Aluminium chequer plate, also known as tread plate or checker plate, is a popular type of metal sheet characterized by its raised five-bar pattern. Renowned for its durability, lightweight nature, and aesthetically pleasing appearance, aluminium chequer plate has become a staple material across diverse industries. There are many properties and applications of aluminium chequer plate which serve to highlight its versatility and practicality.
What are the properties of Aluminium Chequer plate?
One of the most notable characteristics of aluminium chequer plate is its exceptional strength, which makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications. Despite its robustness, the material remains relatively lightweight, offering an advantage over materials such as steel. This lightweight nature makes aluminium chequer plate easier to handle, transport, and install, which can make for good cost savings in terms of labour costs. Aluminium chequer plate weighs approximately 1/3 of the weight of mild steel and stainless steel alternatives.
Additionally, the raised alternate five-bar pattern on the surface of aluminium chequer plate provides enhanced grip and prevents slippage, making it an ideal choice for flooring applications in industrial settings, walkways, and ramps. This inherent non-slip quality enhances safety, especially in areas prone to wet or oily conditions. Furthermore, the pattern adds a distinct aesthetic appeal to structures, offering a visually appealing surface when used for decorative purposes and being lightweight is well suited as a wall covering product.
What applications are Aluminium Chequer plates used for?
The versatility of aluminium chequer plate is evident in its diverse range of applications across various industries. In the construction sector, it is commonly used as flooring or cladding material, thanks to its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. Due to its low maintenance requirements and excellent weather resistance, aluminium chequer plate is a very popular choice for outdoor applications such as stairs, platforms, and access ramps.
In addition to its use in construction, aluminium chequer plate finds practical applications in transportation, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. Its combination of strength and lightweight properties makes it an ideal material for manufacturing vehicle parts, including mudguards, truck beds, and trailer floors. Moreover, the metal's corrosion-resistant properties make it suitable for external applications in marine environments.
Furthermore, aluminium chequer plate is widely employed in the manufacturing of industrial equipment and machinery. Its non-slip surface and robustness make it ideal for manufacturing machine covers, workbenches, and floor gratings. Additionally, the material's ability to sustain heavy loads while remaining stable makes it suitable for manufacturing scaffolding and support structures.
Chequer plate is well known for its safety and longevity, and It really is one of the most versatile aluminium products you can buy!
What grade is Aluminium Chequer plate?
Chequer plate is most commonly produced in a grade known as 5754H111. This particular alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, especially for marine applications or areas with high levels of industrial pollution. Furthermore, the 5754 grade is high strength, making it ideal for any flooring applications, with a tensile strength of 190 – 260 MPa.
What characteristics does Aluminium Chequer plate have?
Chequer plate is a great product to work with. It can be cut to size very accurately either by using a guillotine or plate saw, depending on thickness. It has excellent welding properties. It is also suitable for forming and drilling.
A point to note here is that when ordering a number of cut plates, it is unlikely that the pattern will match up when placed adjacent to each other. Trim strips are commonly used between plates in these instances.
What finishes does Aluminium Chequer plate come in?
The standard finish for chequer plate is mill finish. Providing the material is of good quality, you should expect an aesthetically pleasing, bright and shiny finish.
Additional processes (and cost) finishes include decorative anodising (highly suitable) or painted. However, when used as a flooring product, please bear in mind these finishes may wear over time on the raised bar part of the pattern.
What sizes do Aluminium Chequer plates come in?
Sheet sizes: Thicknesses:
2000mm x 1000mm 1.5mm / 2mm / 3mm / 4.5mm / 6mm / 9.5mm
2500mm x 1250mm
3000mm x 1500mm
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