5 Benefits of Using Thin Sheet Metal in Your Manufacturing Operations
Manufacturers in many industries rely on thin sheet metal to make their products. From automotive, construction, equestrian, to aerospace, thin sheet metal is a primary material in the production process. And this is why the global sheet metal market is projected to grow at an average rate of 4.09% up to 2022. The many benefits of using thin sheet metal account for the continuous growth and increased utility in manufacturing operations.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of using thin sheet metal.
1. There Is a Wide Variety of Thin Metal Strips to Choose From
Sheet metal exists in an extensive range of alloys such as Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper Brass, and thin Aluminum strips. With the many different alloys of sheet metal, you can choose the one that suits your needs best. The different metal compositions have varying qualities and properties that you can leverage to improve your products and manufacturing operations.
The strength, aesthetics, and rust resistance of sheet metal are some of the top qualities manufacturers consider. For instance, stainless steel is heavily utilized in the construction industry because of its flexibility, strength, visual appeal, and resistance to high corrosion. Similarly, the automotive industry utilizes aluminum sheets when making vehicles because of its light weight. The fact that sheet metal is available in many different forms increases its utility and versatility in manufacturing operations.
2.Thin Sheet Metal Can Be Cut-To-Length and Customized to Fit Your Exact Needs
A good sheet metal supplier can cut your sheet metal as per your precise specifications. As such, you can give specific measurements for the width and length of your sheet metal, and your supplier will deliver. A good supplier should provide custom slit-to-width and cut-to-length sheet metal as per your detailed specifications. This goes a long way in boosting the production rate of your manufacturing operations by reducing engineering errors.
Studies have found out that manufacturers spend 30-50% of their productive time correcting errors in their products, of which 24% are design errors. When you have your metal sheet supplied in exact quantities and measurements, it will be easy to avoid design errors in your manufacturing process.
3. Thin Sheet Metal Allows Manufacturers to Finish Products Using Different Methods
Products made from thin sheet metal can utilize standard finishing techniques such as abrasive sandblasting, powder coating, brushing, plating and polishing. Depending on the type of sheet metal you utilize, you may finish your products to protect them from corrosion or for aesthetics purposes. Since thin sheet metal can bend into different shapes and sizes, you can design your products so it’s easy to apply your ideal finishing technique.
4. Thin Sheet Metal is Durable
The different alloys of sheet metal available allow you to choose the type of sheet metal that can withstand tough operating conditions. If your products are used in tough outdoor conditions, you may choose stainless steel because it’s resistant to corrosion. For your electrical components, such as motors and wiring, you may utilize copper because it has excellent electrical conductivity. Whatever your purpose is, you’ll find an alloy of sheet metal that will give your products long service life.
5. Thin Sheet Metal Creates Employment and Benefits the Economy
Today, sheet metal contributes $30 billion in revenue to the U.S. economy. There are more than 138,900 sheet metal workers who earn a living from working in the thin sheet metal industry. Most manufacturers utilize sheet metal in their operations. The availability of sheet metal makes it more affordable for manufacturers. In the long run, using sheet metal will not only boost your manufacturing operations, but it will also significantly contribute to the U.S. economy.
If you’re not already using thin sheet metal in your manufacturing operations, the above benefits should make you consider sheet metal. Not only is thin sheet metal readily available in many forms, but it’s also affordable and durable. You can purchase thin sheet metal in bulk or small quantities from a sheet metal supplier near you.