I have a specific design I\'d like to cut out of thin sheet metal (aluminum or tin) and I\'m wondering how to make it more sturdy. The sheet metal is a bit flimsy. Can I strengthen it by heating it up (butane torch) and cooling it quickly?No. In fact, aluminum (and I believe tin) work harden when hammered - as do brass and copper and you heat to anneal and then you can cool fast or slow, still soft. Tin has a very low melting point and hitting it with a torch, especially if thin, will probably put a hole in it. The chances of you actually having tin sheet metal are very low - tin cans are zinc plated steel or some other coating. Steel does harden when quench, but heating tin or zinc coated metal is likely to damage the coating and perhaps give off noxious fumes - especially zinc.This Site Might Help You. RE: Can you temper aluminum or tin? I have a specific design I\'d like to cut out of thin sheet metal (aluminum or tin) and I\'m wondering how to make it more sturdy. The sheet metal is a bit flimsy. Can I strengthen it by heating it up (butane torch) and cooling it quickly?Other related question