METALS USED IN SHEET METAL WORK

 The types of metals used in sheet metsl work

The uses of the different types of metals

In sheet metal work, different types of metals sheets are used. The sheets are specified by standard gauge munbers.

It is very essential to know the different uses and applications of these metal sheets.

Black iron

The cheapest sheet metal is black iron, which is rolled to the desired thickness. It has a bluish black appearance, and is often referred to as  uncoated sheet. Since it is uncoated, it corrodes rapidly.

The use of this metal is limited to articles that are to be painted or enamelled such as tanks, pans, stoves, pipes etc

Galvanised iron

Zinc -coated iron is known as galvanised iron. This soft iron sheet is popularly known as GI sheet. The zinc coating resists rust, improves the appearance of the metal and permits it to be soldered with greater ease. Because it is coated with zinc, galvanised sheet iron withstands contact with water and exposure of weather.

Articles such as pans, buckets, furnace, heating ducts cabinets, gutters etc are made manily from GI sheets.

Stainless steel

This is an alloy of steel with nickel, chromium and other metals. It has good corrosive resistance and can be welded easily. Stainless steel used in a sheet metal shop can be worked as galvanised iron steels, but is tougher than GI sheets. The cost of stainless steel is very high.

Stainless steel is used in dairies, food processing chemical plants, kitchenware etc.

Copper sheet

Copper sheets are available either as cold rolled or hot rolled sheets. Cold rolled sheets being resistant to corrosion and work easily are commonly used in sheet metal shops. Copper sheets has better appearance than other metals.

Gutters, expansion joints, roof flashing, hoods, utensils and boiler plates are some of the common examples where copper sheet is used.

Aluminum

Aluminum cannot to be used in its pure form, but is mixed with very Small amount of copper, silicon, manganese and iron. Its is whitish in colour and is light in weight. It is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion.

Aluminum is now widely used in the manufacture of articles such as household appliances, refrigerator trays, lighting fixtures, windows, and also in the construction of airplanes and in many electrical and transport industries.

Tinned pcontai

Tinned plate is sheet iron coated with tin to protect it against rust. This is used for nearly all solder work, as it is the easiest metal to join by soldering.

Thks metal has a very bright silvery appearance and is used in the making of roofs, food containers, dairy equipment, furnace fittings, cans and pans etc.

Lead

Lead is very soft and heavy

Lead sheets are used for making the highly corrosive acid tanks.