What Are The Popular Aluminum Sheet Thickness and Sizes

The aluminum alloy sheet thickness directly affects its mechanical properties and applicable scenarios. Common thickness ranges from 0.3mm to 180mm, but in actual applications, thin plates from 1.5mm to 3.0mm are the most popular. Taking 3mm aluminium sheet as an example, its advantages are:

Balance of lightness and strength: The weight of 3mm aluminum plate is only 1/3 of that of steel of the same volume, but it can meet the load-bearing requirements of most building structures, especially suitable for scenes that are sensitive to self-weight such as curtain walls and ceilings.

Processing flexibility: Through CNC bending, welding and other processes, 3mm aluminum plate can easily achieve complex shapes such as arcs and waves, such as the wavy ceiling of the railway station lobby and the curved exterior walls of commercial buildings.

Cost-effectiveness: Compared with thicker plates (such as 4mm and above), 3mm aluminum plate reduces the cost of raw materials by about 20%-30% while ensuring performance, and has higher production efficiency.

Technical considerations for thickness selection

Mechanical properties

Thin plates (≤2mm): focus on ductility and surface treatment effects.

Medium and thick plates (3-6mm): need to balance strength and processability (such as bending radius = 2× thickness).

Thick plates (＞6mm): rely on alloy formula (such as 7075 containing zinc, magnesium and copper) to improve strength.

Processing technology adaptation

Laser cutting: suitable for 0.5-20mm, but nitrogen assist is required for less than 2mm to prevent burrs.

Bending: cold bending is possible for less than 3mm, and preheating (such as 60℃) is required for more than 4mm.

Welding process: TIG welding is recommended for more than 5mm to ensure uniform penetration depth.

Cost and efficiency

The cost of 1mm aluminum plate is about 60% of that of 3mm, but the scrap rate is higher (large cutting loss).

The price of thick plates above 5mm increases exponentially (for example, the price of 7075-T6 thick plates is 3-5 times that of 3003 thin plates).

Aluminum plate sizes

4x8 feet (about 1.22m×2.44m): the most classic standard size, widely used in interior decoration and furniture manufacturing, easy to transport and install.

4x10 feet (about 1.22m×3.05m): suitable for larger walls or ceilings, reducing joints and improving overall aesthetics.

5x10 feet (about 1.52m×3.05m): ultra-wide design, suitable for large-format curtain walls or advertising logos in commercial spaces.

Haomei Aluminum has rich specifications for you to choose from and customize according to your needs. Welcome to inquire aluminium sheet price per sq ft from us directly.