MS (Mild Steel) chequered plates are one of the most reliable flooring materials, widely used in factories, industrial walkways, warehouses, staircases, and loading docks. The raised diamond pattern design of the MS chequered plates makes them excellently slip-resistant.
The mild steel base of the chequered plates also makes them durable so that they can stand the test of time.
However, choosing the correct thickness of the chequered plates is essential, as the thickness determines the load-bearing capacity. Plate thickness also affects installation costs and maintenance requirements.
If you’re selecting an MS chequered plate, especially for heavy-duty industrial flooring, it is essential to understand how plate thickness selection will help you make the right investment.
Why does MS chequered plate thickness matter for heavy-duty flooring?
The thickness of the plate helps to determine the ability to:
- Bear the static and dynamic loads in an industrial floor
- Resist bending and deformation
- Withstand sudden impact from machinery and equipment
- Avoid vibration under continuous traffic and footfall
- Increase the lifespan of industrial flooring
According to IS 3502:2009, these chequered plates are commonly used in industrial floors, marine structures and stair treads. Industrial buyers prefer buying plates with thicknesses ranging from 2 mm to 12 mm. However, the exact thickness depends on the intended application.
Understanding the Standard MS chequered plate thicknesses
MS chequered plates are available in a wide range of thicknesses including 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. All the plates are manufactured using high-quality hot-rolled steel according to the IS standards. Here is a hypothetical example of a table showing the thickness of the MS chequered plates, which are widely used, along with the probable applications and the load capacity.
| Thickness | Applications | Load Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-3 mm | Decorative floors, wall panels and light duty floors | Light |
| 4 mm | Commercial walkways | Medium |
| 5 mm | Workshops and loading bays | Medium – Heavy |
| 6 mm | Warehouse and industrial floors | Heavy |
| 8 – 10 mm | Heavy load industrial floors, truck floors, mining floors | Heavy |
What are thre recommended thicknesses for different industries?
Light commercial applications
As stated in the above table, MS chequered plates with a thickness of 3-4 mm are commonly used for light commercial properties and applications like retail stores, office staircases, and pedestrian walkways.
Industrial workshops
For workshops that repeatedly use pallet trucks, storage racks and encounter movement of
fabrication equipment, 5–6 mm plates are the best-suited option. Plates with this thickness have better impact resistance and thus exhibit longer life.
Heavy-duty industrial flooring
Factories handling forklifts and steel fabrication need plates that are 6- 10 mm thick. Since the pressure from steel fabrication machines, manufacturing plants, and forklifts is high on the floors, more thickness is essential to ensure durability.
How to choose the right thickness?
For buyers, it is essential to consider the following points before evaluating the right thickness of MS chequered plates.
Consider the load
Before selecting the thickness of the MS chequered plate, evaluate the load the floor is going to encounter where you are planning to install the plates. You need to consider a few factors and ask yourself questions like
- Will only people walk on the floor?
- Will there be movement of pallet trucks on the floor?
- Will forklifts move regularly on the floor?
- Will there be heavy machinery stationed in different parts of the floor?
The heavier the load you’re planning to place on the floor, the thicker the plate will be to resist the load.
Check the span between supports.
A plate installed over a large unsupported span requires more thickness than one fixed over closely spaced structural beams.
Long-term consideration
Most of the time, industrial buyers prefer buying a slightly thicker plate because it reduces the need for future repairs and maintenance. Moreover, the movement of heavy machinery, forklifts, and other equipment on thicker plates prevents late deformation and reduces replacement costs. This also indirectly reduces operational downtime in an industry or factory premises.
For heavy-duty flooring, 6 mm MS chequered plates are generally considered the industry benchmark. Hence, this thickness is commonly preferred for floors in warehouses, industrial premises and factory outlets. Investing in good-quality MS chequered plates helps industries avoid unnecessary future expenses.
Why buy high-quality MS chequered plates from Shree Ji?
Shree Ji Steel Corporation supplies hot-rolled MS chequered plates in various sizes and thicknesses for industrial, commercial and structural applications across India. From us, you can get ISI-compliant materials with accurate thickness tolerances. We also offer MS chequered plates with correct weight per meter along with reliable mechanical properties.
FAQs
What is the best MS chequered plate thickness for factory flooring?
6mm is the most preferred thickness for MS chequered plates. However, if heavy machinery and forklifts are operating on the floor, then 8 to 10 mm thickness is a better option to prevent the floor from getting damaged.
Are thicker chequered plates always better?
Not necessarily. While thicker plates are durable and support higher loads, they also increase the weight and the project cost. The ideal thickness of the plates depends on the traffic, machinery loads and the support spacing on the floor. Choosing the correct thickness is essential to get the best performance.
How to choose between 5 mm and 6 mm chequered plates?
5 mm plate is suitable for medium-duty applications, while a 6 mm plate is recommended for heavy-duty applications. The additional 1 mm thickness in a 6 mm plate improves durability, rigidity, and impact resistance.
