Aluminum Diamond Plate

Aluminum diamond plate sheets are an easy, versatile way to increase traction in highly trafficked areas. The material and its texture offer several notable advantages, such as:

• Slip resistance
• Durability
• Corrosion resistance
• Suitability for outdoor and indoor applications

Aluminum diamond plates are a perfect solution in areas where a protective layer is required. The material itself is strong and damage-resistant, yet it is easy to work with. These qualities, among others, make diamond plate a superior choice for a range of uses.

How Diamond Plate is Made
The manufacturing process is straightforward, starting in much the same way as a conventional sheet metal production method. However, when the sheets are rolled to achieve the appropriate thickness, there’s another step: the last set of rollers embosses or stamps the diamond pattern into the metal.
The way in which the pattern is created may vary slightly by application. For some applications, hot rolling machines are used to heat the metal before it is run through. In most aluminum diamond plate production runs, however, the design is stamped into the sheet. There are other, less common processes, but hot rolling and stamping allow for the cost-efficient manufacturing of diamond plate.

Aluminum Diamond Plate Types
Aluminum sheets are available in several types for use in various environments. For instance, 6061, 5052, and 3003 aluminum offer a high level of weldability, workability, and corrosion resistance, which make them popular in numerous industrial applications. Known as checker plate or diamond plate, one side of this material is embossed with a diamond pattern while the opposite side is completely smooth.
This distinctive texture provides traction, which makes it a great option for walkways and ramps. With the wide availability of diamond plate from local suppliers, it is easy to make any surface in a factory, warehouse, or job site more skid resistant. Along with an increase in traction, the aluminum is very resilient and durable. The corrosion resistance and strength of aluminum diamond plate allow it to work in the harshest environments. Because the material is so durable, it protects floors and other hard surfaces from the effects of daily foot traffic, heavy machinery usage, and corrosive chemicals.

Diamond Plate Works in Numerous Applications
Lightweight, durable aluminum diamond plate sheets work well in many industrial and commercial applications like:

• Flooring
• Stairways
• Walk-in freezer flooring
• Loading docks and ramps
• Freight elevators
• Truck toolboxes

Hamill Metals is one of the area’s leading suppliers of sheet metal and related products, we use only the highest quality materials. If the application calls for a decorative surface, call today to find out about our polished and chrome diamond plate options. We’d love to help with your next project!

Aluminum Plate Grading
As mentioned above, various aluminum plate grades are there to meet different needs. Choose from these options based on the strength, corrosion resistance, weldability, and workability required for the project.

• 3003 aluminum is the most common alloy. It provides excellent workability and corrosion resistance, and it reacts very well to anodization and other finishes. These qualities make 3003 aluminum a great choice for pressure vessels, garage doors, and other uses that don’t need heat-treatable sheet metal.
• 5052 is the strongest of the available non-heat-treatable types of aluminum diamond plate. It offers good workability and resistance to salt corrosion.
• 6061 aluminum sheets are the most versatile and popular option among heat-treatable alloys. These diamond plates are known for their extreme corrosion resistance at high temperatures.

No matter what type of project you’re planning, there’s an aluminum diamond plate option to suit it. Call or click today for more details.

The Benefits of Aluminum Diamond Plate Sheets
Aluminum diamond plate is a good choice in cases where appearance and durability are crucial. It’s often used on kick plates, ramps, and in other places where materials are subjected to daily use. In the sections below, we’ll explain why it’s a great product for many commercial and industrial uses.

• It’s very tough. Aluminum diamond plate is made of hot-formed aluminum sheets, and it is available in several thicknesses. Because aluminum does not rust, these sheets are very resilient and long-lasting. Cleaning and maintenance is as simple as hosing or brushing it down after use. When cared for, aluminum diamond plate will last for years.
• It’s slip resistant. The distinctive raised pattern of aluminum diamond plate also gives it anti-slip properties, even when it’s wet. That’s why it’s used on outdoor ramps and walkways, where safety is a concern in all weather conditions. Embossed aluminum diamond plate, with its stamped pattern, is also very slip resistant.
• It’s workable. In spite of its toughness and durability, aluminum diamond plate is workable and versatile. It’s a common choice among those who need durable 

• truck bed liners and toolboxes. Metal plates are cut in many sizes, and the sheets are easy to bend, drill, and cut, so it’s easy to form them into the right shape.
• It looks good. Aluminum diamond plate sheets have a unique appearance due to their pattern and the metal’s natural shine. Because of its resistance to staining and corrosion, aluminum sheets will look just as good in a few years as they do today.
• It’s cost-efficient. Along with its other benefits, aluminum sheets are much less expensive than alternatives such as steel. It’s possible to cover a truck bed for just a few hundred dollars, depending on its size. And, because little upkeep is required, aluminum diamond plate doesn’t cost much to maintain.

Is it time for a new project? We can help! Check out our vast selection of aluminum diamond plate sheets in a range of finishes.

In Conclusion
When slip resistance, durability, low maintenance requirements, and good looks are important, aluminum diamond plate sheets are a great choice. Whether you’re building a truck bed liner, a loading ramp, an industrial floor, or any other commercial product, diamond plate is a cost-efficient material. Call today to consult one of our sheet metal experts.