The Most Common Types of Sheet Metal
When it comes to metal fabrication and metal products, there are many types of materials that can be used to produce goods for various industries. Among these materials is sheet metal, a thin and versatile manufacturing material that can be used for various industries, products, and components. As leading providers of welding solutions and high-quality metal products, the team at LWS Manufacturing & Welding knows how valuable sheet metal can be. That is why our team has provided some information on the most common types of sheet metal to help you determine which option is right for your needs.
Learn about some of the differences between steel and aluminum.
What is Sheet Metal?
Sheet metal is an indispensable material that is formed by various processes into thin and flat pieces. Sheet metal is available in various levels of thickness based on the industry and desired specifications. In addition to flat panels, sheet metal can be rolled into coils, cut, bent, or punched into various shapes, making it an extremely versatile material.
Common Types of Sheet Metal
The most common types of materials used for sheet metal include:
Aluminum
Aluminum offers several benefits including an abundant supply, lower cost, ease of fabrication, good strength-to-weight ratio, high electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, non-toxicity, and high recyclability. Some of the typical products for which aluminum sheets are used include automotive parts, electrical devices, and cooking vessels.
Steel
Steel is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for industrial parts and consumer products. There are multiple kinds of steel, each with unique properties. Steel that contains up to 2% carbon and does not contain standard amounts of any other elements such as cobalt, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, or titanium is classified as carbon steel. Steel can be cold rolled or combined with molybdenum, vanadium, tungsten, or cobalt for tooling steel applications like drilling or machinery. Pre-plated galvanized steel and steel coated with zinc oxide to prevent rusting are other popular variations of steel used for sheet metal.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a steel alloy with at least 11% chromium content and less than 1.2% carbon by weight. This material offers superior corrosion resistance, fire and heat resistance, strength-to-weight ratio, and ease of manufacturing. Kitchen vessels, storage tanks for chemicals, and parts for food processing machinery are some of the common applications of stainless steel sheet metal.
To learn more about sheet metal and other metal products, get in touch with the team at LWS Manufacturing & Welding. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or products.
