The development of heavy plates for constructional steelwork, shipbuil
ding and line pipes is characterized by a reduction of the carbon equi
valent values. At the same time the strength and toughness properties
are improved. Significant progress has been made by application of mod
ern TM-rolling processes including accelerated cooling. Process contro
l has been optimized to produce a homogeneity comparable to normalized
plates. Strength and hardness profiles demonstrate the actual homogen
eity. The properties after cold forming and strain aging have been eva
luated. The weldability, in particular welding without preheating, is
shown as a function of the H-2-content of the weld metal. Flame straig
htening of TM-rolled plates is possible and is demonstrated for differ
ent types of flame straightening procedures.