Exploring 3 Types of Aluminum Sheet Metal for Your Next Project
Leave a CommentIf you need thin aluminum strips for your next metalworking project, it’s important that you choose the right type of aluminum sheet metal for the job. If you’re not sure what type of aluminum thin sheet metal you want to work with yet, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s review a few different types of aluminum sheet metal to consider.
Perforated Aluminum Sheet Metal
Perforated aluminum sheets, also known as plate aluminum, are commonly used for projects that require a strong aesthetic presentation. This is because this type of aluminum sheet metal is known for its aesthetic appeal. Some of the most common applications where this metal is used include interior and exterior design, decorative panels, ceiling detailing, and screens. It’s also common to see this metal used in food and pharmaceutical industries as a result of its durability and easy-to-clean nature.
Brushed Aluminum Sheet Metal
Aluminum typically comes in two forms: brushed and unbrushed. Brushed aluminum is preferred by some because it has a more consistent pattern on its surface than unbrushed aluminum. Brushed metal also comes with the benefit of already looking a little bit distressed, which can add aesthetic appeal to almost any project you’re working on. On unbrushed thin aluminum strips, it’s easier to notice a scratch or other imperfections that aren’t purposeful. Interior designers typically use this type of aluminum sheet metal to accentuate certain features or create an accent wall.
Composite Aluminum Sheet Metal
Composit aluminum sheets are some of the lightest sheet metal in the world as a result of their construction. Despite their low weight, they’re incredibly sturdy. In fact, their structure makes them an excellent choice if you need to do external cladding work. Considering that sheet metal accounts for almost $30 billion in revenue, there’s no question that aluminum is a top seller. Composite aluminum, in particular, is easy to install and transport.
No matter what kind of project you’re working on, it’s likely that there’s a type of aluminum sheet metal out there that can help you out. The key is choosing the right one. For all of your aluminum sheet metal needs, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.
The Day in the Life of a Sheet Metal Worker
Leave a CommentThe metal fabrication industry is projected to grow by 9% from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means there will likely be an increase in demand for sheet metal workers, but what exactly do these professionals do?
Let’s take a look at the day in the life of a sheet metal worker that works with thin steel sheet materials, combined metals, and more.
Working Conditions
Sheet metal workers typically have 40-hour workweeks with consistent hours. They work indoors and must wear personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, work boots, hard hats, ear protectors, and gloves. This job is hands-on and often involves working closely with other sheet metal workers.
Daily Duties
What do sheet metal workers do on a daily basis? Take a look at a few typical duties:
- Review blueprints and convert them into shop drawings
- Establish project requirements, such as methods, needed materials, scope, and assembly sequences
- Determine dimensions, measurements, and reference lines for project materials
- Assemble products using a variety of methods
- Repair thin steel sheet metal items
- Smooth, grind, or trim parts using tools
Weekly and Monthly Duties
Depending on the company they work for, sheet metal workers perform the following tasks on a weekly or monthly basis:
- Work on construction sites to fabricate parts using a variety of tools
- Transfer prefabricated parts to construction sites
- Install various fabricated parts
- Lead maintenance of various equipment to ensure repairs are made in a timely manner
- Perform mechanical inspections of a building’s various systems
Importance of the Metal Fabrication Industry
So, why is understanding what a sheet metal worker does on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis important? Our economy heavily relies on the metal fabrication industry. Without experts in combined metals, aluminum, brass and copper, and thin steel sheet and stainless steel materials, our home and building electrical systems would be very difficult to both create and maintain.
Sheet metal workers understand the ins and outs of the materials they work with, and they have the ability to warp them to meet the needs of systems that operate within homes and buildings alike.
The metal fabrication industry is an important one, which is why it’s paramount to have an understanding of what sheet metal workers do and how they keep our homes and buildings operating efficiently. If you’re interested in purchasing thin steel sheet materials and more, contact Thin Metal Sales today!