Aluminum Plate

Aluminum plate is a layer of aluminum that’s undergone high-pressure rolling to flatten and smooth it. Plate typically measures 0.25 inches thick or more and comes in various grades and finishes.

Though these grades are the most common, several key distinctions exist between them.

Both offer high corrosion resistance, with the 6061-grade aluminum having a slight edge. A 5052-grade aluminum plate has outstanding weldability and a smooth surface but isn’t heat-treatable. Conversely, the 6061-grade plate boasts exceptional machinability and is heat-treatable but has a somewhat rougher surface.

These two grades have a lot in common at first glance. Both offer fair machinability, solid weldability and high corrosion resistance. The primary differences are that 5454 is about 20% stronger, but 5052 tends to be more versatile.

The main difference between 5454 and 6061 lies in heat treatability. The latter supports it, while the former doesn’t.

The 6061 has less tensile strength and hardness, which promotes better machinability. The 7075 plate is technically stronger, making it an ideal choice for transportation, aerospace and marine industries.