Aluminium plate is a commonly used form of aluminium, known for its lightweight and durable properties. It is used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and marine due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. There are several grades of aluminium plate available in the market with different mechanical and chemical properties designed for specific purposes.
Aluminium Plate UK Grade 5083
Grade 5083 of aluminium plate is a high-strength and corrosion-resistant alloy, primarily composed of magnesium and trace amounts of manganese and chromium. It is commonly used in marine applications due to its excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion. Additionally, it has good weldability and formability properties.
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile strength: 317 MPa (46,000 psi)
- Yield strength: 228 MPa (33,000 psi)
- Elongation at break: 12%
- Hardness (Brinell): 75
Chemical Properties
- Aluminium: 91.9%-93.4%
- Magnesium: 4%-4.9%
- Manganese: 0.5%-1.0%
- Chromium: 0.05%-0.25%
Corrosion Resistance
One of the most significant advantages of using the 5083 Aluminium plate is its excellent resistance to corrosion. The presence of magnesium in the alloy forms a protective layer on the surface, preventing corrosion and making it suitable for marine applications. Additionally, this alloy can withstand harsh environments and is highly resistant to stress cracking.
Applications
The 5083 Aluminium plate finds extensive use in various industries due to its unique properties. Some common applications include:
- Marine industry: As mentioned earlier, the alloy's corrosion resistance makes it a popular choice for marine applications such as shipbuilding and offshore structures.
- Transportation: Its lightweight and high strength make it suitable for use in transportation industries, including automobiles, trains, and trailers.
- Aerospace: The 5083 Aluminium plate is also used in the aerospace industry for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.
- Construction: Its high strength and formability make it ideal for use in construction projects such as bridges, buildings, and structural components.
Aluminium Plate UK Grade 6082
Grade 6082 aluminium plate is a medium-strength alloy, primarily composed of silicon and magnesium. It has excellent machinability and weldability properties, making it suitable for various applications in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile strength: 295 MPa (43,000 psi)
- Yield strength: 240 MPa (35,000 psi)
- Elongation at break: 10%
- Hardness (Brinell): 95
Chemical Properties
- Aluminium: 96.1%-98.0%
- Silicon: 0.7%-1.3%
- Magnesium: 0.6%-1.2%
- Manganese: 0.4%-1.0%
Applications
Due to its exceptional properties, the 6082T6 aluminium plate is used in a wide range of industries and applications. Some common uses include:
- Transportation: The lightweight and high strength of this alloy make it ideal for manufacturing components in the transportation industry, such as vehicle frames, body panels, and chassis. It is also used in the construction of trains, ships, and aircraft.
- Construction: The corrosion resistance and durability of the 6082T6 aluminium make it a popular choice for construction projects. It is commonly used in building facades, roofing, bridges, and other structural components.
- Aerospace: Due to its lightweight nature and high strength-to-weight ratio, 6082T6 aluminium is commonly used in the aerospace industry for manufacturing aircraft components such as wings, fuselage frames, and engine parts.
- Electronics: The electrical conductivity of aluminium makes it an essential material in the electronics industry. 6082T6 aluminium plates are used in the production of electronic enclosures, heat sinks, and other components.
- Sports equipment: The high strength and lightweight nature of 6082T6 aluminium make it a popular choice for manufacturing sports equipment such as bicycles, kayaks, and other outdoor gear.
- Machinery: 6082T6 aluminium plates are used in the manufacturing of machinery components that require high strength and corrosion resistance. This includes hydraulic systems, engines, and gears.
- Medical equipment: The biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of 6082T6 aluminium make it suitable for use in medical equipment such as surgical instruments, MRI machines, and prosthetics.
- Packaging: The malleability and formability of aluminium make it an ideal material for packaging applications. 6082T6 aluminium is commonly used in the production of cans, foil, and other packaging materials.
- Automotive: The lightweight nature of 6082T6 aluminium makes it a popular choice for the automotive industry. It is used in the production of car body panels, wheels, and other components to reduce overall vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Cast Aluminium Tooling Plate UK
Cast aluminium tooling plate is a type of alloy that has been specifically designed for use in tooling applications, such as jigs, fixtures, and moulds. It is known for its excellent dimensional stability and high strength.
