Aluminum is one of the most versatile materials used in the manufacturing industry. Aluminum is extremely durable and resistant to corrosion, but the metal is lightweight. Raw aluminum can be manipulated to form many different materials.

Plate and sheets are among the two most common forms of aluminum used in manufacturing facilities today. Understanding the difference between the two will help you identify which type of aluminum to invest in for your manufacturing projects in the future.

1. Thickness

The primary difference between aluminum plate and aluminum sheets is the thickness of the aluminum material. A plate tends to be much thicker than any aluminum sheet. Both types of aluminum products are created by passing raw aluminum through a pressure roller.

The aluminum becomes longer and thinner as it passes through the roller. The thickness will depend on the unique settings programmed into the pressure roller at the time. Aluminum is categorized as being a sheet if it is between 0.008 and 0.25 inches in thickness. Any product with a thickness greater than 0.25 inches is an aluminum plate.

2. Versatility

Another characteristic that sets the aluminum plate and aluminum sheets apart is the versatility of each material. Aluminum sheets are among the most versatile materials used in manufacturing. You can find aluminum sheets being used in nearly every industrial sector.

An aluminum sheet can be used to manufacture the cans that store food on grocery store shelves, the cookware that is used in both residential and commercial kitchens, and even construction materials (like rain gutters). The aluminum plate isn't nearly as diverse.

3. Durability

If durability is a top priority in your finished products, then an aluminum plate is your best option.

An aluminum plate is used in heavy-duty applications where added strength is needed, but additional weight cannot be added to the finished product. The transportation industry, military manufacturing industry, and aeronautic industry are all sectors that rely heavily on the aluminum plate.

Many of the alloys used to create aluminum plates also have the ability to become even stronger when exposed to cold temperatures. This characteristic has prompted the use of aluminum plate when constructing fuel tanks for spacecraft.

Aluminum is widely available and can easily be recycled when finished products reach the end of their usable lifespan. Carefully weigh your needs in terms of product thickness, durability, and design to determine if the aluminum plate or aluminum sheets are better suited for use in your manufacturing facility.