3003 Aluminum Tread Plate (also called "diamond plate" or "anti-slip aluminum plate") is a versatile material in industrial and commercial fields, combining aluminum's lightweight property, anti-slip functionality via raised patterns, and decorative appeal.
This guide summarizes key information on its definition, classification, inventory, customization, and applications, along with procurement recommendations. Contact us for further details.
3003 Aluminum Tread Plate: Core Definition & Key Advantages
What is 3003 Aluminum Tread Plate?
- Base Material: 3003 aluminum alloy (96.8%-99% pure aluminum + 1-1.5% manganese), 20% stronger than 1100 series pure aluminum while retaining good corrosion resistance.
- Common Aliases: Diamond plate, anti-slip aluminum plate, tread plate, checker plate, floor plate.
- Core Temper: H22 (1/4 hard), balancing strength and formability.
- Compliance Standards: ASTM B209, QQ-A-250/2.
Key Advantages
- Excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for various harsh environments.
- Lightweight yet with good structural strength, easy to transport and install.
- Superior slip resistance due to the patterned surface, ensuring safety in wet or oily conditions.
- Good formability and machinability, convenient for cutting, bending and welding.
- Attractive appearance with diverse pattern options, enhancing aesthetic value of applications.
Classification: Precise Selection Based on Needs
Classification by "Temper": Match Strength to Project Load
Temper is the "processing ID" of aluminum alloy, directly determining hardness and formability. Select based on your project’s load requirements:
3003 H22 Aluminum Tread Plate
- Processing: Strain-hardened + partially annealed (1/4 hard), Brinell Hardness of 37.
- Formability: Excellent.
- Typical Applications: Truck steps, stair treads, decorative wall panels.
3003 H14 Aluminum Tread Plate
- Processing: Strain-hardened + partially annealed (1/2 hard), Brinell Hardness of 42.
- Formability: Good.
- Typical Applications: Garage floors, light-duty shelf steps.
3003 O-Temper Aluminum Tread Plate
- Processing: Fully annealed (soft temper), Brinell Hardness of 28.
- Formability: Excellent.
- Typical Applications: Complex curved forming (e.g., RV curved floors, irregular signs).
Classification by "Pattern Type": Balance Anti-slip Performance & Scenario Adaptation
Patterns determine anti-slip performance and visual effect; different patterns correspond to different safety levels:
3003 Aluminum Diamond Plate
- Structure: Raised diamond blocks, typical spacing of 10mm×10mm.
- Anti-slip Rating (Wet Conditions):★★★★☆.
- Suitable Scenarios: General use (toolboxes, elevator floors, decorative surfaces).
3003 5 Bar Aluminum Checker Plate
- Structure: 5 parallel ribs/blocks, vertically arranged.
- Anti-slip Rating (Wet Conditions):★★★★★.
- Suitable Scenarios: Industrial use (workshop walkways, loading ramps).
3003 3 Bar Aluminum Checker Plate
- Structure: 3 wide ribs/blocks, spacing of 15mm.
- Anti-slip Rating (Wet Conditions):★★★☆☆.
- Suitable Scenarios: Construction use (stair treads, wall decorative strips).
3003 FTQ Fire-Resistant Aluminum Tread Plate
- Structure: Diamond pattern + top serrations, compliant with NFPA standards.
- Anti-slip Rating (Wet Conditions):★★★★★.
- Suitable Scenarios: Safety-critical use (fire trucks, ambulances, cold storage floors).
Special Needs: For food processing plants, "seamless diamond pattern" is recommended—small gaps for easy cleaning, compliant with FDA hygiene standards; for offshore platforms, "anodized + 5-Bar pattern" is required, which improves salt spray corrosion resistance by 30%.
Classification by "Thickness": Corresponding to Gauge & Load
Thickness directly relates to weight and load-bearing capacity. Gauge is commonly used by Western customers—note unit conversion:
0.063 (1/16) 3003 Aluminum Tread Plate
- Gauge: 14, Weight: 1.0 lbs/sq.ft, Uniform Load Capacity:≤50kg/㎡.
