Source for ¼"-⅜" aluminum sheet/plate in 16"x16" or larger sizes?

S

smorgasbord

Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2022
Messages
1,058
Anyone have a good source for aluminum plate or sheets? I need something at least ¼" thick and at least 16"x16" in size. Thicker and bigger are OK, too. 410mm x 600mm and 8mm thick would be perfect, but I'm somewhat flexible.

Looking at a few of them for prototyping right now. I'm located in NorCal if that matters. Amazon has sheets at around $100 plus $20 shipping, so hoping to beat that.

TIA!
 
I'd look for a local supply house for the best deal. Coremark Metals offers 6061 plate 1/4" x 16" x 16" for $59, plus they also offer a 20% discount until December 9th.

Coremark does have a Fort Worth Texas location which would help with the shipping costs. The weight is about 7#.
https://www.coremarkmetals.com/6061-t651-aluminum-plate

Most of the internet suppliers are charging from $120-$170 for aluminum plate that size plus shipping.

I see Online Metals is offering that size for $84 plus shipping.
https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy...pe:Sheet%2FPlate:Alloy:6061:Thickness:0.25%22

You could also contact Orange Aluminum in Whittier however, I've only purchased extrusions from them.
https://orangealuminum.com
 
woodferret said:
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/store-finder/

My quote for 6061 of that size is about $90CAD ($60USD?) but that might be because my store is only across the harbor from me.
Click to expand...

My quote for the 16" x 16" x 1/4" plate is $96.

On the other hand, I've used these guys in the past when road construction didn't allow me to get to Coremark and other than the pricing, I was very happy with the service. They're literally only 15 minutes away. If you call and pay ahead of time, they will have the item ready when you walk in the door.
 
Find a local machine shop or fabricator and ask if they'll sell your some for beer money....
 
woodferret said:
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/store-finder/

My quote for 6061 of that size is about $90CAD ($60USD?) but that might be because my store is only across the harbor from me.
Click to expand...

Turns out there's a store pretty close to me, in San Jose, CA.
They want over $100 for 0.25" x 16" x 16", but in quantities of 5, $376; and quantities of 10, $698.

Now, where to get such a plate, after my milling, anodized?
 
Practically they're everywhere for anodizing.  One just needs a battery and sulfur bath :P  That said...
https://santaclaraplating.com/service/anodizing-services-santa-clara-plating-san-francisco-bay-area/

is in your area and will give you an idea of pricing.  If it's just mostly decorative, Type II - Class 2.  If you need hard abrasion resistance (eg outdoor equipment), look to Type III.

edit: This isn't a review of santa clara plating.  It just seemed like the least sketchy and more informative when I googled up your local anodizers.  They sound small batch friendly.
 
smorgasbord said:
woodferret said:
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/store-finder/

My quote for 6061 of that size is about $90CAD ($60USD?) but that might be because my store is only across the harbor from me.
Click to expand...

Turns out there's a store pretty close to me, in San Jose, CA.
They want over $100 for 0.25" x 16" x 16", but in quantities of 5, $376; and quantities of 10, $698.

Now, where to get such a plate, after my milling, anodized?
Click to expand...

So, not trying to solve the worlds hunger problems, but this does bring up an interesting point...a 1/4" x 16" x 16" piece of 6061, purchased from the same vendor, produces 3 very different price points.

$100 in San Jose, $96 in Minnesota and $90 Canadian in Canada. I'd expect the Canadian price to be $130+. What's with that? Maybe I should move to Canada...it's only about 200 miles away.  [smile]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Ridgid TS2400 Bench-Top Table Saw
Replies
5
Views
35K
Lou Miller
L
Back
Top