Hot Rolled Diamond Plate
About Hot Rolled Diamond Plate
Hot rolled steel diamond plate provides a durable, slip-resistant surface with excellent weldability. Conforms to ASTM A786 standards and is ideal for industrial flooring, ramps, and truck beds.
Quick Facts
- Material: A36 Hot Rolled Steel
- ASTM Standard: A786 (Pattern), A36 (Material)
- Available Sizes: 16 gauge to 3/16" thickness
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
Hot rolled diamond plate, also known as tread plate or checker plate, is a steel sheet with a raised, repeating pattern that provides enhanced traction. Produced from A36 structural steel, it combines formability and strength with functional slip resistance. The hot rolling process gives it a durable but less cosmetically refined surface, making it perfectly suited for demanding industrial, automotive, and construction environments where durability and safety are the primary requirements.
The material’s A36 steel base ensures excellent weldability and fabrication characteristics, allowing it to be easily cut, drilled, and formed for custom applications. Its strength-to-weight ratio makes it a practical choice for adding a safe, load-bearing surface without excessive weight. The distinctive pattern is not just for grip; it also helps to increase the plate's structural rigidity, making it a reliable material for flooring, steps, and protective surfaces in high-traffic areas.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties (A36 Base Material)
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 58,000-80,000 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 36,000 | PSI |
| Elongation | 20 | % |
| Hardness | 119-162 | HB |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM A786: Standard Specification for Hot-Rolled Carbon, Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and Alloy Steel Floor Plates.
- ASTM A36: Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel, governing the base material's mechanical and chemical properties.
Common Applications
- Transportation & Automotive: Truck bed liners, trailer floors, running boards, and bumpers - for its impact resistance and grip.
- Industrial & Factory: Catwalks, stair treads, work platforms, and equipment flooring - for providing a safe, slip-resistant walking surface.
- Construction: Loading dock ramps, trench covers, and structural walkways - due to its high strength and durability.
- Commercial: Kitchen flooring, kick plates, and decorative wall panels - for an industrial aesthetic combined with durability.
- Marine: Dock surfaces, gangways, and boat decking - to ensure traction in wet conditions.
- Utility & Off-Road: Toolbox manufacturing, vehicle armor, and skid plates - chosen for its abrasion resistance.
Working with Hot Rolled Diamond Plate
Machining
A36 steel has fair machinability. Due to the raised pattern and mill scale finish, slower speeds and consistent feed rates are recommended. Use of a good quality cutting fluid will improve tool life and surface finish.
Welding
This material has excellent weldability. It can be easily welded using all common methods, including MIG (GMAW), Stick (SMAW), and TIG (GTAW), without the need for pre-heating or post-heating in most applications.
Finishing
The raw hot-rolled surface has a blue-grey mill scale. For best results with painting or powder coating, this scale should be removed by grinding, sandblasting, or chemical pickling. Left untreated, it will develop a surface rust patina.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between diamond plate and tread plate?
A: The terms are used interchangeably in the industry to describe a metal plate with a raised, slip-resistant pattern. "Checker plate" is another common name for this product.
Q: Is hot rolled diamond plate rust-proof?
A: No. It is made from carbon steel and will rust if exposed to moisture without a protective coating. For corrosion resistance, the plate should be painted, galvanized, or powder-coated.
Q: How is the thickness of diamond plate measured?
A: The nominal thickness is measured from the base of the plate, not including the height of the raised diamond pattern. For example, a 1/8" diamond plate has a base thickness of 0.125".
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available thicknesses: 16 gauge (0.060"), 14 gauge (0.075"), 12 gauge (0.105"), 1/8", and 3/16". Standard sheets are available in 4x10 ft sizes. Custom cutting available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed Hot Rolled Diamond Plate? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
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