Aluminum sheet metal is a highly versatile type of metal sheet that may be used in various applications and industries. It has chemical and structural properties that make it highly desirable and useful among other metal sheet options. At Howard Precision Metals, we do not level coil in for 10,000 lbs order like many other distributors do, instead we put our sawing expertise to work on sheet products. What do you do when you need a .125” thick sheet product cut to +/-.005” tolerance? You call the experts in tight tolerance cutting. Today, with the numerous electronics applications there is a need for sheet metal to be cut into thousands of small pieces to precise tolerances. That is where Howard Precision Metals and their sawing experience comes in handy.
What is Aluminum Sheet Metal?
The production of
aluminum sheet metal is carried out when aluminum material is pressed and rolled under high pressure. Aluminum sheets are generally lightweight but also possess sufficient strength to be useful in numerous industry applications. Aluminum metal sheet is exceptionally versatile and is easy to manufacture, making it among the most popular of the metal sheets available on the market.
Different coatings and surface finishing’s are also available for aluminum sheet metal.
Prior to purchasing aluminum metal sheet, it is important to know the important features that characterize this metal. Some of the most significant benefits of aluminum metal sheet are as follows:
Lightweight
Aluminum sheet is about 1/3 the weight of steel sheet, making it one of the lightest metal sheets on the market. This makes the sheet easy to handle and it also helps reduce the weight of structures when this is important for cost.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion is a problem in many environments and industry settings. Aluminum is one those materials that does not easily corrode. It takes exceptional aggressive corrosive forces to cause corrosion in
aluminum sheet with some alloys having more corrosive resistance than others.
Strength
Although aluminum sheet metal is lightweight, it is also quite strong at the same time. Because of its strength, combined with its lightweight feature, it is highly useful in various industrial applications. It is a durable and cost-effective shape for handling forces and stresses produced in a number of structural applications.
Formability
The melting point of aluminum sheet meal is relatively low. As a result, it can be formed easily into various shapes when it is placed under a certain level of heat.
Usable for Sensitive Applications
Aluminum metal sheet is ideal for use in food and chemical packaging. It does not react with many other materials too easily and therefore there is no concern for the aluminum sheet to negatively affect the food.
Reflectivity
Aluminum sheet metal is ideal for applications involving lighting due to its reflectivity, which means it reflects light and heat away from its surface.
Fireproof
When exposed to fire, aluminum sheet metals are resistant to burning, with only a thin layer of the sheet metal becoming affected. Also, when exposed to intense heat, aluminum sheet metal does not emit toxic gas.
Recyclable
Aluminum sheet is also recyclable – this is one of the characteristics of aluminum sheet that is most recognized and used. Many aluminum metals in use today have been recycled.
Offered in Multiple Thickness
You can choose aluminum sheet metal in various thicknesses and sizes as it comes in multiple dimensions.
Affordably Priced
Even though
aluminum metal sheet offers a range of benefits, it is not very expensive when compared to many other metal options. However, its affordability does not diminish its quality and usefulness for a wide array of applications. Aluminum sheet metal is simply the ideal choice for many companies seeking a lightweight, yet strong and flexible metal.
Applicable for a Range of Industrial Uses
Many times, the use of aluminum sheet will be based on the thickness of the metal chosen. Small scale applications tend to utilize thinner sheets of aluminum. This is where the subject of sheet metal gauge becomes important. The gauge of sheet metal allows you to know its thickness and whether it is ideal for your application.
As a highly versatile metal,
aluminum sheet is used in a vast array of applications in numerous industries. The applications to which this form of aluminum is applied range from small and sensitive to large scale.
As a metal that is useful in so many industries, you can actually find this metal almost everywhere. It is commonly used for cookware and for packaging in the food and beverage industry. Aluminum sheet is also often used for the bodies and framing of motor vehicles. This metal sheet is also often used in the building and construction industry for items that include sidings, drains, and much more.
Aluminum metal sheet is also ideal for the purpose of manufacturing metal nameplates and other similar items. Aluminum sheets are used often for making motor vehicle number plates due to the fact they are available at a reasonable cost and are corrosion resistant, lightweight, and require minimal maintenance.