This aluminum plate load capacity calculator helps engineers, designers, and metal fabricators estimate the maximum load an aluminum plate can bear. Whether you are working with simply supported or fixed edge plates, under point or uniform loads, this tool provides reliable results based on plate geometry and material strength.
Aluminum Plate Load Capacity Calculator
Key Features
- Supports mm and inch unit systems with real-time conversion
- Select between simply supported and fixed edge conditions
- Choose point load or uniform load types
- Enter yield strength, plate size, and thickness
- Clear, instant results in Newtons and Kilograms
How to Use
- Select your preferred unit system: Metric (mm) or Imperial (inch).
- Input the plate length, width, and thickness.
- Enter the material yield strength (e.g., 240 MPa for 6061-T6).
- Choose the support condition (simply supported or fixed edges).
- Select the type of load (point or uniform).
- Click Calculate to get the estimated maximum load in Newtons and Kilograms.
CalculationPrinciple
This calculator estimates the maximum load capacity based on classical bending stress formulas for rectangular plates. It uses the section modulus derived from the plate geometry and the material’s yield strength.
Moment of Inertia (I): I = (B × t³) / 12
Maximum Bending Moment: M = σy × I / (t/2)
Depending on the edge condition and load type, the final load is computed using:
- Point load (simply supported):
W = 4 × M / L - Point load (fixed edges):
W = 8 × M / L - Uniform load (simply supported):
w = 8 × M / L² - Uniform load (fixed edges):
w = 24 × M / L²
The result is shown in Newtons (N) and converted to Kilograms (kg) assuming Earth’s gravity (9.81 m/s²).
FAQ
Q1: Can this calculator be used for steel or other metals?
A: Yes, you can input the yield strength of any metal, but this calculator is optimized for aluminum plate assumptions.
Q2: What yield strength should I use for 6061-T6 aluminum?
A: Use 240 MPa as a typical yield strength value for 6061-T6 aluminum.
Q3: What is the difference between point load and uniform load?
A: A point load applies force at a single spot (typically the center), while a uniform load distributes force evenly across the surface.
Q4: What do “simply supported” and “fixed edges” mean?
A: Simply supported edges allow rotation and displacement, while fixed edges restrain both movement and rotation, increasing load capacity.
Q5: Does this calculator consider deflection?
A: No, this version estimates only the load-bearing limit based on bending stress, not deflection limits.
Q6: Are safety factors included in the result?
A: No. The output is the theoretical maximum. Apply your own safety factor as required by your application.
Bending Process Calculator
Here we provide some calculators for the metal bending process, hoping they will be helpful to you!
Weight Calculator in Kg
Angle Weight Calculator | Bar Weight Calculator | Beam Weight Calculator | Pipe/Tube Weight Calculator (Circular, Square & Rectangular) | Steel, Aluminum & Stainless Steel Sheet/Plate Weight Calculator | Steel Channel Weight Calculator