Aluminium is arguably the planet’s most versatile metal. It’s abundant and comes in a number of different forms. The most used forms are plates and sheets, both of which have a wide range of applications.
How is aluminium plate manufactured?
Aluminium plate begins life as preheated sheet ingots that can weigh up to 20 tons. Firstly, the ingot is heated up to rolling temperature and then fed into a breakdown mill. There it’s rolled back and forth until the thickness has been reduced right down to a few centimetres. This slab can then be cold rolled or heated to increase its strength. The higher strength alloys are heat treated. Then they are cooled down rapidly to room temperature and are stretched to straighten them out. This also helps to relieve internal stress that’s built up during the rolling and heat-treating.
The aluminium plate is then allowed to age, either naturally at room temperature in a furnace. The plate is then trimmed to its final size and can be used as they are or machined into a variety of shapes from simple to complex. It combines strength with flexibility, and it’s this combination that makes it such an effective and adaptable material for all kinds of purposes.
What are the uses of aluminium plate?
Aluminium plate is used in a variety of heavy-duty applications such as those that are found in military and aerospace. It’s frequently used in the manufacture of transportation systems, such as modern railways systems and cars. It can be shaped to make the skin of jumbo jets and has been used to make the tanks for spaceships. It also has a wide range of everyday applications such as home appliances and kitchenware.
What are the advantages of aluminium plate?
Unlike other metals, aluminium doesn’t fatigue easily. This means that it can be worked and re-worked, until it’s the precise gauge for your intended purpose without losing strength. This adds to its versatility and the range of applications to which it can be applied.
Why should you choose a trusted supplier for your aluminium plate?
When it comes to choosing a supplier for your aluminium plate products it makes sense to opt for a company with a wide range of product options and a wealth of experience. They can offer advice about product choice and what might be suitable for your particular purpose. You should make sure that your supplier only stocks the highest quality products manufactured from the best materials.
1st Choice Metals are a leading supplier of aluminium plate products
At 1st Choice Metals, we supply a wide range of metal products including aluminium plate products that can be cut to size for the job. We offer same day shipping on the vast majority of orders that are received before midday, with a range of competitive shipping options available.
Take a look at our product range or contact us to find out more.
Trade Account
Credit accounts & discounts area available. Simply get in tocuh and speak to us directly.
Free Cutting Service
1 x Free Cut - per line item purchased - receive the item at the exact length required for the job
Folding Service
We are able to offer our Aluminium Sheets & Chequer Plates and Stainless Steel Sheets folded to the customers specifications
Great service, speedy delivery and value for money for 1 metre of 12.7mm brass round tube. This type of tube is a staple product for our business "George Juniper" and this is the first time we have used 1st Choice Metals Ltd. We will definitely be back for more of their products.
Aluminium plate was cut perfectly to the size I orderedWell packaged and delivered when they said it would beFirst class serviceWill be ordering again from them for sure
!st Choice Metals did exactly what they promised and the product arrived well wrapped and to exactly the right size.Unfortunately, although it was posted on time for 24 hour delivery the Royal Mail did not deliver it for 2 days. Disappointing, but I guess sending it by courier would have cost more.
Ordering on the website was easy, great you can get material cut to size and quick delivery. Everything arrived as ordered and even when we made an error they were quick to support returning the items. Couldn't fault them and since first order we have ordered more. Such a great company to do business with. Any questions just ask them as easy to talk with.
Truly excellent service for such a small job!I needed some small rectangular aluminium sheets made up to use as Tiller Hoods to fix the tiller to the rudder for a Mirror Dinghy! The 1mm thick 200mm x 100mm sheets were just £1.07 each excluding vat and as the postage was 3x that amount I decided to order 10 for future projects! 1st Choice Metals provided a superb very cost effective service and cut the sheets with quick delivery.I am truly delighted with them.
Easy to navigate website and hassle free purchase. Excellent customer service when item delivered was damaged by delivery service, replaced immediately without fuss. I hope they got compensation from courier.
Fast and friendly staff, use them for materials for work and never had a problem with supply. The cutting service is a big help too, I can just order what i need, pick it up and fit, no faffing about.
I bought a plate of brass 3mm thick to be used on a drawing board. It was dispatched very quickly and packaged against a wooden board in order that it didn’t get damaged. Brilliant service, thank you.
