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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.

The Differences Between Aluminum 3003 and Aluminum 6061

Aluminum is not just the most abundant metal on Earth, but it’s also a unique metal with a wide array of uses. It can be recycled almost completely without any change to it. This metal is also ductile, won’t become brittle in the cold, and is lightweight.

All of these properties make it a common choice for construction, but at its purest form may be too soft for particular applications. This problem is solved by combining it with other metals which are offered in different forms including aluminum 3003 and aluminum 6061. These are two of the most common choices for projects, but have differences between them.

Which of these would be the best for certain tasks, and what are the differences? Keep reading to learn which one you should choose, and what applications complement each one.

What Are Combined Metals?

When two or more metallic elements are combined alloys are created, and can take on some of the other metals’ properties. Different properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, workability, and density can be adjusted by adding different metals to make alloys that work best for certain projects. Understanding two of the most popular forms of aluminum alloys will allow you to choose the correct one for your intended application.

What Is Aluminum Alloy 3003?

3003 aluminum is the most commonly used aluminum alloy. This alloy is created from being combined with manganese, and this creates an increase in strength. Aluminum alloy 3003 also has corrosion resistance, great workability, and is able to be welded.

Aluminum’s formability is one of its greatest properties, and aluminum 3003 alloy is able to be bent more than others. This alloy is able to bend due to its strength, workability, and elongation.

It is difficult to list all of this alloy’s applications because of it being a general-use alloy. It is commonly used in the food and chemical industry in things like storage containers, pipes, cooking utensils, and chemical handling equipment. It is also used in things such as car radiators, fuel tanks, roofing, and siding.

What Is Aluminum Alloy 6061?

Aluminum 6061 contains magnesium and silicon as the main elements added to the aluminum to create the alloy. It is also a general-use alloy and has similarities to it. 6061 aluminum has high strength, corrosion resistance, and is able to be welded like 3003.

6061 Aluminum has higher strength, so it is commonly used in structural materials. This alloy is the better machining alloy because of its strength when welded with bolts and screws. 6061 aluminum experiences minimum stress at the point where pieces are connected, and this makes it last longer than 3003 aluminum as a structural material.

The strength of 6061 aluminum will also be the better choice for structural parts because of its yield strength. This is the measurement of how much stress it takes to cause the materials to deform, and this results in the instability of a building. Aluminum 6061 is more resistant than aluminum 3003, and this makes it the better choice for applications that need heavy strength in the materials.

6061 aluminum has a long list of uses since it is also one of the most commonly used alloys. The main applications of this alloy include chemical equipment, electronic parts, furniture, and welded assemblies. It is used for structural materials in products that are needed to be welded together.

There are a lot of options of sheet metal for your project since it is contributing about $30 billion in U.S. revenue. 3003 and 6001 aluminum are two of the most popular alloy options because of their ability to take on any benefits that aluminum doesn’t have on its own. It is important to know the differences between these two alloys when making your project material decision.

How the Right Thin Sheet Metals Can Help You Achieve Your Business Goals

If you operate any business that deals with thin sheet metal, then you are probably aware of just how much of an impact they can make on your jobs. Customers notice when you use high-quality materials on your jobs. Your competitors and others in the industry notice as well. So why would you cut corners when it comes to your thin sheet metals? There are many reasons, most of which depend on the overall goals and vision that you have for your business. That’s why we have decided to present this list of a few of the ways in which the right thin sheet metals can help you get closer to achieving each and every one of your business goals, no matter how large or small they may be.

The Right Thin Sheet Metals Make for More Efficient Projects and Workflow

Efficiency is one of the most important metrics that you can use when you are looking at the overall productivity of your business. Without effective workflow and production methods, you are simply throwing money right out the window. It is far better for you to be aware of the areas where you may be lacking so that you can correct them. If you are anything like most businesses who work in the metal fabrication industry, then you are probably not using the right thin sheet metals for the job. Realizing this is the first step towards creating more effective systems for getting the job done the right way.

When you invest in the right metals for your tasks, you will instantly notice that your team is more productive and your workflow is enhanced for each project that you take on. This is helpful for standing out in an industry that is only going to continue to grow. After all, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metal fabrication industry is projected to add 12,000 jobs to the sector over this decade.

The Right Thin Sheet Metals Make a Strong First Impression

When you are working with clients every little detail matters. This is especially true if you have a new client whose favor you are trying to win over. Those who require special metals for their jobs will take notice if you are not working with the absolute best materials that are on the current market. Most clients will not be fooled by this. Instead, they will usually turn tail and end up spending their money with another provider. Thankfully you can make a great first impression by simply investing in the right sheet metals. Contact an experienced supplier to get an estimate and learn more about how you can enhance your business with the most current thin sheet metals.

At Thin Metal Sales our team is here to offer a large variety of thin sheet metals from thin aluminum strips and stainless steel all the way up to more specialized forms of metals such as 6061 aluminum and ASTM a666. If you are ever wondering how you can make your business that much more effective and reliable through the use of thin sheet metals, then please do not be afraid to take the first step and get in touch with a member of our team today for even more information on everything that we have to offer. We are excited to help you make your business goals a reality with the latest and greatest thin sheet metals.

What Sheet Metal Is Best For You?

