Using the digits 4, 2, 6, 8, 0, 1, form the largest and smallest 6-digit numbers and find their difference. A factory produces 4825 plates per hour. How many plates will it produce in 24 hours?

The digits are $4, 2, 6, 8, 0, 1$.

To form the largest number, arrange the digits in descending order.
The largest number is 864,210.

To form the smallest number, arrange the digits in ascending order. Since a 6-digit number cannot start with 0, the smallest non-zero digit (1) is placed first, followed by 0, and then the remaining digits in ascending order.
The smallest number is 102,468.

Difference = Largest number - Smallest number

The difference between the largest and smallest number is $\boxed{761,742}$.

The factory produces 4825 plates in one hour.

The total time is 24 hours.

Total plates = Plates per hour $\times$ Number of hours

The factory produces $\boxed{115,800 \text{ plates}}$ in 24 hours.