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Sheet Metal 101

Adrienne Denges
Sep 8
2 min read

Steel Sheet

The most commonly used steel sheet is cold rolled (C.R.). This is used for all types of commercial fabrication. Another is hot rolled, (H.R.) it is also used for mostly heavier or non-cosmetic applications.


Stainless Steel

The three most common stainless steel grades available in sheet metal are 304, 316, and 410.


  • Grade 304 is the most common of the three grades. It offers good corrosion resistance while maintaining formability and weldability. Available finishes are 2B, 3B, and 4B. Grade 303 is not available in sheet form.

  • Grade 316 possesses more corrosion resistance and strength at elevated temperatures than 304. It is commonly used for pumps, valves, chemical equipment, and marine applications. Available finishes are 2B, 3B, and 4B.


Aluminum

Aluminum is also a popular metal used in sheet metal due to its flexibility, wide range of options, cost effectiveness, and other properties. The four most common aluminum grades available are 1100-H14, 3003-H14, 5052-H32, and 6061-T6.


  • Grade 1100-H14 is commercially pure aluminum, highly chemical and weather resistant. It is ductile enough for deep drawing and weldable but has low strength. It is commonly used in chemical processing equipment, light reflectors, and jewelry.

  • Grade 3003-H14 is stronger than 1100, while maintaining the same formability and low cost. It is corrosion resistant and weldable. It is often used in stampings, spun and drawn parts, mailboxes [disambiguation needed], cabinets, tanks, and fan blades.

  • Grade 5052-H32 is much stronger than 3003 while still maintaining good formability. It maintains high corrosion resistance and weldability. Common applications include electronic chassis, tanks, and pressure vessels.

  • Grade 6061-T6 is a common heat-treated structural aluminum alloy. It is weldable, corrosion resistant, and stronger than 5052, but not as formable. It loses some of its strength when welded. It is used in modern aircraft structures.


About Gauges

The most common available gauges of sheet metal are:

28, 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 7 & 4. (After 4 Ga it becomes plate starting at ¼”.)


** The higher the gauge #, the thinner the material.


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