Chequered plate is ordered by base thickness and pattern, not by overall height, and the choice between 1060 and 3003 comes down to strength, corrosion behaviour and forming route rather than appearance, which is almost identical after rolling.
Alloy Difference in Numbers
1060 is unalloyed with a minimum aluminium content of 99.60% under ASTM B209 and GB/T 3190-2020, and in the O temper it typically shows about 69 MPa tensile and 28 MPa yield. 3003 carries 1.0-1.5% manganese, which lifts typical tensile strength in the H14 temper to about 152 MPa with 145 MPa yield, close to double the unalloyed grade at the same thickness. Both remain non-heat-treatable, so strength is set only by alloy and temper, never by ageing.
Pattern Geometry and Standard Basis
Patterned sheet for general industrial work is specified in GB/T 3618, which defines the five-bar and diamond patterns together with their base thickness ranges. The chemistry and mechanical properties of the underlying sheet follow ASTM B209 or GB/T 3880.2-2012 for flat product. Because the pattern raises the surface above the base plate, thickness must be quoted as base thickness and the pattern type stated separately, otherwise pattern height and slip resistance cannot be verified on delivery.
Corrosion and Wear Behaviour
Manganese additions give 3003 better resistance than 1060 in humid, mildly alkaline and industrial atmospheres, and the difference becomes visible on floors that are washed frequently. Neither grade is a marine material: where salt spray is continuous, 5052 in H32 temper should be specified instead. Slip resistance depends on pattern height and tread density rather than on alloy, so two plates of the same nominal thickness from different patterns are not interchangeable for walkway use.
Fabrication Notes
Both grades cut, drill and weld readily; 3003 is generally welded with 4043 filler and does not require heat treatment after welding. Bending should be done with the pattern orientation considered, because the raised bars sit on one face only, and tight radii can crack the pattern crests in the harder tempers. 1060 in O temper is the more forgiving of the two for rolled or curved covers, while 3003-H14 is the better choice where a floor must resist local denting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 3003 chequered plate stronger than 1060 chequered plate?
A: Yes. In comparable H14 tempers 3003 is roughly 50 to 100% stronger in tensile and yield strength because of its manganese content, while 1060 offers higher reflectivity and better ductility.
Q: How is chequered plate thickness specified?
A: By base plate thickness before patterning. Overall height including the pattern is a consequence of base thickness and pattern type, and should not be used as the ordering dimension.
Q: Can chequered plate be anodised?
A: 1060 anodises to a bright clear finish. 3003 anodises to a slightly grey tone because of the manganese, which is acceptable for industrial flooring but not for decorative trim.
Q: Which grade should be used for truck or trailer floors?
A: 3003-H14 is the usual specification where loads are moderate and weight matters, and 5052-H32 is preferred where the floor sees road salt and repeated washing.
Q: Does the pattern affect load capacity?
A: No. Load capacity is calculated from the base thickness and alloy, exactly as for flat sheet. The pattern contributes slip resistance and local stiffness, not structural strength.