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The Future of Thin Sheet Metal

Thin sheet metal is a commonly used material in different industries – from construction to aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer production/manufacturing. The reason being, it has a bunch of benefits that make it easy to ship or transport as well as use. The metals can vary from 3003, 6061 aluminum, 17-7, 302, and 304 stainless steel, and a variation of alloys.

Sheet metal forming technology and trends are applied in many major industries to manufacture absolute-shaped apparatuses from a workpiece. There are factors like rising demand from main consumer industries facilitating the growth of the thin Sheet Metal Fabrication (SMF) services industry.

Since thin sheet metal is lightweight, compact, weather-resistant, and perfectly fabricated, its future in the global market is steady. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the metal fabrication industry will grow by at least 9% between 2016 to 2026.

Here are some thin sheet metal market dynamics

1. End-User Industries

The biggest market driver for the manufacture of fabricated metal and parts is an increased demand from most major end-user trades. They include automotive, aerospace, defense, and medical industries.

In 2018, the automotive trade witnessed substantial growth. Given that metal is the main raw material in the said trade, sheet metal forming plays a big role. Currently, there are increasing investments in these industries. As a result, the global SMF services market will grow at a CAGR of above 5% by 2026.

Subsequently, the aerospace and defense trades are most likely estimated to exhibit robust progress. Due to globalization, the need for aircraft production has increased. Air travel has become a lifestyle now in developing countries. The growing demand for these products leads to a boost in the global thin sheet metal market on a significant scale.

2. Material

The market can be categorized into two; aluminum and steel. Aluminum sheets are widely used as they are lightweight yet sturdy. In addition, the continued use of aluminum sheet metal will ensure a steady growth curve. This is because the metal is highly regarded in most end-user trades.

When it comes to thin sheet steel, there are several categories:

• Carbon steel: Good strength and formability
• Alloy steel: Easily available, more responsive, and affordable
• Stainless steel: Highly resistant, easy to weld, and great formability
• Tool steel: A combination of carbon and alloy steel

They all have different properties, strengths, and applications. There are many types of thin sheet metals including, (but not limited to) 17-7 steel, 3003 aluminum, 303 and 304 stainless steel, brass and copper, etc.

Bottom-Line

Thin sheet metal is one of the most common constructions and manufacturing materials, so its position in the market is safe. The global sheet metal market was approximated to hold a value of $265 billion in the year 2018. The market is anticipated to display a CAGR of not less than 5% in the 2019-2025 forecast period.

The key advantages of using sheet metal are recyclability, high strength, sturdy structures, resistance, and availability. For top-quality sheet metals, get in touch with Thin Metal Sales today!

Different Grades of Aluminum and Their Applications

What aluminum grade should you use for your project? There are many different grades of aluminum available, and they each have their benefits. In this article, we will discuss the differences between 1100, 6061, and 3003 aluminum and give some other recommendations on what to use for your next project.

Different Aluminum Grades

The first thing you need to know about aluminum is the different grades that are available. Aluminum comes in three basic types: 1100, 3003, and 6061. The grade of the aluminum will determine the end-use application and price point. For example, 1100 is a lower-cost material than 6061 but cannot be used for high-temperature applications like cooking utensils or pot lids.

3003 Aluminum

3003 aluminum is pure aluminum with an addition of manganese to increase its strength. As an alloy of aluminum, it has, nominally, 1.2% Mn, 0.12% Cu, and 98.6% Al. It is readily weldable, has a relatively low cost per pound, and can be used in most applications. It does not have the corrosion resistance of 6061 or 1100, but it is an economical alternative to those grades for some purposes.

3003 aluminum is the most commonly used form of aluminum. It is a general-purpose alloy that can be used for cooking utensils and pot lids, but it cannot handle high temperatures like those found in an oven or grill.

6061 Aluminum

Aluminum grade 6061 is often called “The Workhorse Aluminum.” It has much better corrosion resistance than 300 series alloys. Other benefits include its high heat welding properties as well as its strength when compared with the same thickness of 250 alloys.

