Lifting weights is a highly productive method of improving your strength. Barbells are one of the few items of fitness equipment that are used for both recreational fitness right through to Olympic competition. With such broad and versatile user group, the heavy plates, or discs, that are fitted to the bar are made in a wide selection of materials and weights. The quality of plates designed for home use differs significantly from plates made for health clubs and competitions.
History
Barbells have been used for more than 100 years, however, the earliest designs didn't have removable plates. Instead, they had a ball of metal welded to a bar. In the late 1960s demands for better designed equipment from the new wave of body builders and athletes led to increased focus on the design and manufacturing of barbell plates. These plates were made by pouring molten metal into a sand templates. The center hole on plates is important, domestic bars are thinner than competition bars, so the hole in the plate is small.
Home Version
Barbell plates made for home use are not necessarily lighter than their industrial stablemates, but they are less robust. Domestic barbell plates are either solid metal or a hollow plastic skin that is filled with either metal, sand, cement and even water. The metal versions are cast iron, which is then either painted or coated with chrome to reduce rust. While chrome is attractive, it is susceptible to damage if the barbell is dropped.
Health Club And Competition Version
Industrial quality plates are made from either cast iron or an alloy or rubber. Some plates are a combination of a metal "core" disc that is then encased in rubber to reduce damage to floors. Plates vary from being very basic casts through to highly engineered objects. After casting, the best plates are then machined to make them perfectly round. The center hole is then drilled rather than cast to ensure a perfect fit around the bar, and rather than just sprayed, the paint is also baked to create a more durable skin.
Key Features
Even a basic cast iron plate is a complex product to make as it involves molten metal, but it is the starting point of most plates. They then are enhanced by machining to yield a smoother finish. A groove or "cut out" in the the plate makes it easier to pick up from the floor, but have to be carefully positioned to avoid the plate breaking if dropped. A drilled hole rather than a cast one creates a better fit around the bar.
Safety
Bars and plates should always be in perfect condition; always check for damage before use, as any cracks or splits will affect the safety and performance of the plate. Domestic plates are not designed to be dropped, and while commercial plates are designed for such use, this should only be done on a floor designed for heavy duty use.
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