- Typical Applications: Decorative panels, light-duty toolboxes.
0.100 inches 3003 Aluminum Tread Plate
- Gauge: 10, Weight: 1.6 lbs/sq.ft, Uniform Load Capacity:≤100kg/㎡.
- Typical Applications: Truck running boards.
0.125 (1/8) 3003 Aluminum Tread Plate
- Gauge: 8, Weight: 1.9 lbs/sq.ft, Uniform Load Capacity:≤150kg/㎡.
- Typical Applications: Stair treads, garage floors.
0.250 (1/4) 3003 Aluminum Tread Plate
- Gauge: N/A, Weight: 3.7 lbs/sq.ft, Uniform Load Capacity:≤300kg/㎡.
- Typical Applications: Trailer floors, tanker steps.
Classification by "Surface Finish": Balance Weather Resistance & Aesthetics
Surface finish determines corrosion resistance and visual style—select based on environment:
3003 Brite (Bright) Aluminum Tread Plate
- Process: Polished, mirror effect.
- Outdoor Corrosion Resistance:★★☆☆☆, Aesthetics:★★★★★.
- Suitable Scenarios: Indoor decoration(e.g., bar walls, food truck exteriors).
3003 Mill Finish Aluminum Tread Plate
- Process: As-rolled, no polishing.
- Outdoor Corrosion Resistance:★★★☆☆, Aesthetics:★★★☆☆.
- Suitable Scenarios: Industrial structures (e.g., trench covers).
3003 Anodized Aluminum Tread Plate
- Process: Forms 10-15μm oxide film, colorable.
- Outdoor Corrosion Resistance:★★★★★, Aesthetics:★★★★☆.
- Suitable Scenarios: Outdoor use (e.g., park boardwalks, exterior wall panels).
3003 Powder Coated Aluminum Tread Plate
- Process: Electrostatic spraying, customizable colors (per RAL color chart).
- Outdoor Corrosion Resistance:★★★★☆, Aesthetics:★★★★★.
- Suitable Scenarios: Customized use (e.g., brand logos, exhibition hall floors).
In-Stock Inventory: Ready-to-Ship with Bulk Discounts
| Alloy | Temper | Thickness (inches) | Width (inches) | Length (inches) | Weight (lbs/ft) | Pattern | Unit Price (USD/sheet) | Stock Quantity |
| 3003 | H22 | 0.063 | 48 | 96 | 1.000 | Diamond | 38.70 | 120 sheets |
| 3003 | H22 | 0.063 | 48 | 192 | 0.999 | 5-Bar | 75.20 | 80 sheets |
| 3003 | H22 | 0.125 | 48 | 120 | 1.899 | Diamond | 73.57 | 95 sheets |
| 3003 | H22 | 0.125 | 60 | 120 | 1.899 | 5-Bar | 92.10 | 60 sheets |
| 3003 | H22 | 0.250 | 48 | 144 | 3.699 | Diamond | 141.78 | 45 sheets |
Quality Inspection: All in-stock items pass chemical composition (1-1.5% manganese), mechanical property (tensile strength ≥22,000psi), and surface flatness (tolerance ≤0.5mm/㎡) tests.
Custom Sizes: End-to-End Service
Advanced Cutting Processes
| Cutting Process | Accuracy Tolerance | Suitable Thickness | Typical Applications |
| Hi-Def Plasma | ±0.03 inches | 0.125-0.500 | Heavy equipment bases |
| Water Jet | ±0.005 inches | 0.063-0.250 | Complex decorative panels |
| Laser | ±0.001 inches | 0.063-0.125 | Precision instrument panels |
| Shearing | ±0.125 inches | 0.063-0.250 | Stair treads, shelf dividers |
Customization Process
Consultation: Provide requirements; engineers offer optimization suggestions.
Quotation: Detailed quote within 24 hours; support price matching.
Production: Real-time progress tracking with videos.