This aluminum alloy can be used for products that experience a high level of wear and tear, such as guttering or furniture with exposed corners. The increased strength also makes it the best option to use in situations where there are high levels of humidity because it has an improved corrosion resistance over other grades.

1100 Aluminum

This is the purest form of aluminum commercially available, as it’s made with 99% min purity. It has excellent workability and ductility. This makes it a great choice for challenging forming operations. Even though this metal does not harden when worked or heated as other metals do, its corrosion resistance and weldability make it very versatile. Its high thermal conductivity also gives it an edge in applications that require thermal conductivity.

Aluminum 1100 is a versatile metal, which means it can be shaped into different shapes and products. These include chemical equipment, fin stock, dials, railroad tank cars, and nameplates in the manufacturing industry. This soft yet strong alloy is also used by industries like plumbing and lighting as well as many other manufacturers across various sectors, from cooking utensils to rivets for construction projects.

Aluminum is one of the most versatile metals on earth. It has a wide range of applications and is an important building material that can be used in many different ways, from construction to cooking utensils. However, you need to find the right supplier whether you need 3003 aluminum or any other grade. For more information on how you can get the highest grade aluminum, thin sheet metal, or combined metals, contact Thin Metal Sales today.

3 Factors to Consider When Selecting Thin Steel Sheet

Currently, sheet metal accounts for over $30 billion in U.S. revenue, which is not a surprise because every manufacturing industry utilizes sheet metal in its operations. The automotive, engineering, and aerospace industries have found major uses for thin sheet metal in their manufacturing operations. Sheet metal can be made from various metals, such as aluminum, copper and brass, nickel, steel, and titanium. Thin steel sheet is one of the most versatile, durable, and reliable sheet metal that manufacturers use for their every-day production.

When finding a supplier for your thin steel sheet, you should consider the following factors.

1. What’s Your Desired Thickness?

Thin steel sheet comes in different gauges. Thinner sheets have a higher gauge number, while thicker metal sheets have a smaller gauge number. Knowing the exact thickness of sheet metal that you need is crucial in your manufacturing operations. The thickness of thin steel sheet will influence sheet metal fabrication. Metal fabrication refers to the process of using sheet metal to create your desired products. Fabrication of thin sheet metal can be through welding, shearing, punching, machining, press brake forming, and laser cutting.

To make your metal fabrication process more efficient, it’s important that you order thin steel sheet with the exact measurements. This will reduce wastages and manufacturing errors that are not only costly but lead to operational downtimes. It’s estimated that manufacturers use 30-50% of their operational time to fix manufacturing errors in their products. Almost half of these errors, 24%, are design errors, and they can be prevented by ordering sheet metal of the right thickness. Also, the thickness of your sheet metal may also influence how you finish your products. Sheet metal can be finished through brushing, plating, liquid and powder coating, silk-screening, anodizing, and laser-etching.

2. Order Your Thin Steel Sheet From a Reputable Supplier

A good metal supplier will supply you with customized thin metal strips of the right thickness. The good thing about the top metal suppliers is that they can deliver thin sheet metal that is cut-to-size and has the exact thickness that you desire. This way, you can enhance your manufacturing operations because you won’t need to resize your metal sheets in your factory.

Although you’ll still need to invest in cutting tools such as snips, hacksaws, nibblers, jigsaws, and band saws, you won’t use a lot of time cutting your sheet metal because the supplier will have done much of the cutting. A good thin steel sheet supplier may even visit your factory to get a more accurate idea of how you want your sheet metal to be made and delivered. The supplier should also deliver your thin sheet metal in time so that your manufacturing operations can run as scheduled. Given that the quality of your sheet metal will determine the overall quality of your products, you must trust a top sheet metal supplier near you to provide you with quality thin steel sheet.

3. Look for Fair and Affordable Rates

While thin sheet metal doesn’t come cheap, a good supplier will offer you affordable rates that will give you a better ROI. In North America, 69% of all steel is recycled each year, which accounts for over 80 million tons. As such, there’s enough supply of stainless steel for all industries in the United States. Reputable suppliers may buy steel in bulk and take advantage of the economies of scale. When you buy your thin steel sheet from these suppliers, you may enjoy better prices. With sheet metal being a major raw material for your manufacturing operations, you’ll make great savings when you buy thin steel sheet at a discount. This will help you manufacture more products and increase your company earnings.

