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Understanding Sheet Metal: Types, Uses, and Applications


Stacked silver sheet metal in El Paso.

Sheet metal is one of the most widely used metals in a wide range of industries. From heating and cooling to industrial construction, you'll be hard-pressed to find a building, automobile, or home without sheet metal used in the construction. 


However, sheet metal isn't a one-size-fits-all type of material. There are many different types of sheet metal, and each one has a different use and application. It's important to understand this so that you choose the right sheet metal for your needs. 


Luckily, All Precision Metals in El Paso is here to help. To learn more about our products and services, contact us online or call (915) 781-7074 today.


Different Types of Sheet Metal and Their Uses 

In general, sheet metal in El Paso can be divided into five different categories: stainless, aluminum, cold-rolled, plated, and copper or brass. 


Aluminum 

Although it's not the most popular type of sheet metal, aluminum is easily one of the most versatile and unique. It's sort of like the ant of the sheet metal industry, in that it is extremely strong and durable, while also being incredibly lightweight. 


Aluminum is also one of the most corrosion-resistant types of sheet metal, making it great for both indoor and outdoor applications. Despite all these assets, aluminum is fairly affordable and one of the top all-around sheet metals available. 


There are also several different grades of aluminum, as some grades are more weldable and malleable than others. Aluminum grades also vary in terms of strength, formability, and durability. Aluminum is used in a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, automotive, air and space, and many more. 


Stainless 

Next up, we have the overall most popular type of sheet metal - stainless steel. You see stainless steel used everywhere from kitchen appliances and utensils to structural beams on skyscrapers. 


As with aluminum, there are several different types and grades of stainless steel, each one differing in strength, malleability, weldability, and magnetism. In general, however, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and has a good strength-to-weight ratio, making it highly useful in the following industries: 


  • Construction 

  • HVAC 

  • Food and beverage 

  • Automotive 

  • Aerospace 

  • Energy 

  • Medical 

  • Many more! 


Copper/Brass 

Thanks to its shiny and aesthetically pleasing appearance, copper and brass is another common type of sheet metal used in a wide range of industries. Copper and brass are especially useful when they have a lower zinc content, because they're more malleable. Because of how expensive and aesthetically pleasing copper and brass are, they're typically used in the following ways: 


  • Faucets 

  • Faucet handles 

  • Showers 

  • Sinks 

  • Decorative items 

  • Gutters 


Cold-Rolled 

Cold-rolled steel refers to steel that undergoes a cold-rolled finishing process to make it smooth and shiny. You'll often find cold-rolled steel used in the same industries as stainless steel, but on a more limited basis because of the higher cost. 


Pre-Plated 

Finally, there's pre-plated sheet metal, which refers to metal that is galvanized and/or annealed. Pre-plated steel is a common option for nuts, bolts, nails, screws, and other forms of hardware. It's also used for appliance and car parts, as well as in the construction industry. 


Sheet Metal in El Paso with All Precision Metals

If you want the right sheet metal for your needs, All Precision is the team for you. As a leading sheet metal supplier in El Paso, we can also help you choose the material that's right for you. Call (915) 781-7074 to get started.

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