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile strength: 310 MPa (45,000 psi)
- Yield strength: 260 MPa (38,000 psi)
- Elongation at break: 3-5%
- Hardness (Brinell): 105
Chemical Properties
- Aluminium: 91.9%-94.8%
- Silicon: 0.4%-0.8%
- Copper: 1.2%-1.8%
Applications
Cast aluminium tooling plates, also known as cast Aluminium jig plates or EcoCast plate (plates), are becoming increasingly popular in various industries due to their exceptional properties. These plates are specially designed for precision manufacturing and offer a cost-effective alternative to other materials like steel or plastic.
- Automotive Industry: The automotive industry has been one of the largest users of cast aluminium tooling plates. These plates are used in the production of engine components, transmission parts, and chassis components due to their high strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. They are also commonly used for creating jigs and fixtures for assembling various car parts.
- Aerospace Industry: Cast aluminium tooling plates are widely used in the aerospace industry as well. The plates provide excellent stability and dimensional accuracy, making them ideal for manufacturing aircraft components such as wing ribs, fuselage frames, and engine parts. Additionally, the lightweight nature of these plates helps reduce fuel consumption in aircraft.
- Electronics Industry: In the electronics industry, precision is key. Cast aluminium tooling plates are used to create moulds for electronic components like computer circuit boards, phone cases, and other small parts. These plates offer exceptional flatness and surface finish, ensuring the accuracy of the final product.
- Medical Industry: The medical industry also benefits greatly from cast aluminium tooling plates. These plates are used to manufacture surgical instruments, prosthetics, and other medical devices due to their biocompatibility, lightweight nature, and resistance to sterilisation chemicals. They also provide the high precision and dimensional stability required for medical equipment.
- Other Industries: Apart from the industries mentioned above, cast aluminium tooling plates are used in various other sectors as well. These include the packaging industry, where they are used to create moulds for plastic packaging products, and the defense industry, where they are utilized in creating weapons and military equipment. Additionally, these plates are also used in the production of consumer goods such as appliances, furniture, and sporting equipment.
Aluminium Plate Cutting
Aluminium plate cutting is a process that involves the separation of an aluminium sheet or panel into smaller parts or shapes. This is usually done for various purposes, such as creating products with specific dimensions, removing excess material, or preparing the metal for further processing.
Machinery Used
There are several types of machinery used for cutting aluminium plates. The most common ones are the Plate Saw, laser, and waterjet machines. Each of these has its advantages and limitations, which makes them suitable for different applications.
Plate Saw with Air Bed
The Aluminium Plate saw is a machine that uses a very large circular TCT blade to cut through aluminium plates. The plate is placed on an air bed during the cutting process to prevent any damage caused by the blade. This machine is ideal for cutting straight lines and creating precise angles, making it suitable for industrial and commercial use. You will find most suppliers of Aluminium Plate Cut to Size in the UK will use this type of machinery. (We use a state-of-the-art Schelling Aluminium Plate saw at the Aluminium Warehouse. This represented a £250k investment and provides very precise cuts with scratch free surfaces due to material floating on air beds).
Laser Cutting Machines
The laser cutting machine uses a high-powered laser to melt or vaporize the aluminium plate, resulting in a clean cut. This method is highly accurate and can create intricate designs with minimal material wastage. It is commonly used in industries that require precision cutting, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
Waterjet Cutting Machines
The waterjet machine uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through the aluminium plate. In some cases, abrasive particles are added to the water for denser materials or thicker plates. This method is versatile and can produce complex shapes with smooth edges. It is commonly used in industries that deal with delicate or heat-sensitive materials.
Tolerances
As with all Aluminium Cut to Size, tolerances refer to the allowable variation in measurements during the cutting process. The type of machinery used, and the desired end result, determine the tolerances for aluminium plate cutting. For example, laser cutting has a high level of precision with tolerances as small as 0.005 inches, making it ideal for creating intricate designs. On the other hand, waterjet cutting has tolerances ranging from 0.003 to 0.030 inches, depending on the thickness of the material and the type of nozzle used.
As with any manufacturing process, it is essential to consider tolerances when designing parts or components that require aluminium plate cutting. Working closely with a machining expert can help determine the appropriate tolerances for a specific project, ensuring high-quality end products.
Cut Aluminium By Grade
Cut Aluminium Plate by Thickness
