connection types but no connection plate details, our engineers can design the plates — including thickness, bolt quantity, hole pattern, and weld type — based on your design loads and governing standard.
Q: What is the maximum plate thickness and size you can process?
A: We can process plates up to 80mm thick and maximum dimensions of 12,000mm × 3,000mm. For plates over 60mm, we recommend S355J2+N or A709 Gr50 for better weldability and toughness.
Q: What bolt hole diameters can you produce?
A: Standard bolt holes from Φ17mm to Φ33mm for M16–M30 bolts. We also produce oversized holes, slotted holes, and countersunk holes per your drawings. Non-standard sizes can be discussed.
Q: Where do you source your steel, and can I specify a particular steel mill?
A: We source from major Chinese steel mills including Shougang, Baosteel, and Ansteel. If your project requires a specific mill or origin, please specify in your inquiry — we will confirm availability and any price difference.
As one of the most professional steel connection plates manufacturers and suppliers in China, we have world-leading production equipment and strong manufacturing capabilities. Please rest assured to buy customized steel connection plates at competitive price from our factory. For quotation, contact us now.
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