Sheet metal is used across many industries and is made by rolling metal into thin, flat sheets that can be shaped, cut, or bent. Below, we share six common types of sheet metal and what they’re best used for.
1. Stainless Steel Sheets
Stainless steel is a very popular type of smooth sheet metal known for its strength and resistance to rust. It’s often used in kitchens and hospitals, because it stands up well to moisture and wear.
Sheet metal fabrication, like at DKM Sheet Metal, transforms flat metal sheets into a wide range of functional products that can then be used in various industries.
2. Aluminium Sheets
Aluminium is lightweight but still strong, making it easy to handle and shape. It doesn’t rust, which makes it great for using outdoors or in damp environments. Aluminium sheets are commonly found in cars, aeroplanes, drink cans, and some types of roofing or cladding.
3. Aluminised Steel
Aluminised steel is regular steel that has been coated with a layer of aluminium, which gives it both the strength of steel and the rust resistance of aluminium. It’s often used in products that need to withstand a higher heat, such as car exhausts and oven parts.
4. Cold Rolled Steel
Cold rolled steel is made by pressing steel at room temperature to give it a smoother surface and an increased strength. It’s often used when appearance matters, such as in office furniture, filing cabinets, and indoor, domestic appliances. It also takes paint and coatings well because it has an even finish.
5. Pre-Plated Steel
Pre-plated steel, made of either galvannealed steel or hot-dip galvanised steel, already has a protective metal coating, like zinc or chrome, added before it’s used, which saves time in manufacturing and helps prevent rust. It’s often used in electronics, vehicle parts, and other finished products which need to be durable.
6. Copper and Brass Sheets
Copper and brass are softer metals with distinctive colours that are easy to shape and resistant to corrosion. They’re often used in plumbing, electrical components, and roofing details.