AF500 vs. AF600 Performance Specifications
| Specification | AF500 | AF600 |
|---|---|---|
| Open Area | 56% | 56% |
| Panel Weight | 18 lb. | 30 lb. |
| Concentrated Load | 1,750 lbf | 2,500 lbf |
| Uniform Load | 500 psf | 700 psf |
| Ultimate Load | Not separately stated; minimum 2:1 safety factor | 5,000 lbf |
| Impact Load | 175 lb. | 200 lb. |
| Rolling Load – 10 Pass | 2,000 lbf, CISCA Wheel A | 2,500 lbf, CISCA Wheel B |
| Rolling Load – 10,000 Pass | 2,000 lbf, CISCA Wheel B | 2,500 lbf, CISCA Wheel C |
| Available Size | 24″ or 600 mm | 24″ |
| Construction | Die-cast aluminum | Die-cast aluminum |
| Fire Performance | Class A / non-combustible | Class A / non-combustible |
| Recycled Material Content | 100% | 100% |
For complete engineering data, download the individual specification sheets:
Designed for High-Volume Underfloor Air Delivery
With 56% open area, the AF500 and AF600 are designed for applications where standard perforated floor panels cannot deliver enough conditioned air to high-density equipment areas.
These grates are commonly suited to:
- High-density data center cold aisles
- Server racks with elevated cooling demand
- Contained cold-aisle environments
- High-volume underfloor air-distribution systems
- Cleanrooms and controlled environments
- Locations requiring both airflow and substantial structural capacity
Compared with 25% or 32% perforated steel panels, the AF500 and AF600 provide a much larger free-open area for conditioned air to move from the pressurized plenum into the data hall.
Actual airflow will still depend on:
- Underfloor static pressure
- Cooling-system capacity
- Damper position
- Plenum depth
- Cable and piping congestion
- Air leakage
- Rack airflow demand
- Containment strategy
A 56% open-area grate should therefore be selected as part of the overall cooling design rather than simply installed wherever additional airflow is desired.
For more information about when high-flow grates make sense, see our guide to perforated raised floor panels vs. air grates.
AF500 or AF600: Which Model Should You Choose?
Both models provide the same 56% open area, so the main selection factor is structural performance.
Choose the AF500 when:
- 56% open area is required
- A lighter 18 lb. aluminum panel is preferred
- A 1,750 lbf concentrated load rating is sufficient
- A 600 mm panel configuration is required
- The installation requires high airflow without the additional weight and capacity of the AF600
Choose the AF600 when:
- Higher structural capacity is required
- The floor must support heavier equipment or more demanding traffic
- A 2,500 lbf concentrated load rating is required
- Higher rolling-load capacity is important
- A 5,000 lbf ultimate load rating is desirable
- The installation uses a 24-inch panel grid
The AF600 weighs 30 lb. compared with 18 lb. for the AF500, reflecting its heavier-duty structural design.
Adjustable Airflow Damper Options
Both models can be configured with adjustable dampers to help facility teams balance conditioned airflow across the data hall.
AF500 Damper Options
The AF500 is available with:
- Top-adjusting slide damper
- Opposed-blade damper
- Single-zone configurations
- Three-zone configurations
AF600 Damper Options
The AF600 is available with:
- Top-adjusting slide damper
- Opposed-blade damper
Adjustable dampers can be especially useful where cooling demand varies between racks or changes as equipment layouts evolve.
Raised Floor Compatibility
The AF500 is interchangeable with compatible:
- FS-Series systems
- FSD-Series systems
- S-Series systems
- SD-Series systems
The AF600 is also designed for compatible FSD, SD, FS, and S-Series panel systems.
Before ordering, verify:
- Existing floor manufacturer and model
- Exact panel dimensions
- Panel thickness
- Pedestal-head configuration
- Stringer configuration
- Finished floor elevation
- Required structural rating
- Required damper configuration
The AF500 is available in both 24-inch and 600 mm sizes, while the AF600 specification lists a 24-inch configuration.
