Aluminum tread plate 1060 1100 H12 H14
Aluminum tread plates are renowned for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and anti-slip properties, making them a preferred choice for a variety of applications ranging from flooring to utility and vehicle construction. Among the numerous grades available, the 1060 and 1100 series alloys in H12 and H14 temper stand out for their impressive performance characteristics and versatility.
What are Aluminum Tread Plates?
Aluminum tread plate, also known as diamond plate or floor plate, features a textured surface that provides high levels of traction, essential for safety in both industrial and residential applications. The surface pattern exists to enhance grip, making it ideal for locations where skidding or slipping are of concern, such as ramps, walkways, and vehicle trailers.
Exploring Aluminum Alloys 1060 and 1100
Alloy 1060
1060 aluminum alloy is the most commercially available aluminum. With a minimum aluminum content of 99.6%, it is highly resistant to corrosion while maintaining excellent workability and formability. This alloy is particularly favorable for applications where moderate strength and high conductivity are required. When manufactured into a tread plate, 1060 aluminum offers a lightweight yet durable solution perfect for indoor flooring and lightweight structural applications.
Alloy 1100
Similar to 1060, the 1100 aluminum alloy consists of 99.0% or higher aluminum content, enhancing its corrosion resistance and fabrication properties. However, it offers slightly better strength than 1060 due to its added alloying elements. It is often chosen for tasks that require mild strength while still remaining workable and easy to form. The food and beverage industries frequently use alloy 1100 for equipment and containers owing to its non-toxic, food-safe characteristics.
The H12 and H14 Tempers
When choosing the right aluminum tread plate, its temper significantly impacts its performance. H12 and H14 are both strain-hardened classifications that indicate the degree of cold working used to increase strength in aluminum.
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H12 Temper: This temper signifies that the material has been strain-hardened to achieve 1/4 hard properties. The softening features available in H12 make it easier to bend and reform for specific applications without risking significant cracking.
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H14 Temper: This temper indicates a stronger state compared to H12. It represents a little more than half-hard and is associated with higher tensile strength properties. The increased strength in H14 makes it ideal for duties requiring support under heavier loads, ensuring that the tread plate provides long-term usage with maximal safety.
Applications of Aluminum Tread Plates
The characteristics of 1060 and 1100 aluminum tread plates in H12 and H14 temper lend themselves well to a variety of applications:
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Industrial Flooring: With its anti-slip capabilities, tread plates ensure worker safety in warehouses and manufacturing plants.
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Vehicle Trailers: Aluminum treads are ideally suited for semi-truck bed supports and automotive floors owing to their lightweight nature augmenting vehicle load efficiency.
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Architectural Uses: These alloys are often used for decorative purposes in high-end design projects, offering both beauty and functionality.
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Food and Beverage Equipment: Particularly with alloy 1100, tread plates can fulfill NSF certification for use in food processing applications.
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Ramps and Walkways: Traction-enhancing properties make them perfect for outdoor pathways and vehicle loading ramps.