Various metals and metal alloys can be made into sheet metal and used to manufacture sheet metal parts. The selection of materials depends on the requirements of the parts, and the factors for selecting materials include formability, weldability, corrosion resistance, strength, weight, and cost.

Today we will talk about typical sheet metal materials:

1. Stainless steel

Two types of stainless steel are used in the manufacturing of metal plates - standard parts and spring like parts.

(1) Standard stainless steel can be any non-magnetic stainless steel in the 300 series, and is the most commonly used type of stainless steel. No thermal processing or other stress relief is required during the manufacturing process. 316 grade stainless steel is the most corrosion-resistant stainless steel, maintaining its strength at high temperatures. Grade 304 is the most widely used stainless steel, although its corrosion resistance is slightly inferior, it has good formability and weldability.

(2) The standard magnetic stainless steel used for processing is the 400 series. 410 grade stainless steel has poor corrosion resistance, but can be heat treated. 430 grade stainless steel is a cost-effective alternative to other stainless steel options, used in applications where corrosion resistance is not a primary requirement, such as brushing equipment surfaces. Because these materials tend to undergo elastic deformation rather than plastic deformation, they must be excessively bent to reach their final shape.

(3) Spring steel will quickly harden during processing and must be heated during forming to release stress. The levels include 301, 17-4, 1095, and 1075. Spring shaped stainless steel typically requires specialized equipment and processes, and must be excessively bent to achieve the final shape.

2. Cold rolled steel

The process of cold-rolled steel is used to make the smoothness of hot-rolled steel and maintain stricter tolerances during forming. Cold rolled steel is available in 1008 and 1018 alloys.

3. Pre coated steel

The metal plate material is hot-dip galvanized steel or galvanized steel, which is annealed after galvanizing.

4. Aluminum

Aluminum is a moderately priced material with multiple grades of characteristics to meet application requirements. The strength of 1100 grade is relatively low, but it has chemical resistance and weather resistance, can be welded and has ductility, allowing for deep drawing. 3003 grade is more sturdy, moldable, weldable, corrosion-resistant, and affordable. 5052 grade has higher strength while still being formable, weldable, and corrosion-resistant. 6061 grade is a corrosion-resistant, high-strength but non formable structural alloy. It can be welded, but some strength will be sacrificed during welding.

5. Copper/brass

Designers and engineers who want "red" metal typically choose electrolytic hard bitumen (ETP) copper, C110 or C101. In less common cases, brass is used as a substitute.