Does sieve plate thickness matter

[Tōtōchtin]

I have looked at a bunch of flute and VM column builds. It seems most use 1- 2.5 mm thick plates, with no explaination of why given. Is it better to retain the heat or is it better to remove it from the plates? I searched for studies or threads changing plates and noting the differences,nada.
JK

[Sporacle]

The plate thickness a lot of the time is based on the pipe that has been used as the donor for the plate. So the explanation as to why they used that thickness was that it was what they had access to.

My plates are taken from 2 inch so they are that thick.

As for an actual answer as to how different thermal mass effects how the plate operates, I can't help there

[Saltbush Bill]

As above ....most home builds are dictated by what is easily available at the time.
A few years ago I was lucky and picked up a good sized chunk of copper plate from the scrappy. That plate is thicker than what I used on my first still.
In short first still plates were made from flattened 4 inch pipe....the last stills plates are from thicker plate....probably twice as thick.
I don't think it's made any noticeable difference.
Just don't go to extremes and go really thin.....you don't want a flimsy plate.

[cob]

The plate thickness a lot of the time is based on the pipe that has been used as the donor for the plate. So the explanation as to why they used that thickness was that it was what they had access to. My plates are taken from 2 inch so they are that thick.

There are 4 different thicknesses of 2" pipe so take your pick. K,L,M,DWV.

[Saltbush Bill]

That depends on where in the world you live Cob......here there is one that I am aware of.

[bluefish_dist]

Thickness does effect flow through a hole, but at the thickness we use, not much of an issue. I used .062 as that’s what the local metal shop had on hand.

[cob]

That depends on where in the world you live Cob......here there is one that I am aware of.

A,B,C,and D. on your island. https://www.australwright.com.au/produc ... er-tubing/

[Sporacle]

That was sort of my point Cob, my plate is as thick as the pipe I had and I don't know the thickness because of that very reason

[cob]

Run what you brung. my copper inventory starts at 1mm. foil and reaches 3/8" plate.

[still_stirrin]

Run what you brung. my copper inventory starts at 1mm. foil and reaches 3/8" plate.

I like it, cob. Well put.
ss

[shadylane]

Just guessing, the plate needs to be thin enough to drill easily and thick enough not to bend easily.
All of my plates have been made out of split open tubing. .060" = 1.5mm and .080" = 2.0mm.

[Saltbush Bill]

Just guessing, the plate needs to be thin enough to drill easily and thick enough not to bend easily.

That's it in a nut shell.