Blackplate is hot rolled or cold rolled,[1] non-descaled sheet steel or sheet iron.[2]
Blackplate is made of non-tinned[2] iron or steel and is annealed on open flames or in an annealing box. Its dark appearance is caused by its reaction with the surrounding air. During warm rolling, blackplate can be manufactured to thicknesses of 1.5 mm or more.[3] Cold rolled blackplate, by contrast, can be made thinner – thicknesses of 0.4 to 1.5 mm being attainable – and produces better surface qualities.