Construction

In the construction sector, sheet metal is commonly used for roofing, gutters, wall panels, and HVAC systems. Its ability to be easily cut and shaped makes it a go-to material for custom architectural elements and cladding.

Automotive

The automotive industry relies heavily on both thin sheet metal and heavier gauges for manufacturing vehicle bodies, frames, and internal components. Its light weight and durability are critical for fuel efficiency and passenger safety.

Appliance Manufacturing

Sheet metal is a staple in the production of home and commercial appliances. From washing machines and refrigerators to air conditioning units and microwaves, thin sheet metal provides the perfect combination of strength and malleability for both aesthetic exterior panels and functional internal components.

Aerospace

In aerospace engineering, thin sheet metal is used to create aircraft skins, control panels, and other critical parts. Its light weight contributes to the overall efficiency and performance of aircraft.

Electronics

Sheet metal is also essential in the electronics industry. Enclosures, casings, and brackets made of thin sheet metal protect delicate electronic components from external damage and help with heat dissipation.

How Sheet Metal is Measured

Sheet metal is specifically formed to be thin and flat to cover large areas, making it easy to cut into any size or shape. It is used in a variety of industries for repairs and maintenance and is typically less than 3/16″ thick.

Sheet metal is measured in gauges, which indicate the thickness of the material. Unlike plate, which is measured in inches, the gauge system can be less straightforward because the numbering decreases as the material gets thicker. For instance, a 10-gauge sheet is thicker than a 20-gauge sheet. You can use a sheet metal gauge chart to simplify the conversion from gauge to inches or millimetres for your sheet metal supply.

Thicker material is called plate and is available here. Plates are generally used for structural applications where greater strength and thickness are required, whereas sheet metal is preferred for applications that require more flexibility and easier handling.

To easily convert gauges into inches or millimetres, check out our sheet metal gauge chart. This tool ensures you get the correct thickness for your sheet metal supply. Learn more about the differences between metal sheet and plate.

Types of Sheet Metal

Sheet metal is available in the following metal types:

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel sheet metal is a versatile material enhanced with additional elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum to improve its mechanical properties, such as strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. This makes it ideal for demanding automotive, aerospace, and construction applications. The improved durability and performance of alloy steel sheet metal make it suitable for manufacturing heavy-duty components, structural elements, and specialized machinery parts.

Aluminum

Aluminum sheet is available in a variety of forms, offering excellent weldability and formability along with strong corrosion resistance. It is well suited for tough conditions such as chemical, marine, and saltwater applications, and it can also be used for structural framing and motorcycle and automobile parts. Anodized aluminum sheet is particularly popular for those situations that demand a better decorative finish while providing increased protection against corrosion and fatigue.

Brass

Brass sheet products are a soft, ductile metal that’s easy to braze, cut and machine. Brass sheet is favoured in industrial and marine applications due to its corrosion resistance but is also widely used for decorative purposes due to its smooth, shiny, gold-like appearance.

Copper

Copper sheet metal is a highly versatile and durable material known for its exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity. It is ideal for electrical wiring, roofing, and plumbing applications. Copper’s natural resistance to corrosion and aesthetic appeal make it popular in architectural designs and decorative elements. Thin copper sheet metal can be easily cut, bent, and formed to precise specifications, allowing for intricate fabrication in both industrial and artistic projects.

Mild Steel

Mild steel sheet metal is a widely used material recognized for its affordability, malleability, and strength. Composed primarily of iron with a small carbon content, it offers excellent weldability and formability, making it suitable for construction, automotive, and manufacturing applications. Typically less than 3/16″ thick, this thin sheet metal provides a balance of durability and flexibility.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel sheet offers good corrosion resistance and has the potential to become slightly magnetic when worked on and is not heat treatable. With the right equipment, it can easily be welded, cut, formed and machined to your specifications. It is used in a variety of applications, including food product handling and processing, kitchen appliances and marine hardware.

Expanded steel sheet is a metal sheet product that has been pre-slit and stretched to a wide array of diamond-shaped openings, allowing easy passage of various substances. The material is used in many applications, including walkways, shelving and window protection.