The most popular metal purchases include aluminum in a tube, bar or sheet form, cold or hot rolled steel, and stainless steel. Out of these popular metals, it’s important to know the difference between them. Once you know which metal will be best suited for your needs, you can look up metal sales near me and make your purchase.

Pros of Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most common types of metal sheets used in the manufacturing world, with 3003 aluminum being one of the commonly used types of aluminum in manufacturing. With aluminum, it has more elasticity and is more malleable than steel. Though there are some exceptions to this with certain aluminum, like 6061 aluminum. However, there are more types of aluminum that have more elasticity than steel. Aluminum has a high weight ratio/strength while being an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. This metal is found to be cheaper than stainless steel, making a good option when searching for metal sales near me.

Cons of Aluminum

While aluminum has a great number of benefits, there are a few cons to this metal. Aluminum is much more likely to deform and warp when in heat over 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Because aluminum is a high conductor of heat, it can make this metal harder to weld. It’s also unable to be used in culinary tools, as aluminum has reactions with food products.

Pros of Stainless Steel

Unlike aluminum, stainless steel is easier to weld with. Stainless steel is a combination of steel that contains at least 10.5% of chromium. This means that the chromium supplies the steel with an added benefit of more corrosion resistance. With chromium, there is an added sheen to the materials, making it a more aesthetically pleasing option. Stainless steel is much harder than aluminum. Because it’s harder than aluminum, stainless steel is less likely to warp and deform under any kind of force or high temperature. Stainless steel having higher heat resistance than aluminum means that in situations where sanitation is important, stainless steel is the better option.

Cons of Stainless Steel

With aluminum being the cheaper option, stainless steel is the more expensive option. The cost of stainless steel can vary depending on the metals that the steel has been combined with, chromium being an example. The more metals that are combined with the stainless steel, the more expensive the already high costing metal becomes. The weight/strength ratio is very low as well, meaning that stainless steel is not only very hard, it’s extremely heavy as well. This makes maneuvering this metal more difficult than it would be maneuvering aluminum.

Pros of Carbon Steel

Both low carbon steel and high carbon steel are the cheapest options out of these metals, cheaper than aluminum. Low carbon steel is very easy to make, due to the carbon levels being lower. This kind of steel is very easy to weld with and shows both great durability levels along with good heat transfer levels. Low carbon steel is a very popular option because of these benefits. With high carbon steel, this material is more durable than both stainless steel and aluminum. With its high durability, it is improbable that this material would warp or deform under high heat temperatures.

Cons of Carbon Steel

With low carbon steel, it has less strength than stainless steel. This kind of metal is susceptible to corrosion, making it a bad option for any kind of water setting. With high carbon steel, the high carbon content can cause brittle metal. This type of metal isn’t corrosion resistant either and needs to be finished or painted in order to prevent deforming or rusting.

When searching for metal sales near me, these are the kinds of facts that should be taken into consideration. By having an increased knowledge of these metals and their uses, looking for “metal sales near me” will be a much easier process.

Guide to Thin Steel Sheets in Manufacturing

Thin sheet metal is the basis for many engineering projects. Thin metal strips are used in cars, furniture, and electronics. Its use accounts for approximately $30 billion in revenue across the country. Here is a guide to the use of thin steel sheets in the engineering and manufacturing process.

What is Sheet Metal?

Sheet metal comes in many forms and shapes and consists of any metal with a thickness between 0.5 to six millimeters. In engineering and manufacturing, thickness for a thin steel sheet can also be measured by gauges. A gauge measures the metal’s thickness by its relation to its weight per square foot. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the metal is. The thickness for the same gauge can be different for various metals such as aluminum and stainless steel.

Common Materials

There are various metals that can be used for engineering in the form of sheets. The metal you choose depends on your product’s requirements and application. A thin steel sheet has high durability and tensile strength. Copper and brass are typically used as decorative layers.

Sheet Metal Production Process

Hot rolling and cold rolling are the two ways that sheet metal is produced. Cold rolling typically only produces sheet metal for construction steels up to three millimeters in thickness. Hot rolling is used for greater thicknesses because it’s more cost-efficient.

When it comes to engineering projects, cold-rolled steels are more preferred for precision applications. This is because it gives engineers greater control over the final dimensions. With hot-rolled steels, the metal can shrink slightly and change its shape after cooling.

Sheet Metal Forming Processes

The choice of forming process for sheet metal you choose will depend on the cost, metal availability, and your desired outcome. Sheet metal bending applies stress to the metal to end until plastic deformation is reached. This prevents the thin metal sheet from returning to its former shape. Sheet metal curling creates a circular ring at the edge of the sheet metal for safer handling. Camber is removed from sheet metal through the process of decambering.

In deep drawing, the shape of the sheet metal is molded using a series of dies in multiple stages. The sheet can be converted into various shapes such as automobile parts, sinks, and fuel tanks during large batch productions. Sheet metal expanding is commonly used to create a self-draining product such as catwalks, platforms, and fences. These are just a few of the many various sheet metal forming processes that can be used for manufacturing and engineering projects.

The possibilities are endless for the use of thin metal sheets in the manufacturing process. Thin steel sheets offer the greatest durability and strength for any project. For more information on thin metal sheets for your production process, contact Thin Metal Sales today.