When buying thin steel sheet for your manufacturing industry, know your desired thickness and buy from a reputable metal supplier who will deliver top-quality sheet metal at a great price. Such a dealer may also supply thin aluminum strips, copper, brass, and other combined metals.

Properties and Applications of 6061 Aluminum

Aluminum alloys are known for their excellent corrosion resistance, machinability, and weight-to-strength ratio. Different grades contain components that may include zinc, silicon, copper, and brass. The elements are included in the alloy to give it additional properties for a wide range of applications. Let’s delve into the characteristics of 6061 alloys.

6061 Corrosion and Cracking

6061 aluminum was the first alloy to demonstrate acceptable levels of resistance to stress and corrosion. The grade primarily contains Magnesium and Silicon elements. Other elements in descending order include iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and titanium.

The 6061 alloy contains copper, unlike other grades such as the 5052. That makes it more resistant to corrosion than other alloys. It has excellent corrosion-resistance performance against ammonia hydroxide and nitric acid.

Strength and Structural Applications

The 6061 aluminum is a medium-to-high strength alloy with many structural applications. The alloy has 0.2% Chromium, which gives it additional strength characteristics. It has a tensile strength between 20 and 42 KSI.

The alloy has excellent formability and weldability, which is why it is viable for a wide range of uses. It has enough strength and corrosion resistance for automotive, architectural, and structural applications. Manufacturers will often choose the grade for sheet metal assemblies, electronic parts, chemical tanks, among others.

Heat Treatment and Mechanical Properties

To improve the machining and mechanical properties of the alloy, aluminum alloys have to be heat treated. The 6061 alloys can respond to heat treatment. It is used for making automotive parts and construction materials.

The 6061 grade is treated in a solution and then aged to enhance its properties. 6061-T6 aluminum is aged artificially; then, it is heat-treated to maximize its strength.

6061 Versus 6063 Alloy

The 6000 series alloys all contain magnesium and silicon and are usually for architectural extrusions. The 6063 grade is a natural choice for many extrusion applications. Its main advantage over 6061 is that it is easy to forge it into complex shapes and forms. For that reason, manufacturers use it to make steel frames, irrigation tubing, storage tanks, and truck frames.

6061 aluminum offers higher performance than 6063. The 6061-T6 temper has a comparable strength to steel, making it suitable for applications where strength is crucial.

6061 Versus 7075

While the 6061 alloy contains silicon and magnesium, the primary alloying element for the 7000 series is Zinc. The 7075 has high strength, which manufacturers achieve through tempering the combined metals. It is the top choice for high-stress applications and can replace stainless steel.

Because it has negligible amounts of copper, it is less reliable when corrosion resistance is required. The 6061 aluminum has better workability, weldability, and is more versatile than the 7075 alloys. The applications for 7075 are mainly in the aerospace industry, where high strength and low weight are critical factors.

The 6061 alloy is one of the top choices for extrusion and is referred to as structural aluminum. It is versatile and corrosion-resistant, and it has a combination of good mechanical properties. You can use it to make thin sheet metal and a wide range of industrial applications.

Why 3003 Aluminum Remains the Most Commonly Used Alloy Grade

The next time you purchase an N-95 mask, check around the bridge of the nose. On the upper side, you may notice a thin sheet metal. The tiny strip is commonly made from 3003 aluminum. It represents one of the many applications for the versatile aluminum grade.

The aluminum ore, converted from bauxite, is the most abundant metal element in the earth’s crust. The Aluminum market had a valuation of $147.2 billion globally as of 2018, with projections pointing towards a 6.5% CAGR to hit $235.8 billion by 2025.

With so many aluminum alloys among the combined metals, the Aluminum Association came up with a four-digit classification for the different grades. 3003 aluminum is part of the 3xxx series. It is not only the most commonly used alloy within the series but across all alloys. It is arguably on the best general-purpose thin metal strips around. Here are several properties that make 3003 Aluminum the most common alloy grade.

