Comparing Aluminium Plates For Specific Projects

aluminum

Buying aluminium plate requires the buyer to know the specifics of the project, job or application before choosing the right type of plate. This is essential not only to have the ideal material to work with but also to make sure the plate is the right match for the job and the specifics of the environment where it will be used.

In general, all types of aluminium plates, particularly precision cast or cast tool and jig plate, is going to be highly stable. This means that after the plate has been cut or machined there will not be any issues with warping, twisting or deformation of the plate. This can occur with other types of alloys and will require additional milling, finishing or other operations.

Without the need for any additional services to the parts, the cost and time of production are lower. This means production savings for the fabricator or manufacturer that can be translated into more competitively priced end products.

Comparing Aluminium Plates

It can be a challenge to compare aluminium plates unless you are able to look at all the desired or necessary factors against the options. In general and for most applications, processing characteristics will be critical as well as size, actual alloy composition, physical properties, mechanical properties, and tolerances.

Most of the quality aluminium plate produced in the United States as specialty precision plate will be considered very good to excellent with regards to weldability by WIG/MIG welding techniques. Not all will be suitable for resistance welding, so this may be an important consideration.

Generally, all will be highly machinable and will have some level of corrosion resistance to inland and marine atmosphere. If one type of plate doesn’t have this level, finishing can be used to develop a suitable coating for any type of protection required.