Materials
We work with a large range of materials at Constant Engineering from traditional metals to specialist IBMA finish metals. Due to our large range of suppliers we can also source varying thicknesses and sheet sizes of metals other than those listed below.
Aluminium Materials
Mill finish aluminium (PAA)
Aluminium sheet is machine polished to a super bright finish sometimes referred to as a mirror polished finish. The material is then sulphuric anodised producing a coating to protect the aluminium. The coating reduces the bright shine from the previous polishing process but it gives an aesthetically pleasing soft matte finish.
Full name: | Mill finish aluminium |
Abbreviation: | PAA |
Alternative names: | Polished anodised (PA), polished anodised aluminium (PAA) |
Finish: | Soft matte polish |
Maximum sheet size: | 2m x 1m |
Thicknesses: | 1.5mm, 3.00mm |
Satin anodised aluminium (SAA)
Our standard sulphuric anodised sheet termed satin anodised sheet is chemically etched and anodised to produce an aesthetically pleasing matte modern looking material. The sheet benefits from a durable weather-resistant, tarnish-resistant surface that can remain like new for years, but over time, anodised aluminium will begin to naturally scratch and fade with use, just like any metal.
Full name: | Satin anodised aluminium |
Abbreviation: | SAA |
Alternative names: | Satin aluminium |
Finish: | Satin light grain finish, minor reflections |
Maximum sheet size: | 2m x 1m |
Thicknesses: | 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 3.00mm |
Brass / Gold Effect Materials
Polished brass (PB)
Our solid brass sheet is machine polished to a super bright or as sometimes referred to a mirror finish. Polished brass sheet can be used internally or externally however wherever it is used, it needs regular maintenance to keep it from tarnishing and discolouring. Please remember that when the sheet leaves our factory it will have a peelable protective film that needs removing to reveal the finish of the sheet.
Full name: | Polished brass |
Abbreviation: | PB |
Alternative names: | Brass |
Finish: | Polished (not lacquered) |
Maximum sheet size: | 2m x 1m |
Thicknesses: | 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 3.00mm |
PVD Brass (Stainless brass effect)
PVD coatings are now well established for industrial use. Utilising stainless steel as the base material a PVD coating can be applied to replicate polished brass sheet. The advantage over traditional polished brass sheet is the materials resistance to discolour or tarnish. This doesn’t mean it is fit and forget and maintenance free.
Full name: | Physical vapour deposition brass effect |
Abbreviation: | PVD |
Alternative names: | PVD brass |
Finish: | Mirrored polished |
Maximum sheet size: | 2.5m x 1.25m |
Thicknesses: | 1.5mm |
Stainless steel materials
Mirrored polished stainless steel (MPSS)
Grade 304 sheet super bright polished, or often referred to as mirror polished sheet, is a very good material for keeping in good order. The material is available in different quality grades for different environments.
Full name: | Mirrored polished stainless steel |
Abbreviation: | MPSS |
Alternative names: | Mirrored stainless |
Finish: | Mirrored polished |
Maximum sheet size: | 3m x 1.5m |
Thicknesses: | 1.5mm |
Polished stainless steel (PSS)
Polished Stainless Sheet differs from mirror polished stainless as the material is less bright and not as highly polished. The material is often referred to as Bright Annealed sheet which is the correct trade description rather than what has become commonly used in sales literature that being polished stainless. The material is available in different quality grades.
Full name: | Polished stainless steel |
Abbreviation: | PSS |
Alternative names: | Polished Stainless, bright anodised stainless steel |
Finish: | Highly polished |
Maximum sheet size: | 3m x 1m |
Thicknesses G304: | 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm |
Thicknesses G430: | 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm |
Thicknesses G316: | 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm |
Satin stainless steel (SSS)
Satin stainless, brushed stainless, or dull polished sheet have become common phrases for detailing a grained finish in stainless steel. The grain is actually polished into the sheet and can be produced in different levels of grit or coarseness. The material is matte or dull in appearance and has a durable architecturally pleasing finish. As it is a matte finish it has the advantage of disguising well general wear and tear. Where damage occurs it is possible to put back by hand the grain although limitations have to be considered as matching a pristine machine polish finish by hand is extremely difficult. The grained finish can be applied to all different grades of stainless making it perfect for specifiers / designers with particular needs.
Full name: | Satin Stainless Steel |
Abbreviation: | SSS |
Alternative names: | Satin stainless, DP1 stainless |
Finish: | Satin grain finish, dull reflections |
Maximum sheet size: | 3m x 1.5m |
Thicknesses G304: | 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm |
Thicknesses G430: | 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm |
Thicknesses G316: | 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm |
Specialist Materials
Five Bar Chequer Plate (Aluminium)
Also known as tread plate, chequer plate, is a hard wearing protective type of metal typically used for door protection plates and wall plates for high-foot traffic and impact areas. The sheet metal is processed by the metalworks by forming the ‘bumps’ into the metal during smelting. The chequer plate offers good slip resistance and high corrosion resistance. The reverse side of chequer plate is featureless/flat.
Full name: | Five Bar Chequer Plate |
Abbreviation: | 5Bar |
Alternative names: | Tread plate, crash plate, diamond plate |
Finish: | Lacquered mild-reflective finish |
Maximum sheet size: | 2m x 1m |
Thicknesses | 2mm with treat at 3mm |
Imitation bronze metal antique (IBMA)
IBMA finish is applied to brass utilising a specialist chemical and technique undertaken at Constant. The final part of the procedure is to seal the chemical process by lacquering the material, therefore the material should be treated in the same way as lacquered brass. Overtime natural wear and tear may wear down the lacquer. At this stage the material can be either re-lacquered if appropriate or the material can be left to develop a natural patina.
Full name: | Imitation bronze metal antique |
Abbreviation: | IBMA |
Alternative names: | Bronze effect, dark bronze, imitation bronze, bronzing metal |
Finish: | Lacquered mild-reflective finish |
Maximum sheet size: | 2m x 1m |
Thicknesses | 1.5mm |
Plastic (HIPS)
Our plastic material is hard wearing, durable and tough, making it a great alternative to metals. It can be CNC punched, cut and drilled making it versatile in its application. Plastic plates are available in a wide range of colours as well as being cost effective and lightweight.
Full name: | High impact polystyrene |
Abbreviation: | HIPS |
Alternative names: | Plastic, HIPS plastic |
Finish: | Mild reflection |
Maximum sheet size: | Colour dependant, phone for advice |
Thicknesses | 2.0mm, 3.0mm (can be colour dependant) |
Colours:
- Anthracite Grey
- Black
- Burgundy
- Chocolate Brown
- Clear
- Anthracite Grey
- Black
- Burgundy
- Chocolate Brown
- Clear
- Coffee Brown
- Cream
- Dark Blue
- Dark Grey
- Dorset Steel Blue
- Forest Green
- Grass Green
- Grey
- Manhattan Grey
- Red
- Slate Blue
- Steel Blue
- Stone Grey
- Ultramarine Blue
- White
- Yellow