1. Chemical Composition

3003 aluminum is essentially commercially pure aluminum with the addition of metallic elements such as magnesium, zinc, and copper to the aluminum base. The alloy gets a 20% increase in strength over the 1100 grade due to the manganese addition. It may contain 98.6% pure aluminum, 1.0 Mn, 0.12% Cu, and 0.1 Zn. The numbers are ‘typical’; you may have to reach out to a Thin Metal Sales representative to check if the properties meet your required application.

2. Corrosion Resistance

The 3003 Aluminum metal alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, making it a popular option for a variety of industries. It makes up an ideal combined metal in a wide range of atmospheric environments, especially in the food and construction industries.

3. Hardness

On strength metrics, the 3003 aluminum grade ranks among the medium. It is not hardened by heating but through cold work. As a work-hardened alloy, it is often described as non-heat-treatable. The hardening is through mechanical deformation such as rolling or hammering to change its structure. Depending on the method used, you can find different hardness designations, including ‘H-14’ and ‘H-18.’

4. Workability

One of the most beneficial properties of aluminum is its formability. Bending is one of the main ways to determine workability and a key feature in the fabrication process. Taking into consideration formability, thickness, and bend radius, 3003 aluminum is an excellent candidate for bending. Between moderate strength and cold formability, it offers among the best balance on yield and tensile strength.

5. Variety of Applications

You will commonly find 3003 aluminum in settings that require moderate strength and excellent formability. These properties render the alloy a general-purpose combined metal. Some of the industrial applications include.

• Construction: Aluminum 3003 is present on roofs, folded sheets, siding, garage doors, and more
• Automotive: Truck and trailer roofing
• Oil and Gas: You may use it in fuel tanks, pipe jacketing, gas lines, and much more

You may also find additional applications in the food, chemical, and architectural industries.

The strength and workability properties of the 3003 aluminum make the alloy an ideal choice for various uses. You can contact Thin Metal Sales Inc. to make your order for your aluminum needs. Our competitive rates, excellent customer service, and processing technologies give us an edge in supplying combined metals nationwide.

Why A Rolling Partner Is Important When Buying Sheet Metal

There no doubt that metal fabrication jobs play an important role in manufacturing. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the metal fabrication industry is on track to add 12,000 jobs over the next decade.

When it comes to ordering copper sheet metal for sale, aluminum, or some other kind of metal, surface finish is one of the most important factors to look at. It’s true that there are different types of surface finishes, but the surface finish isn’t something to be ignored or thought of lightly.

Consider for example, if you’re buying copper sheet metal for sale or a combined metal like copper brass. As you go to buy the copper, you need to consider the following points that finish can have on that copper:

• Visual appeal
• Corrosion resistance
• Different effects on manufacturing options
• Economic considerations depending on finishes

Once you’ve zeroed in on a finish and determined that it works monetarily, and for a manufacturer and their application, then all the metal — for example, copper—needs to have the same finish. Using your copper sheet metal for sale, you can ensure consistency, quality, and repeatability. If you’re buying metal, let’s say from a steel buyer, then you need to work with them to make sure that they’re selling you metal that’s the same high quality each time. This is because the surface finish can be affected by a lot of things including thickness, cleanliness, and the finish on the actual rolls.

If you’ve got copper sheet metal for sale, and you’re wondering what’s the best surface finish to go with, you have a lot of options. Whether you’re looking at a mirror finish for a shinier appearance, a more traditional mill finish, you want to make sure you pick the best one for the project you’re working on.

As you ponder what the best surface finish will be, you want to work hand-in-hand with a precision rolling partner. That partner can help you select the right surface roughness for the metal you buy, which in turn will help determine the finish for your application. Rolled out as thin steel sheets work better whether the application is one where thin copper strips or stainless steel are most appropriate. If you can find a rolling partner that you work well with, you’ll be able to turn out quality applications for a long time.