If you are unsure which raised-floor system is installed, review our Raised Access Floor Panel Identification Guide before ordering.
Finish Options
Both the AF500 and AF600 are available with:
- Conductive epoxy paint finish
- Mill finish
The conductive epoxy finish is designed for environments requiring static-control performance while also providing a durable surface for data center use.
Coordinate finish requirements with the facility’s overall ESD-control and grounding strategy.
Understructure Options
Both models are designed for rigid-grid bolted stringer systems including:
- 2′ × 2′ systems
- 2′ × 4′ systems
- 4′ × 4′ basketweave systems
For more information about how panels, pedestals, stringers, and other components work together, see our guide to raised access floor systems.
Compare ASM Data Center Airflow Panels
| Model | Open Area | Construction | Concentrated Load | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF250 | 25% | Steel | 1,000 lbf | Standard to moderate airflow |
| AF320 | 32% | Steel | 1,500 lbf | Higher airflow with heavy-duty steel construction |
| AF500 | 56% | Aluminum | 1,750 lbf | High-volume airflow with lower panel weight |
| AF600 | 56% | Aluminum | 2,500 lbf | High-volume airflow with greater structural capacity |
The percentage of open area should not be used as the only selection criterion. Structural loading, underfloor pressure, rack cooling demand, compatibility, and damper requirements should all be considered.
Once the AF1250 page is updated, I would add it to this table as well.
When Are the AF500 and AF600 a Good Choice?
The AF500 and AF600 are particularly well suited for:
- High-density data center cold aisles
- Raised-floor environments requiring 56% open area
- Locations where standard perforated panels cannot provide sufficient airflow
- Contained cold aisles
- FS, FSD, S, and SD-Series raised-floor systems
- Cleanroom applications
- Facilities requiring corrosion-resistant aluminum panels
- Applications requiring adjustable airflow balancing
Choose between the AF500 and AF600 based primarily on the installation’s structural demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much open area do the AF500 and AF600 provide?
Both models provide 56% open area, making them high-flow alternatives to conventional 25% or 32% perforated raised-floor panels.
What is the difference between the AF500 and AF600?
The primary difference is structural capacity. The AF500 weighs 18 lb. and provides a 1,750 lbf concentrated load rating, while the AF600 weighs 30 lb. and provides a 2,500 lbf concentrated load rating and 5,000 lbf ultimate load rating.
Are the AF500 and AF600 made from steel?
No. Both models use die-cast aluminum construction, providing high airflow, corrosion resistance, and substantial structural performance.
Can you supply the AF500 and AF600 with dampers?
Yes. Both models can be configured with airflow-control dampers. The AF500 supports top-adjusting slide and opposed-blade damper configurations, including single- and three-zone options. The AF600 is also available with top-adjusting slide or opposed-blade dampers.
Are both panels available in 600 mm?
No. According to the manufacturer specifications provided, the AF500 is available in 24-inch or 600 mm sizes, while the AF600 is listed in 24-inch size.
Will the AF500 or AF600 fit any 24-inch raised floor?
No. Nominal panel dimensions alone do not guarantee compatibility. Verify the pedestal heads, stringers, panel thickness, edge configuration, finished elevation, and existing floor system before ordering.
When should I choose a 56% grate instead of a perforated steel panel?
Choose a 56% grate when the cooling design requires substantially more airflow than a conventional perforated panel can deliver. based actual requirements on rack demand, underfloor pressure, cooling capacity, and airflow commissioning.
Availability & Fitment
Product availability varies depending on warehouse inventory. Large-quantity orders beyond current stock may require approximately 16–20 weeks for fulfillment.
Because airflow panels must match the existing raised-floor system, please verify fitment before ordering. Airflow panels are non-returnable.
For quantity pricing, compatibility assistance, or help selecting between the AF500 and AF600, request a quote from Data Center Floor Tiles.
Download the ASM AF500 Product Specifications
Download the ASM AF600 Product Specifications
