What’s the Best Plain Aluminum Sheet for Your Project Needs?

In industries like manufacturing, construction, and transportation, plain aluminum sheets are widely popular due to their lightweight, corrosion-resistant and easy-to-process properties. However, with various types available in the market, choosing the right aluminum sheet can be challenging. This article provides detailed analysis on classification, weight calculation, pricing factors and purchasing advice to help you make informed decisions.

Difference Between Plain Aluminum Sheet and Plate

Plain aluminum sheet and plate are essentially the same material, differing mainly in thickness:

– Aluminum Sheet: Thickness <6mm, suitable for metal fabrication, decoration, electronic casings

– Aluminum Plate: Thickness ≥6mm, used for heavy machinery, aerospace, shipbuilding

Common sheet types include: diamond plate (anti-slip for industrial flooring), perforated sheet (ventilation/acoustic applications), and painted sheets (colorful options for signage/interior design).

Aluminum Alloy Series and Applications

Different alloy compositions determine performance characteristics across 1-8 series:

1000 Series: High aluminum content, most common in general industry

2000 Series: Aviation-grade, rarely used in conventional applications

3000 Series: Excellent rust resistance for humid environments (AC units, refrigerators, vehicle undercarriages)

4000 Series: High silicon content for construction, mechanical parts, welding

5000 Series: Lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy for aircraft fuel tanks and industrial use

6000 Series: Superior corrosion/oxidation resistance

7000 Series: Zinc-containing for aircraft structures and high-stress components

Purchasing Tips:

– 1000/3000 series for good formability

– 5000/6000 series for higher strength

– 2000/7000 series for aerospace

– Consider surface treatments like anodizing for weather resistance

– Contact manufacturers directly for quotes and specs

Weight Calculation

Formula: m=ρ*V (mass = density * volume)

Example: 3mm*1000*2000mm 1060 aluminum sheet:

2.71(density)*3(thickness)*1(width)*2(length)=16.26kg

Pure aluminum density (2.7g/cm³) is about 1/3 of iron’s. Note that actual weight may vary due to manufacturing tolerances and coatings.

Pricing Factors

Prices vary by alloy type (8011, 5052, 3003, 1060, etc.), thickness, width, and processing methods. Mingtai recommend comparing multiple suppliers for quality, pricing and after-sales service.