Why use sheet metal?

Everywhere you look in fabrication you’ll probably see ‘sheet metal this’ and ‘sheet metal that’. Why? What makes sheet metal so well suited for an industrial process like fabrication? Where other materials will be best for producing more niche products, sheet metal is a great all-rounder. This makes it a solid choice for any business looking to create sturdy objects in cost-effective ways. 

In this blog we’ll cover why you should consider sheet metal fabrication for your next project.

What is Sheet Metal?

Sheet metal is a term that refers to flat pieces of metal, usually between 0.5 and 6mm thick. While it can be made from any metal, sheet metal is typically formed from copper, steel, aluminium, and stainless steel. A metal formed into a sheet will retain its properties. Sheet metal is manufactured and can be purchased by businesses readymade. 

Steel metal fabricators will sometimes measure the thickness of sheet metal using gauges, which range from 3-26. Gauges use weight per square foot to determine the thickness of sheet metal. 

The Benefits of Sheet Metal Fabrication

There are certain characteristics of sheet metal that make it ideal for use in the fabrication process. Using sheet metal has the following benefits: 

•  Malleability – fabrication equipment can effortlessly mould sheet metal into a variety of shapes. Where other metals might crack under excessive bending, this isn’t an issue for sheet metal. 
• Durability – sheet metal can have many uses due to its strength and resistance. Sheet metal is also ductile, meaning it doesn’t lose durability after it has been moulded. 
• Ease of repair – structures created out of sheet metal can often have pieces removed compromising overall integrity. As a result, sheet metal repair can be done without dismantling the entire structure. 
• Affordability – sheet metals typically use less raw materials than other fabrication methods. This means businesses can cut down on costs. Furthermore, the malleability of sheet metal means there isn’t a need for a casting mould. In the event of replacements being needed, creating a new mould can be expensive. 
• Precision – due to its malleability, strength and ease of repair, sheet metal fabrication is often used in high precision projects. This is because the accuracy and low risk of sheet metal fabrication can reduce time investment without compromising quality. Read about the importance of precision in steel fabrication. 

Applications of Sheet Metal Fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication is a versatile process that can be used across many different projects, in a variety of industries. This is because sheet metal is used to manufacture objects with everyday applications. Here are just some of examples of things that can be created with sheet metal fabrication services: 

•  Indoor and outdoor furniture 
• Household appliances 
• Food production equipment 
• Storage solutions 
• Retail infrastructure 
• Kitchen accessories 
• Surgical instruments  
• Prototypes

Expert Sheet Metal Fabricators 

Looking for professional sheet metal fabrication near me? FEM is a Sheffield based sheet metal fabricator built on integrity, loyalty and efficiency. Our skilled team offers a range of fabrication services to ensure you get the best outcome for your project. 

Get in touch today and we’ll get you started with a free quote.