Last Updated on September 16, 2023 by assistant

Sheet metal processing has always been a hot word in the manufacturing industry. Sheet metal manufacturing involves the use of various metals, each with its own unique properties and applications. However, how much do you know about the metals that can be used for sheet metal processing? In order to give you more choices for sheet metal processing materials, in this article, we have compiled for you some commonly used metals in sheet metal manufacturing, as well as their performance characteristics, uses, and specific manufacturing cases, so that everyone who is looking for sheet metal when it comes to processing services, you can have more choices.

Steel

Performance
Steel offers excellent strength, durability, and formability. It is corrosion-resistant and easy to weld and operate.
Application
Steel is widely used in automotive, construction, and industrial applications. It is commonly used in the manufacture of car bodies, appliances, cabinets, HVAC systems, and structural components.
Manufacturing case
Steel sheets are commonly used in the automotive industry to create body panels such as doors, hoods, fenders, and roofs. Steel’s high strength and formability make it suitable for making rigid and durable automotive components. Not only that but steel is used in ventilation system ductwork and stamped into electrical and mechanical components.

Aluminum

Performance
Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has good electrical and thermal conductivity. It is easy to process and shape.
Application
Aluminum is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and packaging industries. It is used to make aircraft parts, car parts, beverage cans, and electronic casings.
Manufacturing case
Aluminum sheets are commonly used in the manufacture of aircraft skins, automotive body panels, heat exchangers, and electrical enclosures. Aluminum sheets are widely used in the aerospace industry for manufacturing aircraft skins and structural components. Aluminum’s lightweight properties help reduce the overall weight of the aircraft, thereby improving fuel efficiency.

Stainless steel

Performance
Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, heat, and chemical damage. It has excellent strength and hygienic properties.
Application
Stainless steel is widely used in food processing, medical, and construction applications. It is used in the manufacture of kitchen equipment, medical devices, building facades, and decorative elements.
Manufacturing case
Stainless steel sheets can be used to create countertops, sinks, medical trays, wall cladding, and complex architectural features. Stainless steel sheets are used in the food processing industry to make equipment such as countertops, sinks, and food preparation surfaces. Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, and ease of cleaning make it ideal for maintaining sanitary conditions in food processing environments.

Copper

Performance
Copper is a highly conductive metal with excellent thermal and electrical properties. It is ductile and has good corrosion resistance.
Application
Copper is commonly used in electrical and plumbing applications, as well as in the manufacture of heat exchangers and decorative elements.
Manufacturing case
Copper sheets are used in electrical wiring, printed circuit boards (PCBs), plumbing fixtures, roofing, and artistic metalwork. Copper sheets are commonly used in the electrical industry to make printed circuit boards (PCBs). Copper’s high conductivity makes it an excellent choice for transmitting electrical signals in electronic devices.

Brass

Performance
Brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc that has good machinability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics.
Application
Brass is commonly used in musical instruments, plumbing fittings, decorative hardware, and architectural decoration.
Manufacturing case
Brass plates are used to make musical instrument components (such as trumpet bells), decorative hardware, nameplates, and ornaments. Brass sheet is used to produce decorative hardware such as door handles, knobs, and hinges. Brass’ attractive golden appearance and its resistance to corrosion make it a popular choice for enhancing the beauty of architectural and interior design elements.

Galvanized steel

Galvanized steel is regular steel coated with a layer of zinc through a process called galvanizing. The coating offers enhanced corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications. Galvanized steel is commonly used in construction, roofing, and automotive manufacturing.

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant metal. It has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is commonly used in the aerospace, marine, and chemical industries. Titanium sheets are used in applications such as aircraft components, heat exchangers, and chemical processing equipment.

Nickel alloy

Nickel alloys, such as Inconel and Monel, have excellent resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and mechanical stress. They are commonly used in industries such as aerospace, chemical processing, and marine. Nickel alloy plates are used in the manufacture of components for gas turbines, heat exchangers, and chemical reactors.

Zinc

Zinc is often used as a protective coating on steel panels through a process called galvanizing annealing. Galvanized steel offers enhanced corrosion resistance and is commonly used in automotive body panels, appliances, and construction applications.

Tin

Tin is used to make tinplate, which is a thin sheet of steel coated with a layer of tin. Tinplate is commonly used in the packaging industry to produce food and beverage cans.

Lead

Lead sheets are used in industries that require radiation shielding, such as medical facilities and nuclear power plants. Lead sheets are also used in construction, roofing, and soundproofing applications.

These examples highlight some of the specific applications that each metal is commonly used in sheet metal fabrication. It is important to note, however, that these metals have applications beyond those mentioned, and their uses may vary across different industries and manufacturing processes. However, Ruitai is an expert in sheet metal manufacturing. We have been manufacturing sheet metal parts for more than ten years and are far ahead in sheet metal manufacturing. Therefore, if you need to carry out a sheet metal processing project, please contact us and we will provide you with a free quotation service.