solidplate

Solid plate, often written solidplate, is a term used in materials engineering to denote a flat, homogeneous plate of solid material with a uniform thickness and rectangular or square shape. It is used as a structural or functional element in a wide range of industries. The term can refer to plates made of metal, ceramic, polymer, or composite materials. It is distinct from perforated or lattice plates, which include holes or weight-saving features.

Materials and forms: Common solid plates are made from steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, and polymers, as well as composite and ceramic materials. Plates are typically thicker than sheets; thicknesses may range from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on application and standards. They are usually produced in standard sizes or custom-cut to order.

Manufacture and finishing: Plates are produced by rolling, casting, forging, or machining, then machined to final dimensions. Finishing steps include heat treatment, surface grinding, milling, flattening, and surface finishing (e.g., mill finish, brushed, or coated surfaces).

Applications: Solid plates provide stiffness, strength, and rigidity in structural components, bases for machinery, pressure vessels, flooring, and protective barriers. In manufacturing and construction, precise flatness and tolerances are often critical, and plates may be specified with tolerances for thickness, straightness, and squareness.

Standards and terminology: The exact definition and tolerances for solid plates vary by material and region. Standards from organizations such as ASTM (for metals), ISO, and EN establish class, grade, thickness ranges, and surface specifications for plate stock.