Metric standard carbon steel sheets and plates are formed by adding carbon to iron for added strength and durability. Steel with lower amounts of carbon is softer and easier to form and weld; steel containing higher amounts of carbon is more durable but can be difficult to form and process. Plates have a thickness of ¼” (6mm) or more, while sheets are less than ¼” (6mm) thick. They are available in different material grades that provide distinct levels of strength and properties that help them withstand high temperatures, resist wear, and make them easy to weld, work, and machine. These sheets and plates are formed to metric dimensions and specifications.