Plates

Plates are flat, usually rigid elements which can be made of metal, plastic or composite material. They have several purposes depending on the context in which they are used and these include; structural, protective or as a support to other parts. In engineering and construction, plates are used in structures, machines and equipment. They can be employed in manufacturing as patterns or as surfaces against which materials are shaped by machining. Plates are very useful in transmitting loads and offer support in several applications. 

Different types of Plates 

There are different types of plates available in the market, which are designed for the various applications and manufacturing processes. Here are some common types:

• Seamless Plates: These plates are made without any welds or joints and therefore have the same strength and quality throughout. They are usually made using operations such as rolling or forging and are employed in applications which demand high reliability like pressure vessels and structures. 
• Welded Plates: These are plates that are made by joining several pieces of metal through welding and as such, they can be manufactured in any size and form. These are usually applied in structures and can be observed in large machines and equipment. 
• Hot-Rolled Plates: Hot rolled plates are formed by rolling metals at high temperatures and are mainly employed in structural applications because of their strength and hardness. They have a rough surface finish and are applied in construction and industries. 
• Cold-Rolled Plates: These plates are rolled at room temperature and hence have a smoother surface as well as closer tolerances as compared to hot rolled plates. They are applied in products that need a better surface quality and accuracy like the automobiles and the home appliances. 
• Composite Plates: Composite plates are made of two or more layers of different materials and they possess characteristics such as strength, light weight and resistance to corrosion. They are employed in aerospace, automotive and military industries. 
• Perforated Plates: Punching – plates with holes or slots punched through them for uses such as filters, screens, and for decoration. They offer the openings and can be applied in the construction of the structure and also in the design of the structure. 
• Clad Plates: These plates have a layer of a different material laminated onto the surface and they offer characteristics such as corrosion protection or improved strength. They are commonly applied in chemical industries and in marine environments. 
• Anti-Slip Plates: These are plates that have a rough surface so that they do not become slippery; they are commonly used where there is need for friction such as in corridors, steps and industrial floors. 

All types of plate are chosen according to the needs of the application in question. 

Different Plates Materials 

Plates are made from a number of materials and each material has been selected for its characteristics and its ability to perform in a certain way. Common materials for plates include:

• Steel: Carbon steel plates, alloy steel plates, high strength low alloy (HSLA) plates are some of the commonly used steel plates. Some of the uses of metals include in construction, in the manufacturing of machines and vehicles. 
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel plates are used in areas that are exposed to moisture and chemical since they are characterized by high corrosion resistance and strength. 
• Aluminum: Aluminum plates are relatively light and resistant to corrosion; they are used in industries where weight is a concern such as aerospace, automotive and marine. 
• Copper: Copper plates are widely used in electrical applications due to its good electrical and thermal conductivity and also in heat exchangers and for decorative purposes. 
• Brass: Brass plates are made of copper and zinc and are preferred for their easy to machine, high strength and corrosion resistant properties. They can be present in the plumbing fixtures, musical instruments, and decorative articles. 
• Nickel: Nickel plates are employed in those environments where the material has to exhibit high corrosion resistance and strength at raised temperatures. They are applied in chemical industry and aerospace engineering. 
• Titanium: Titanium plates are popular for their strength to weight ratio and corrosion resistance; they are used in aircraft, medical applications, and high-performance engineering. 
• Bronze: Bronze plates are used because of their ability to withstand wear and corrosion and they are made from copper and tin. They are applied in marine uses, bearings and sculptures. 
• Inconel: Inconel plates are made from a high-performance nickel-chromium alloy that is used in conditions that are severe, including high temperature and corrosion. 
• Hastelloy: Hastelloy plates are a nickel based alloy that provides excellent corrosion and heat resistance and is used in chemical processing, aerospace applications and high stress applications. 

These materials are chosen depending on the environmental conditions that are to be encountered and the application of the product. 

Features of Plates 

Plates have several key features that determine their suitability for various applications:

• Material Strength: Plates are structural members that are intended to carry loads in the form of mechanical stresses. The strength of the plate can be determined by the type of material used, the thickness and how the plate was produced. 
• Thickness: Plates can be of different thickness depending on the purpose that they are going to be used for. Thickness determines the plate’s strength, weight, and its ability to withstand bending and deformation. 
• Surface Finish: Plates can also be rough, smooth or polished depending on the surface finish that has been given to it. The finish defines the look, durability, and applicability of the plate in various contexts. 
• Durability: Plates are designed to withstand environmental pressures including mechanical abrasion, chemical attack and high temperatures. It is dependent on the type of material used in the construction of the product and the coatings that may be applied to it. 
• Corrosion Resistance: In this case, the level of protection that is provided by the plates varies depending on the type of material used. Some of the materials such as stainless steel and aluminum are highly resistant to corrosion. 
• Manufacturing Process: Some of the methods of making plates include rolling, forging or casting. The manufacturing method influences the mechanical characteristics of the plate as well as its surface finish. 
• Dimensional Tolerance: They can be made to specific sizes and thickness to suit the specific use they are required for in a particular industry. This is in terms of length, width and thickness. 
• Flexibility and Rigidness: Plates can be either flexible or rigid based on the thickness of the material used in the construction of the plates. Flexible plates are applied in situations where some measure of bending or shaping is needed while rigid plates are applied where support is needed. 
• Heat Resistance: Inconel or titanium plates are used in the fabrication of plates as they have high resistance to high temperatures for high temperature applications. 

These features make it possible to use plates in various ways that will be very helpful in most cases. 

Applications of Plates 

Plates are employed in many sectors of the economy because of their versatility as well as functional characteristics. Common applications include: 

• Structural Support: They are applied in construction and engineering to offer support in constructions like buildings, bridges, and frames by offering support and taking loads. 
• Machinery and Equipment: In manufacturing, plates are used as parts of machines and equipment including conveyors, industrial presses, and machine foundations to give strength and rigidity. 
• Automotive: In automotive industries, plates are used for making chassis, engine parts, and underbody shields since they require high strength and durability. 
• Aerospace: In aerospace industry, plates are applied in aircrafts and space vehicles such as wings and body structures, fuselage panels where high strength to weight ratio is desirable. 
• Marine: Plates are employed in ship and offshore platform industries for fabrication of hulls, decks and structural members to withstand severe marine conditions and corrosion. 
• Heat Exchangers: Heat exchangers employ metal plates to enable heat exchange between the fluids in power plant, chemical processing, and HVAC industries. 
• Decorative and Functional Surfaces: Decorative and functional dishes and panels are applied in interior design, such as wall panels, countertops and flooring where aesthetics and wear resistance are crucial. 

These application show how the plates are used in different sectors in the society.