Marine settings are some of the most dangerous to work in. It is especially hazardous to be out in the middle of the sea or ocean, whether on a boat, an oil rig, or another type of vessel or installation. To improve safety, it is important to use the right materials for flooring, structures, tooling, and more. A great option is aluminium coil 5754 (H111). We want to take a closer look at it today, specifically why it is a top choice for tread plate. Then, if you want to order, you can talk to us.
What is tread plate?
Before we jump into it, let’s take a closer look at the plate itself. Some people will know what it is, others will know it by other names. It sometimes gets called chequer or checker plate. Basically, it is metal plates with a raised bar pattern. There are different options here, including one bar and two bar. However, five bar is the most popular for flooring because it has the best slip resistance.
Walking in marine settings is very hazardous because surfaces tend to be wet and slippery. It can be even more dangerous when work is taking place, specifically if it involves things like oil. To minimise the risk of slips and falls, you need suitable surfaces. Tread plate is a great choice for all kinds of walkways, stairs, grilles, and more.
Why use aluminium?
Now that you know more about what tread plate is, you may be wondering why aluminium is such a great choice. Let’s have a closer look and explore the advantages it offers.
Notably, aluminium coil 5754 (H111) is a top choice for flooring. It is a strong, durable, robust material. That is exactly what you want for industrial floors. It ensures they will last a very long time, even with heavy duty use. People working in marine settings are likely to be wearing heavy boots, so you want flooring that will withstand the wear and tear.
The aluminium is also surprisingly light, weighing less than steels. This provides a number of benefits. It means vessels and other structures can save weight. That can lead to some fantastic rewards. For example, lighter boats have better performance and consume less fuel. The lightness also provides an additional advantage as it makes installing the tread plate easier. That is fantastic news for dangerous marine setting, particularly offshore installations.
Finally, the aluminium has incredible corrosion resistance. The metal is naturally resistant to conditions that cause materials to corrode. The 5754 alloy also includes magnesium to improve this property. So, you can use it in seawater settings and locations with heavy industrial pollution. It is especially good for oil and gas industries.
Finishes
It is also a good idea to consider that aluminium tread plate has different finishing options. This is especially true when you make it from aluminium coil 5754 (H111).
The standard option is mill finish. That basically means there is no surface treatment. As a result, it is typically a consistent silver. Sometimes the plates will be dull, while others will be shiny; this depends on the quality of the material.
Another finishing option is anodised. Here you process the material to give it a hard, durable oxide layer. It is a great option for aluminium tread plate and can make it significantly stronger. However, you need to be aware of wear and tear. The oxide layer here will wear because of abrasion and exposure to the elements.
A third option is to paint the tread plate. It can provide additional protection and is also a good idea if you need to increase the visibility or create markings on the floor. However, again you need to keep in mind it will wear away with time. This is most likely to happen on the top of the raised bars.
Speak to us to order aluminium coil 5754 (H111)
Brindley Metals support clients by giving them access to the highest quality materials. We can also arrange solutions to process the raw materials in different ways. For example, we can make arrangements to cut aluminium coil to create products like tread plates. Our network of contacts means it is easier for you to get exactly what you need.
So, if you want aluminium coil 5754 (H111) or other materials, contact us. We’d be happy to offer specifications of any material we stock. This can include sizing details and more.