Why Choose an Artec Alpha Series Aluminum Bellypan
When it comes to protecting your vehicle's underbelly from the harshest terrain, you need the best of the best. Artec's bellypans are engineered and designed in-house, built from heat-treated 6061 T6 aluminum for a rugged, durable skid plate that's unmatched in quality and performance.
Our Bellypan Discovery Journey
Three materials and one breakthrough — here's how the Alpha Series bellypan came to be.
The Beginning
Artec Industries was contacted by Jeep Wrangler JK owners in need of a bellypan to protect their vehicle's underside on the trail. Our first designs were stamped from steel — effective, but heavy and difficult to manufacture. The search for a better material had only just begun.
Exploring 5052 Aluminum
Looking for a lighter, heat-dissipating, non-corrosive alternative to steel, we turned to 5052 aluminum. Promising on paper, it couldn't hold up in the real world — crushing under impact and losing its shape on the trail. The search for the right material continued.
The 6061 T6 Breakthrough
At the 2014 Easter Jeep Safari, a conversation pointed us toward heat-treated 6061 T6 aluminum. It was a complete game-changer — a full redesign followed, and the new bellypan bent on impact instead of cracking, dramatically improving performance over every material we'd tried before.
Expansion & Success
With a proven design, we expanded the bellypan lineup to the Jeep Wrangler JL, Jeep Gladiator, Toyota 4Runner, and Tacoma. Customers worldwide have praised the durability of these bellypans ever since.
Peace of Mind
Above all, our bellypans are built to give you peace of mind. Miles from pavement, you can trust that a trail-tested Artec bellypan is protecting what matters most — getting you and your rig home safely.
Not All Metal Is Built the Same
Our search for the right material finally settled on heat-treated 6061 T6 aluminum as the best choice for impact protection, large or small. Here's a breakdown of everything we tested along the way.
Steel
Heavy and quick to conduct heat, steel is prone to corrosion over time. Inexpensive and easy to weld, but the added weight works against your vehicle's off-road performance.
5052 Aluminum
Lighter and more corrosion-resistant than steel, 5052 aluminum sounded ideal on paper — until it crushed under real trail impacts and couldn't hold its shape.
6061 T6 Aluminum Our Choice
Heat-treated for strength, 6061 T6 bends instead of cracking on impact, dissipates heat efficiently, and resists corrosion — the best balance of weight, strength, and durability we've found.
| Steel | 5052 Aluminum | 6061 T6 Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | Light | Light |
| Heat Dissipation | Poor | Good | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance | Dents & deforms | Crushes & cracks | Bends, holds shape |
| Corrosion Resistance | Rusts over time | Good | Excellent |
| Welding & Machining | Straightforward | Difficult | Excellent |
| Cost | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Workability | Rigid | Brittle under stress | Forms cleanly |
| Elasticity | Low | Low | High |
| Overall Performance | Adequate | Inconsistent | Best in class |
Why Doesn't Artec Use UHMW on Bellypan Skid Plates?
We don't mean to be critical of UHMW — it has its place. But for a bellypan that needs to survive real trail impacts without adding unnecessary bulk, it falls short in a few key areas.
Added Cost
UHMW sheet stock costs significantly more than aluminum for the same coverage, driving up the price of the finished product.
Added Weight
To match the impact resistance of 6061 T6 aluminum, UHMW needs to be far thicker — adding weight exactly where you don't want it.
Added Temperature
Mounted near the exhaust and drivetrain, UHMW can soften and warp under sustained heat that aluminum shrugs off.
Added Maintenance
UHMW wears and scars more easily on rock and debris, often requiring more frequent inspection and replacement over time.
This Is Where the Magic Happens
Artec bellypans are designed using cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship. Our team engineers from the ground up, ensuring every protective product is fully tested before it reaches you.
Start With Data
Every bellypan starts with real vehicle measurements and 3D scan data, so the fit is right before a single piece of aluminum is cut.
Designed for Off-Road
Prototypes are trail-tested in the harshest conditions we can find, refining the design until it holds up to real-world abuse.
Installed by Anyone
Bolt-on hardware and a direct-fit design mean no drilling or cutting — installation is straightforward in your own garage.
Design Features Used in Artec Bellypans
Increased Ground Clearance
Full Vehicle Underside Coverage
Direct Steel Replacement
Easy-to-Install Hardware
Made in the USA, Built to Last
We take great pride in manufacturing our Alpha Series Aluminum Bellypans directly in our Utah facility. Only the best material is used and anything that doesn't meet our standards is rejected. Using custom made press brake tooling ensures that our final product is bent properly and devoid of micro cracks on the bends. We inspect every piece to ensure each weld meets our strict quality control standards. Each steel bracket is zinc plated for maximum corrosion resistance. When you see our bellypan first hand, you know it is of the highest quality. Do it right the first time!
Customer Satisfaction
We strive to exceed customer expectations by offering durable, reliable, and easy-to-install products. By focusing on quality, we ensure our customers can confidently tackle any off-road adventure, knowing their vehicle is well-equipped and protected. Our commitment to customer satisfaction drives us to continuously innovate and deliver exceptional products.
Reputation
A strong reputation in the off-road industry stems from consistently providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. At Artec Industries, we take pride in our reputation for designing and manufacturing best-in-class bellypan systems. Our unwavering dedication to quality strengthens our position as a trusted industry leader. This is why top racing professionals and industry leaders choose Artec to protect their vehicles.
Safety
Safety is paramount in off-road adventures, and the quality of the products you choose directly impacts your vehicle's safety. Artec's commitment to quality ensures our bellypan systems not only enhance vehicle performance but also provide the necessary protection against harsh off-road conditions, keeping both the vehicle and its occupants safe during their off-road excursions.