Are you looking for a hard plate to protect your equipment and application? Selecting the right hard plate is crucial for keeping your items safe, but knowing what type of material is best can be tricky. Fortunately, we’ve got all the information you need! This article helps you understand which materials can provide superior protection while staying within budget. We’ll explain how different materials handle impacts, abrasion and corrosion so that you can decide when choosing a hard plate for your applications. Keep reading to learn more about making the right choice for maximum security.
What is a Hard Plate?
A hard plate is a steel fabricating rectangular hollow structural (RHS) pipes and tubes. It comprises both Carbon Manganese Steel and Low Alloy Steel, providing superior mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, yield strength and bendability. In addition, its physical properties make it well-suited for applications requiring resistance to wear, strain or corrosion. Its high hardness makes it ideal for heavy-duty uses such as construction machines or industrial equipment due to its ability to handle higher pressure than typical non-hardened steels while offering excellent flexibility when exposed to external forces. Along with its outstanding physical toughness, the hard plate exhibits low thermal expansion, making it suitable for high-temperature-sensitive machinery.
How to Choose the Right Hard Plate
Level of Protection
One of the most important factors you need to consider when selecting a hard plate is the required level of protection. This will depend on the potential threats that you may face. For example, if you require protection from high-velocity rounds, you will need a plate resistant to bullet penetration. Similarly, if you require protection from blunt force trauma, you will need a plate that provides excellent impact resistance.
Plate Design
The design of the hard plate also plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of the plate for your application. When evaluating the plate’s design, you must consider several factors, including its shape, size, and weight. The shape of the plate should be such that it provides maximum protection to the wearer without impeding mobility. Likewise, the plate size should be such that it covers the necessary areas of the body. Finally, the weight of the plate should be such that it is lightweight enough to be worn comfortably over an extended period but heavy enough to provide the necessary level of protection.
Composite Material
The composite material used to manufacture the hard plate is also important. Two basic types of materials are commonly used – ceramic and aluminium. Ceramic plates are known for their excellent resistance to high-velocity bullets, while aluminium plates are known for their excellent impact resistance against blunt force trauma. However, both types of plates can be combined with other composite materials, such as Kevlar, to add additional levels of protection.
Durability
Durability is another important factor that you need to consider. A hard plate that is not durable will not be able to provide the necessary level of protection over an extended period. It would help if you looked for hard plates made of high-quality materials that can withstand extreme conditions and be re-used multiple times without losing effectiveness. This is particularly important for individuals who wear the plates daily.
Cost Considerations
Finally, cost is another important factor to keep in mind. It would be best if you struck a balance between quality and cost when choosing a hard plate. It would help if you avoided going for the cheapest option available as it may not provide the necessary level of protection. However, you also don’t want to overpay for features you may not require.
Also, read Everything You Need to Know about Hard Plates
Conclusion
A hard plate is an essential equipment for individuals working in high-risk environments. However, choosing the right hard plate can be a daunting task. When choosing, you must consider factors such as the level of protection required, plate design, composite material, durability, and cost. Take your time to evaluate your needs carefully before ensuring you get a hard plate that provides the required protection and performance.