is there an element (atom) to avoid in baking steel

[crazydonkey]

hi,

im having trouble finding A36 steel, but can find similar alloys.

although i'm (almost) sure about the answer, i'd like to have a 3rd party insight.

a (thin) A36 sheet doesnt contain Mn, and N, but does contain Si.

my best candidate alternative is S235JR, which has slightly different components:

• lower C content (0.19% vs 0.26% in A36)
• contains Mn and N
• Doesnt contain Si
• similar levels of S and P, but triple the amount of Cu (0.6% vs 0.2% in A36).

im sure the differences are important in the stractural aspect (which are irrelecant for the pizza), but they raise health concerns due to being use in high heat.
becasue Mn is used in stainless steel, whish is food safe, i guess it also imply for its safety as a baking steel.
i do have a slight concern with the copper (Cu) content, though the hazard is in high exposure..... but i dont know if 0.6% is high.....

what do you think?

[Chuck Light]

I think you are over thinking it.  Copper melts at 2,000F.

[TXCraig1]

At least one person here is using S235:

https://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php?topic=80539.msg755543#msg755543

[GrantCee]

I agree with Chuck — you're definitely over thinking this.

Just ask for "mild steel" or "carbon steel" plate. Those are the generic terms for A36. Every steel yard in existence will have it.