Aluminum tread plates, also known as checkered plates or diamond plates, are popular for their excellent combination of lightweight strength, corrosion resistance, and set patterns to provide slip resistance. Among the prominent grades found in the market, 1050, 1060, 1100, and 1200 aluminum tread plates is know for their high purity and workability, making them ideal choices for a myriad of industrial and architectural applications.
What is Aluminum Tread Plate?
Aluminum tread plates are flat rolled aluminum sheets with raised patterns typically shaped as diamonds or lines on the surface to enhance grip and safety. These are widely used in places where anti-slip properties are a must, such as flooring, stairs, platforms, and toolboxes.
All four grades belong to the 1xxx series—commercially pure aluminum (99%+ pure aluminum)—known for excellent corrosion resistance, superior thermal and electrical conductivity, and enhanced ductility.
| Grade | Aluminum Minimum (%) | Main Features | Typical Max Impurities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 | 99.50 | Excellent workability, high corrosion resistance | Fe ≤0.4%, Si ≤0.25%, Cu ≤0.05% |
| 1060 | 99.60 | High purity, very good electrical/thermal conductivity | Fe ≤0.35%, Si ≤0.25%, Cu ≤0.05% |
| 1100 | 99.00 | Excellent corrosion resistance, easily formable | Fe ≤0.95%, Si ≤0.95%, Cu ≤0.05%, Zn ≤0.1% |
| 1200 | 99.00 | Soft (| Fe ≤0.3%, Si ≤0.15%, Cu ≤0.05% | |
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | 1050 Max | 1050 Min | 1060 Max | 1060 Min | 1100 Max | 1100 Min | 1200 Max | 1200 Min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | — | 99.50 | — | 99.60 | — | 99.00 | — | 99.00 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.40 | — | 0.35 | — | 0.95 | — | 0.30 | — |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.25 | — | 0.25 | — | 0.95 | — | 0.15 | — |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | — |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.03 | — | 0.03 | — | 0.05 | — | 0.03 | — |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | — | 0.10 | — | 0.05 | — |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.03 | — | 0.03 | — | 0.03 | — | 0.03 | — |
| Other Elements | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | — |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | 1050 | 1060 | 1100 | 1200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (%) | 99.5 | 99.6 | 99.0 | 99.0 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 55 - 75 | 55 - 75 | 60 - 90 | 50 - 80 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 25 - 40 | 30 - 40 | 30 - 50 | 20 - 40 |
| Elongation (%) | 20 - 50 | 20 - 50 | 20 - 40 | 25 - 50 |
| Hardness (HV) | 25 - 35 | 25 - 35 | 35 - 55 | 25 - 40 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.71 | 2.71 | 2.70 | 2.70 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | ~220 | ~220 | ~220 | ~220 |
| Electrical Conductivity (%IACS) | >58 | >58 | >50 | >50 |
| Surface Finish | Checkered/Tread sheet | Checkered/Tread sheet | Checkered/Tread sheet | Checkered/Tread sheet |
Distinctive Features
1. High Purity and Resistance
- All four alloys exhibit purity above 99%, which ensures highly corrosion-resistant surfaces, excellent for marine or chemically aggressive environments.
- Good oxidation layer (alumina film) maintains resistance without the need for coatings.
2. Mechanical & Physical Properties
- Excellent ductility and formability; easily fabricated by bending, welding, or stamping.
- Adequate strength with enough ductility in softer plains includes designs needing frequent deformation and complex shapes.
3. Light Weight and Durability
- Lightweight compared to steel, contributing to reduced structural weight and savings in transportation costs.
- Long lifetime under mechanical and climatic exposures.
4. Anti-slip Texture
- Raised tread patterns provide grip to avoid slips making them well suited for safety flooring.
- Patterns can vary from 3-bar lines, diamond shapes and other knurled forms accorded by manufacturer.
Typical Thickness and Dimensions
| Thickness (mm) | Standard Width (mm) | Standard Length (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 - 3.0 | 1000 / 1219 / 1500 | 2000 / 2440 / Custom-sized Sheets |
Application Areas
1. Industrial Flooring & Staircases
Used extensively in factories and warehouses for non-slippery walkways and stairs, ensuring safety in environments prone to moisture or oil.
2. Transportation & Vehicles
Ideal for truck beds, trailers, steps on buses or ambulances, flooring surfaces on railway coaches due to ease of welding and weight-saving factor.
3. Toolboxes, Cabinets & Equipment Casing
Highly aesthetic appearance with corrosion resistance makes it preferred for securing equipment cases, protective by excluding heavier steel plates.
4. Architecture & Interior Decoration
Used as decorative wall panels or ceiling materials combining functionality with modern look in commercial and residential spaces.
5. Marine Industry
Non-slip surfaces on dockyards, passenger ships, and ferry ramps protect from tropic sea air aggressively corroding lesser alloys.