3 Common Uses for Aluminum

When most people think of aluminum, they think about aluminum foil, which can be torn into thin aluminum strips and used for several purposes around the house. It’s versatile due to it being a soft metal, which means it can be folded and reshaped easily. It can also hold heat and let heat transfer through it without heating up itself. This versatility has its benefits around the home, but it’s not limited to the home.

Broadly speaking, aluminum has a number of uses, and depending on what you need the aluminum for, the alloy you choose will change. Here are just a few common uses for aluminum that you may come across.

Types of Aluminum

There are different types of aluminum. 3003 aluminum is the more common of the two different types of aluminum. Thin aluminum strips of aluminum 3003 can easily be reshaped while retaining their strength. This tends to have tons of uses throughout several industries. 6061 aluminum is stronger than 3003 aluminum because, as an alloy, it adds silicon as well as magnesium. Its uses, due to its strength, tend to be industrial.

Aluminum Is a Common Household Item

Many people use aluminum every single day in their own home without much thought to their routine. This goes back to the pliability of aluminum, which makes it very versatile. It’s used in cooking all the time. However, it’s also commonly used in furniture and cans for food. These common uses are, at their most basic, how most people interact with aluminum on a day-to-day basis.

Aluminum Is Often Used in Wiring

Thin aluminum strips are sometimes referred to as aluminum tape, and it is commonly used in electrical wiring. This goes back to the versatility of aluminum. It’s resistant to corrosion, easily reshaped, handles heat well, and conducts electricity. This makes aluminum a great product to use in wiring, be it electrical or cable.

Aluminum Is Commonly Used in Construction

Owing to the strength of 6061 aluminum, it’s commonly used in construction. This is because this alloy is better able to hold heavyweights and is a bit more durable than 3003 aluminum. It’s also corrosion-resistant and puts less stress on a building than other metals do at its junction points, making the entire structure stronger. This strength makes aluminum 6061 popular in buildings as well as in chemical equipment, as it lasts longer than other metals.

Whether it is rolled, in a tube, in a sheet, or in plate form, aluminum along with steel and stainless steel are among the most common metals bought by consumers. It is largely due to versatility, which ranges from industrial uses to cooking at home. This versatility has made thin aluminum strips very popular for things like transformers and cable alike.

How to Pick the Right Stainless Steel Grade

Stainless steel is arguably one of the greatest inventions in human history. With millions of applications spanning across every major industry, the production of the metal alloy continues to rise globally. In 2019, worldwide steel production was approximated at 52.2 million metric tons, more than doubling from a decade before.

Stainless steel comes in a variety of grades, such as 302 stainless steel. With over 3500 grades to choose from, it can be challenging for fabricators to find the right grade. Here are five tips to guide you during the selection process.

1. Operating Environment

The metal alloy or combined metals are forged from a combination of steel and other metals such as chromium and nickel. Steel’s anti-corrosive properties and versatility make it vital in countless applications in industries such as construction, automobiles, food and beverage, medical, and chemical processing, to name a few.

You need to find a steel grade that will uphold the best in a given environment. Think about the conditions that the steel product will face. High temperatures, varying pH levels, stress, and corrosion may impact the functionality of your steel. Austenitic grades such as 302 stainless steel, 304, and 316 series retain their strength, corrosion resistance, and toughness properties on a broad temperature range.

2. Mechanical Qualities

Next, you may need to give importance to mechanical qualities, such as strength, ductility, and toughness. Strength refers to the stress that a metal can withstand before deforming or fracturing. Ductility relates to the ability of a metal to have its shape changed. Toughness is the ability to deform and absorb energy before a metal fracture.

Stainless steel contains 10-30% chromium that aids in corrosion prevention. Nickel addition in austenitic grades like 302 stainless provides the highest toughness and ductility. Martensitic steels, like grade 440C, provide the best strength.

3. Corrosion Resistance

While stainless steel gets a good rap for being corrosion resistant, it varies greatly among the different grades. Austenitic grades such as 316, 304, and 302 stainless steel are among the most sought after for corrosion resistance due to high levels of chromium. Ferritic steel grades and martensitic are more affordable but will have fewer percentages of nickel and chromium.

