4x8 aluminum plate metal
The 4x8 aluminum plate metal stands as a versatile and widely used material across various industries due to its magnificent combination of strength, lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. As a standard sheet size (4 ft by 8 ft), it brings uniformity and convenience to manufacturing lines, enabling efficient production of a broad range of products.
What Is 4x8 Aluminum Plate Metal?
A 4x8 aluminum plate refers to a flat aluminum sheet typically measuring 4 feet by 8 feet (1219mm x 2438mm). This standard dimension makes it well-suited for industrial stock, cutting processes, fabrication, and transportation. Aluminum plates differ from aluminum sheets mostly in thickness; the nomenclature for plates generally starts from 0.250 inches (6.35 mm) in thickness and up.
This product is fabricated from different aluminum alloys and engineered for elevated strength or specific environmental tolerance, depending on the alloy type and temper designation.
Core Functions of 4x8 Aluminum Plate
The inherent benefits and functions of a 4x8 aluminum plate include:
Lightweight Strength: Aluminum generally weighs about one-third as much as steel, offering ease in handling and transportation without compromising structural integrity.
Corrosion Resistance: Naturally forming an oxide layer, aluminum plates resist rust and degradation in atmospheric or marine environments. This makes them particularly useful for outdoor or chemical exposure applications.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: Aluminum plates can dissipate heat efficiently, supporting heat exchange applications, transformers, and electrical components.
Formability and Machinability: Widely chosen for fabrication, a 4x8 aluminum sheet can be cut, stamped, bent, welded, or machined with relative ease compared to other metals.
Reflectivity: Aluminum’s high reflectivity serves in solar, lighting, and decorative uses.
Common Applications of 4x8 Aluminum Plates
The usage of 4x8 aluminum plate spans various sectors including:
Aerospace and Aviation: Lightweight aircraft parts such as fuselage components, wing skins, and flooring.
Maritime Industry: Hulls, pontoons, and superstructures in boat manufacturing.
Construction: Wall claddings, roofing panels, facades, and structural support.
Transportation: Truck trailer panels, railcars, and automotive parts for efficient, lightweight vehicles.
Industrial Equipment: Machine parts, heat exchangers, and equipment platforms.
Signage and Display: Durable and corrosion-resistant backings, panels for outdoor/semi-permanent installations.
Aluminum Alloy Grades and Temper Conditions
alloy compositions and temper conditions helps in identifying the right 4x8 aluminum plate for your project.
| Alloy | Description | Common Temper | Description of Temper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 | Commercially pure aluminum, excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility | H14 | Strain hardened and partially annealed |
| 3003 | Workhorse with good corrosion resistance, moderate strength | H14 | Strain hardened |
| 5052 | Marine grade, excellent corrosion resistance and strength | H32 | Strain hardened and stabilized |
| 6061 | Most versatile structural alloy, good strength and weldability | T6 | Solution heat-treated and artificially aged |
| 7075 | High strength aluminum alloy used mainly in aerospace | T6 | Solution heat-treated and artificially aged |
Typical Chemical Composition (% by Weight)
The chemical elemental composition remains a critical factor influencing the behavior of aluminum plates in various environments.
| Element | 1100 | 3003 | 5052 | 6061 | 7075 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 97.0% | ≥ 97.25% | 97.9% - 99.0% | 87.1% - 91.4% |
| Copper | ≤ 0.05% | ≤0.10% | ≤0.10% | 0.15% - 0.40% | 1.2% - 2.0% |
| Manganese | ≤ 0.05% | 1.0%-1.5% | ≤0.10% | ≤0.15% | ≤0.30% |
| Magnesium | ≤ 0.05% | ≤0.10% | 2.2%-2.8% | 0.8%-1.2% | 2.1%-2.9% |
| Silicon | ≤ 0.95% | 0.60%-1.0% | ≤0.40% | 0.4%-0.8% | 0.4%-0.8% |
| Zinc | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.25% | 0.25% max | 5.1%-6.1% |
| Iron | ≤ 0.4% | ≤ 0.7% | ≤ 0.40% | 0.7% max | ≤0.50% |
Technical Specifications of 4x8 Aluminum Plate
| Property | Values/Standards |
|---|---|
| Standard Plate Dimensions | 1219 mm (48 in) x 2438 mm (96 in), customizable in thickness (0.25 - 6 inches typical) |
| Density | Approximately 2.7 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | Varies by alloy and temper, typically 45-570 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 30 - 505 MPa, alloy-dependent |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120 - 170 W/m-K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 23 - 25 x 10^-6 / °C |
| Melting Point | 580 - 650°C |
| Surface Finish | Mill, brushed, anodized, painted, or mirror polished |
Implementation Standards and Certifications
Frequently, 4x8 aluminum plates comply with international standards relevant to safety, quality, and performance:
- ASTM B209 – Specification for aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate.
- AMS 4037 / AMS 4016 – Aerospace material standards, particularly for 7075 and 6061 alloys.
- EN 485-4 – Europe standards defining European alloys chemical composition and fabrication.
- ISO 6362 – Standards for wrought aluminum alloy sheet, strip, and plate.
- RoHS Compliant – Environmental compliance for electronic industry applications.
Advantages of Procuring 4x8 Aluminum Plates
- Easily compatible with standard machine beds allowing cost-efficient workflow
- Promotes uniform cutting and wastage reductions in the supply-weight store chains
- Diverse alloy options catering to a wide range of strength and corrosion needs
- Universal availability translating into reduced lead times and quicker delivery
- Multiple finishes available to suit aesthetic and functional usages, from structural installations to mirror-like decorative faces
