Aluminum tread plate, also known as diamond plate, offers traction, slip resistance, and protection in high-traffic areas.
Aluminum Tread Plate is significantly lighter than Steel Tread Plate and Stainless Steel Tread Plate.
Aluminum 6061 and 3003 are both highly corrosion resistant, workable, weldable, and easy to clean. So, what is the difference between 6061 and 3003 Tread Plates?
6061-T6 Tread Plate
6061 is heat treatable, offers excellent corrosion resistance, and is nearly as strong as mild steel. As a result, it is a widely used general-purpose alloy. This material has a T6 temper. This means it has been solution heat-treated and artificially aged to ensure stability. As a result, its strength and hardness exceed those of basic 6061.
6061-T6 has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an effective substitute for steel or stainless steel. 6061 is the most popular structural alloy and the most adaptable of the heat-treatable aluminum alloys. It also offers good machinability.
Our 6061 Tread Plate has a mill finish and takes finish nicely.
Because of its toughness and light weight, this material is commonly utilized in cars. 6061-T6 is widely used on truck ramps and step rails.
3003-H22 Tread Plate
Aluminum 3003 is not heat-treatable, although it welds well and has good workability. It can be deep drawn, spun, welded, or brazed. Although 3003 is approximately 20% stronger than pure aluminum, it is significantly weaker than 6061. Furthermore, 3003 is slightly soft, making it more difficult to machine and prone to scratching.
This material has an H22 temper, which means it has undergone strain hardening and partial annealing. This has increased the metal's hardness to around ¼. These plates feature a Brite Finish, which gives them a dazzling shine. Additionally, they are highly reflecting and simple to clean. Because of the polish, the 3003-H22 Tread Plate is more typically utilized for decorative and esthetic purposes. You'll often see them inside food trucks, for example.
| Property | 6061-T6 | 3003-H22 |
|---|---|---|
| Raised Diamond Pattern | Yes | Yes |
| Skid Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Durability | Excellent | Good |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Finish | Mill | Brite |
| Heat Treatable | Yes | No |
| Strength | Good | Average |
| Hardness | Good | Average |
| Machinability | Excellent | Average |
| Formability | Average | Good |
| Ductility | Average | Good |
| Ease of Cleaning | Good | Excellent |
| Common Application | Structural | Cosmetic |
