Description

Sheet metal, as the name suggests, is metal processed into thin, flat pieces. These sheets are shaped into various forms, which are then used to create numerous objects for both domestic and industrial purposes. Common uses include medical tables, car and truck bodies, airplane wings and fuselages, and building roofs.

The thickness of sheet metal varies considerably. Very thin metal sheets are often termed as leaf or foil, while thicker sheets (typically over 6mm) are called plates. The thickness is usually measured in a non-linear scale known as gauge, where a higher gauge number indicates thinner metal. The most commonly utilized steel sheet metal thickness ranges from 30 gauge to seven gauge.

Sheet metal can be made from various metals like brass, copper, tin, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and notably, stainless steel.

Stainless steel plate is favored in applications requiring excellent corrosion resistance and low maintenance, such as in fuel and chemical tankers, chemical and petrochemical plants, and the pharmaceutical industry. Its antibacterial properties also make it suitable for the medical, food processing, and catering industries.

Stainless steel sheet and plate can be finished in dull or satin polish, often with a protective coating on one side. It is also available with a circular finish for decorative purposes.

Grade 304 and 304L stainless steel are highly adaptable, making them the go-to commercial grades for sheet and plate applications. They provide superior weldability, formability, and corrosion resistance. These grades are part of the austenitic family of stainless steel and are generally more affordable than other grades. However, in coastal or marine settings, Grade 316 is often chosen for its enhanced corrosion resistance.