Aluminum Plate — Thick Gauge, High Performance

Per ASTM B209, the distinction is based on thickness. Aluminum sheet refers to flat-rolled products with a thickness between 0.2 mm and 6.0 mm (0.008" to 0.249"). Aluminum plate starts at 6.0 mm (0.250") and above, going up to 200 mm or more. Plate is produced primarily through hot rolling and heat treatment, whereas sheet involves cold rolling. Plate is chosen for applications requiring greater structural rigidity, load-bearing capacity, and specific mechanical properties through the full cross-section -- such as marine hulls, aerospace structure, and mold tooling.

We supply aluminum plate with certifications from all major marine classification societies including DNV (Det Norske Veritas), BV (Bureau Veritas), ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), Lloyd's Register, and CCS (China Classification Society). Our 5083-H116 and 5083-H321 plates are the most commonly ordered marine grades and come with full classification society certificates. All marine plate undergoes additional testing including intergranular corrosion resistance (ASTM G67) and exfoliation corrosion (ASTM G66) as required by the classification rules.

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a non-destructive testing method that uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal defects such as porosity, inclusions, and laminations within the plate. We perform UT inspection per ASTM B594 standard. For aerospace and marine grades (2024, 5083, 7050, 7075), ultrasonic testing is included as standard on all orders. For general engineering plate (6061), UT can be added upon request at a nominal additional cost. The UT test report is provided with each shipment documenting inspection results and acceptance criteria.

Our standard range covers 6 mm to 200 mm thickness. For certain alloys like 6061 and 5083, we can supply plate up to 250 mm or even 300 mm on a made-to-order basis with longer lead times (typically 40-60 days). Ultra-thick plate above 150 mm is generally produced via DC-casting with subsequent hot rolling and requires larger minimum order quantities (5-10 tons). We recommend contacting our engineering team with your specific requirements for a feasibility check and quotation.

Yes, custom cutting is one of our core value-added services. We offer precision saw cutting for plate up to 200 mm thick with tolerances of +/-1.0 mm on width and length. For thicker plate or complex shapes, we provide flame cutting and waterjet cutting options. We can cut plate to your exact dimensions from stock or from newly produced plate. Simply provide your cutting list with your quote request, and our team will confirm pricing and lead times within 24 hours.

Our standard minimum order quantity (MOQ) for aluminum plate is 2 metric tons per alloy and specification. For commonly stocked grades like 6061-T651 and 5083-H116 in standard thicknesses, we can accommodate smaller orders starting from 1 ton. Specialty aerospace grades (2024, 7050, 7075) and non-standard thicknesses typically require 3-5 tons minimum due to production scheduling. For ultra-thick plate (above 150 mm), the MOQ may be 5-10 tons. Contact us to discuss your volume -- we work with both project-based and ongoing supply requirements.

Lead time depends on alloy, thickness, and stock availability. Standard stocked grades (6061-T651, 5083-H116) in common thicknesses (6-80 mm) can ship within 10-15 business days. Custom-produced orders for aerospace grades or non-standard dimensions require 20-40 business days. Ultra-thick plate (above 150 mm) may require 40-60 days. Shipping transit time adds 15-35 days by sea to most global ports. We provide full shipment tracking and coordinate closely with freight forwarders. Rush orders for stocked material can be discussed case by case.

We offer a full range of heat treatment tempers for aluminum plate. For 2xxx and 7xxx aerospace alloys: T3/T351 (solution treated + cold worked + naturally aged), T6/T651 (solution treated + artificially aged), and T7/T7451 (overaged for improved stress corrosion cracking resistance). For 6xxx alloys: T4 (solution treated + naturally aged), T6/T651 (solution treated + artificially aged + stress relieved by stretching). For 5xxx marine alloys: O (annealed), H116 and H321 (strain hardened for marine service per ASTM B928). The "51" suffix indicates stress relief by controlled stretching, which improves flatness and dimensional stability -- especially important for mold and machining applications.

Store aluminum plate indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture, chemicals, and dissimilar metals. Place plate on flat, level supports (wooden dunnage or steel racks) to prevent warping. For 2xxx and 7xxx alloys, which are more susceptible to corrosion, ensure the storage area is climate-controlled if possible. Do not stack different alloys in direct contact. Keep plate wrapped in the original packaging until ready for use. For long-term storage (6+ months), apply a thin layer of protective oil on cut edges and inspect quarterly for surface staining or edge corrosion.