Delivery: Packaged with moisture-proof film + wooden pallets; accompanied by ASTM B209 certified quality report.
Application Scenarios
Transportation Industry
- lTruck Beds/Trailer Floors: 0.250 inches H22 5-Bar Mill Finish (30% lighter than steel, anti-slip).
- lTanker Walkways: 0.1875 inches H194 FTQ Anodized (oil-resistant, safe).
- lRV/Yacht Floors: 0.125 inches H22 Diamond Bright Finish (lightweight, easy to clean).
Industrial Sector
- Workshop Walkways: 0.125 inches H14 5-Bar Mill Finish (wear-resistant, ≥8-year service life).
- Toolboxes: 0.063 inches H22 Diamond Bright Finish (lightweight, cost-effective).
- Cold Storage Floors: 0.125 inches H22 FTQ Anodized (low-temperature resistant, friction ≥0.6 in icy conditions).
Construction & Decoration
- Stair Treads: 0.125 inches H22 3-Bar Mill Finish (ADA compliant, no water accumulation).
- Indoor Decor: 0.063 inches H22 Diamond Bright/Anodized Finish (customizable colors).
- Park Boardwalks: 0.1875 inches H22 5-Bar Anodized Finish (corrosion-resistant, recyclable).
Special Scenarios
- Food Processing Plants: 0.100 inches H22 Diamond Anodized (easy to clean, detergent-resistant).
- Offshore Platforms: 0.125 inches H14 5-Bar Double-Layer Anodized (salt spray resistance ≥1,000 hours).
- Emergency Vehicles: 0.125 inches H194 FTQ Bright Finish (NFPA compliant, friction ≥0.8).
3003 vs. 6061 Aluminum Tread Plate
| Dimension | 3003 Aluminum Tread Plate | 6061-T6 Aluminum Tread Plate | Selection Suggestion |
| Composition | Al 98.7% + Mn 1-1.5% | Al 97.9% + Mg 1.0-1.6% + Si 0.4-0.8% | - |
| Tensile Strength | 22,000 psi | 42,000 psi | 3003 for ≤300kg/㎡; 6061 for＞300kg/㎡ |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good (post-weld heat treatment needed) | 3003 for welded structures |
| Formability | Excellent | Moderate | 3003 for complex shapes |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (no surface treatment needed) | Good (anodization needed) | 3003 for low-maintenance outdoor use |
| Cost | Low (10-15% cheaper) | High | 3003 for general scenarios; 6061 for high-strength needs |
Tip: 3003-H22 + anodization is cost-effective for medium strength + welding + outdoor use.
FAQ
Is 3003 Aluminum Tread Plate really anti-slip when wet?
Yes; choose 5-Bar/FTQ pattern (friction ≥0.5). Sandblasting increases friction by 20% for icy conditions.
Will it rust during long-term outdoor use?
No rust; oxidation may occur. Use anodization/clear coating for wet/coastal areas.
Can it be welded? What welding methods are recommended?
Yes; MIG/TIG recommended (4043 filler wire), no preheating.
What about MOQ?
1 sheet acceptable(if stock available).
How to calculate the number of sheets needed?
We provide an "aluminum plate weight calculator" that calculates single-sheet weight and area based on your specific scenario, plus a waste rate. You can also provide drawings, and our engineers will optimize layout.
Is it normal for raw materials to have scratches?
Minor scratches (≤0.001 inches) don’t affect performance; precision polishing available for decoration.
Why Choose Worthwill
- Certified Quality: High-purity aluminum ingots, third-party testing (SGS/BV), full traceability.
- In-stock & Custom: 15 mainstream specs in stock; max 1650mm width/6500mm length custom plates.
- Cost Advantage: Factory-direct prices 10-20% lower; price matching and bulk payment terms (Net 30).
- Technical Support: Free material selection consultation and turnkey solutions for complex projects.
Conclusion
3003 Aluminum Tread Plate is cost-effective, combining lightweight, corrosion resistance, anti-slip, and workability. Worthwill offers in-stock and custom solutions with quality assurance and professional service.
