Material Guide
Marine Grade Aluminium
The term “Marine Grade” is commonly quoted by aluminium manufacturers. The term “Marine Grade” refers to a grade of metal that is used underwater or in wet environments. Special metals or special metal alloys may be necessary to prevent the material from failing under these conditions. To be considered a marine grade, the material must be able to resist corrosive effects that are common in a water environment.
Aluminium Alloys are given a specific 4-digit code. Those alloys belonging to 5XXX or 6XXX grades are considered “Marine Grade”. At Tong Metal we use aluminium alloys grades 5005 and 5052 depending on the project. These alloy grades have the following properties:
Improved Strength to Weight Ratio
High fatigue strength to ensure the canopy, camper, tray, or toolbox can withstand the constant vibration and flex experience when driving.
Resistant to Salt Corrosion
Particularly good resistance to marine atmosphere and salt water corrosion.
Excellent workability
It may be drawn or formed into intricate shapes
Weld Strength
Suited to welding, facilitating welds of greater strength.
Marine Grade Aluminium used at Tong Metal
Checker Plate
Five-bar Checker Plate, grade 5052, is one of our most popular building materials for toolboxes. Our standard plate is 2.0mm thick.
Properties: The properties of this material include high fatigue strength, low density (lightweight), corrosion resistance properties, and excellent thermal conductivity.
Damage Resistance: Checker plate patterns will disguise scratches and dents, hence lengthening product life and reducing maintenance costs and cleaning.
Mill Finish Plate
Mill Finish Plate, grade 5005 has a flat, smooth texture. This material is popular for canopies, campers, and ute trays. For the optimal strength to weight ratio and to produce a durable product, we use 2.5mm thick sheets for most projects. For our heavy-duty ute trays, we use 4.0mm thick sheets.
Properties: The smooth surface of this material makes it a popular choice for those requiring the “smooth look” or for projects that require Vinyl wrapping. The properties of this material include high fatigue strength, higher density, and corrosion resistance properties. Note: The increased density and thickness of this material means that an identical project constructed from Checker Plate will be approximately 10% lighter and Dimple Plate approximately 20% lighter.
Damage Resistance: The flat surface of Mill Finish Plate is not as good as Checker or Dimple Plate for disguising scratches and dents.
Dimple Plate
Dimple Plate, grade 5052, has a textured surface called a Rimex pattern. The dimple pattern changes the way the light is reflected, giving the surface an attractive subdued appearance. This is a custom material available from Tong Metal.
Properties: Dimple plate is lighter without sacrificing strength compared to mill finish. The dimpling process increases the strength to weight ratio. The increased surface area of the dimple plate aluminium also helps to insulate and dissipate heat. This material has good corrosion resistance properties.
Damage Resistance: Rimex patterns will disguise scratches and dents, hence lengthening product life and reducing maintenance costs.
