Sheet metal is metal formed by an industrial process into thin, flat pieces. Sheet metal is one of the fundamental forms used in metalworking, and it can be cut and bent into a variety of shapes. Countless everyday objects are fabricated from sheet metal. Thicknesses can vary significantly; extremely thin sheets are considered foil or leaf, and pieces thicker than 6 mm (0.25 in) are considered plate steel or "structural steel".
Sheet metal is available in flat pieces or coiled strips. The coils are formed by running a continuous sheet of metal through a roll slitter.
Stainless steel is the most common metal used in the making of metal sheets, especially because of its high resistance to atmospheric moisture. In other words, it ensures durability, even after being exposed to acid, rain, salt, and other similar elements, bringing it to the number one position on our list!
In fact, it doesn’t end there! With a composition of less than 13% chromium and additional components, including Nickel and Molybdenum, you can expect these sheets to offer high strength and quality.
That being said, based on metallic combinations, stainless steel sheets are also classified into three different types. Have a look at the list below:
• Ferritic steel sheets.
• Austenitic steel sheets.
• Martensitic steel sheets.
Being extremely durable and strong, stainless steel sheets help in shielding, manufacturing, and other purposes. Let us now go through the ways in which these sheets can be used:
• In offering protection against corrosion and natural decays.
• Used in machines that process chemicals and liquids.
• Ideal for machines undergoing rigorous pounding.
• Ensures durability and stiffness.
Being highly electrically conductive with no composition of additional metals, copper sheets are popular and mostly used as conductors. Apart from this, it can be easily fabricated while its high resistance against fatigue and corrosion makes it strong and durable. That being said, you can expect these sheets to be useful for commercial and industrial purposes. Not only this, but it also finds its use in making ornaments and jewelry that are significantly popular in modern fashion.
The use of copper sheets is not only restricted to electrical wiring and other electronic parts. It’s now time to go through some of the uses of this conductive and pure type of sheet. Have a look at the points given below:
• Can be used in making modern fashion jewelry and ornaments.
• Being highly conductive, it can be used in electronics and electrical parts.
• Widely used in architecture and structural engineering.
• Helps in interior designing and decorative art.
Before knowing about brass sheets, it is important to know the basic composition of brass. So, for most of you who don’t know, brass is an alloy manufactured primarily using copper and zinc.
Like the previous two types of metals, brass is also highly corrosion-resistant with high durability and tensile strength. For this reason, you will notice that it is highly used for industrial purposes. In fact, despite being strong, you will be surprised to know that it is lightweight compared to other alloys. A pretty rare combination, right?
Furthermore, depending on the amount of copper and zinc used during the manufacturing process, five types of industrial-grade brass sheets can be obtained. So, let us take a quick run-through:
• Red brass sheet.
• Naval brass sheet.
• 330 brass sheet.
• Cartridge brass sheet.
• Free machining brass sheet.
Thanks to its corrosion-resistance and high tensile strength, brass sheets are highly used for commercial, industrial, and residential purposes. Here are some of the vital ways in which you can utilize brass sheets:
• In case you need a lightweight, yet durable sheet for operation.
• For decorative purposes, including both indoor and outdoor decoration.
• Can be used in machines, which require sheets to be cut in different shapes and sizes.
Coming to another type of sheet, this one is also made using a popular metal, namely aluminum. That being said, aluminium sheets are quite delicate and soft compared to the other types mentioned on the list.
For this reason, it is not classified as recognized industrial-grade sheet metal. In fact, manufacturers often have to add metals like iron, copper, and silicon to its composition in order to enhance strength.
Let’s talk about the uses of an aluminium sheet. We already mentioned that it is not recognized much for industrial applications. So, how is it used? Well, take a look:
• Mostly used in the manufacture of fan blades, electronics, and household appliances.
• Help in making jewelry and ornaments.
• Used in household coverings and roofing.
• In parts used to service corrosive liquids like salt water.
Being highly durable and robust with high tensile strength, corrugated metal sheets are widely used for residential and commercial purposes. From roofing to siding jobs, this sheet should ideally be your number one choice. Coming to their manufacturing process, corrugated sheets are prepared through the cold-form process. What happens during this process? Well, firstly, the sheets are pressed flat and then taken for roll forming to achieve the required shape and pattern. After this, the sheets are cut into the appropriate length. When you see a corrugated sheet, you may notice a wavy pattern. In fact, this is a characteristic feature of the sheet, which helps in its easy identification. That being said, there are also a few other patterns that you may come across.
Let’s now talk about the uses of corrugated metal sheets. Take a look at the points below:
• Used for residential purposes where minimum maintenance is required.
• For resistance and protection against dent, buckle, and warp.
• Roofing for general protection against wind, rain, hail, etc.
Ideally, made using steel, galvanized steel sheets are equally important compared to other types mentioned on the list. That being said, depending on the process used for galvanization, there are two kinds of sheets, namely hot-dipped metallic coated and electro-galvanized sheets.
Hot Dipped Metallic Coated Sheet
Pre-treated through a hot-dipped process, these sheets are also referred to as cold-rolled hard steel plates. Furthermore, they are coated well with good-quality zinc for strength and durability. In fact, anti-fingerprint coatings are applied as well.
The base metal used in the preparation of this kind of sheet is cold rolled annealed steel. But how is it made? Like the name suggests, the base steel metal is electroplated with a pure and thick layer of zinc. However, instead of being dipped, the metal absorbs the zinc coating. Coming to the cost, electro-galvanized sheets are more expensive compared to hot-dipped metallic coated sheets. Furthermore, they are mostly used in mechanical applications.
Another popular type of metal sheet with diverse applications. Given below are some of the uses of galvanized sheets, take a look:
• Provides heat-resistance and durability to metallic pipes.
• Helps in the manufacture of nuts, bolts, and nails.
• Used in constructing canopies, handrails, fences, ladders, furniture, and more.
• Used for insulation purposes .
• In making pipes for plumbing work .