4. Formability

If the application of the stainless steel casts requires good formability, it would be wise to avoid martensitic grades. These grades often tend to be brittle and not formable. Austenitic grades such as 304 stainless steel or 302 stainless steel would be an excellent choice. Ferritic grades such as 430 can also work.

5. Material Cost and Availability

You may need to find out the common applications of the different grades of steel to help you choose the right one for your project. Alloy 302 stainless steel is commonly used in stamping and spinning. Ferritic grade 409 is majorly in automotive exhaust systems, while austenitic 316L is for chemical applications that require welding. Austenitic steel grades are usually the most expensive upfront. Carefully examine the cost, needs, and availability of the thin sheet metal before settling for one.

Stainless steel is useful for a wide range of applications due to the versatility in steel grades. Finding the right steel to use is vital in reducing maintenance, downtime, and replacement costs. Thin Metal Sales provides the highest quality of custom premium grade stainless steel sheets. Contact us now to discuss your stainless steel grade needs.

5 Reasons Why Car Manufacturers Are Increasingly Using 304 Stainless Steel

As of 2016, there are an estimated 138,900 sheet metal workers in the United States, and a good number of them work with stainless steel. Stainless steel has many structural properties that make it suitable for automotive applications, such as being non-magnetic and resistant to corrosion. Apart from these, there are various other reasons why car manufacturers are increasingly using 304 stainless steel over other metal alloys. Let’s explore the following five reasons.

1. It Has Structural Integrity and Crashworthiness

Crashworthiness and reliable safety systems are critical for keeping passengers safe in vehicles. In the past, manufacturers preferred to use carbon stainless steel for its ability to absorb impact. Carbon stainless is still widely used in many applications because it is cost-effective.

However, in recent years, 304 stainless steel has proven to be more beneficial for noise and vibration reduction. Additionally, thin steel sheet can effectively absorb energy, resist rusting, and has exceptional formability. These features make the metal suitable for building structural parts of the car.

2. It’s Suitable for Gaskets and Fittings

Stainless steel is also becoming the metal of choice for gaskets, screws, horse fittings, and windscreen parts. One of the reasons manufacturers favor 304 stainless steel is because of its heat resistance and anti-corrosion properties. It is better than other grades of combined metals since it is strong but also aesthetically pleasing.

Automobiles today need to resist corrosion and heat while using safe materials. In the past, toxic materials like asbestos were placed between two sheets of metal to absorb heat. However, modern gaskets have between three and five metal sheets of 304 stainless steel. The assembly can handle high temperatures while complying with regulations.

3. It Creates a Protective Passive Film

Thin sheet metal can form a protective layer to resist corrosion and harsh elements of the weather. If there is damage to the coating, it can regenerate in an oxidizing atmosphere. For that reason, stainless steel is one of the best structural parts of the car exposed to moisture and chemicals.

4. It’s Cleaner and Has More Reliable Fuel Tanks

Modern cars need fuel tanks that can handle very high temperatures and toxic chemicals. This is partly due to the fuel delivery technology that returns unused fuel to the tank. Its outer surface also has to resist chemicals, dust, and grime.

Other than being resistant to corrosion and heat, stainless steel will hardly absorb chemicals. Therefore, it results in lower emissions than other materials used for fuel tanks. Automobile manufacturers are also using 304 stainless steel for its affordability and formability.

5. It Has Better Performance for Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters can reduce the emission of exhaust from the car engine. For a long time, the most widely used material has been ceramic due to its heat resistant properties. Unfortunately, ceramic can be heavy and bulky. The most recent converters use a minimal quantity of ceramic mixed with stainless steel.

304 stainless steel has another advantage for catalytic converters in that it can conduct electricity. The material can be pre-heated so that the exhaust is warm when you start the car. More manufacturers are utilizing the alloy for modern automobiles thanks to its reliability.

304 stainless steel has many useful features that are not just limited to the automobile industry. Before you choose thin metal sheets for your applications, consult a supplier with experience in providing quality grade stainless steel.

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.