Choosing the Right Metal for Sheet Metal Fabrication

Materials matter in sheet metal fabrication. The material you select is pivotal in the final part’s functionality, aesthetics, durability, and cost. While a plethora of metals is available, understanding the distinct properties and advantages of each can optimize your project’s success. This guide dives deep into some of the most commonly used metals in sheet metal fabrication on the MakerVerse platform, helping you make informed decisions.

Aluminum Alloys

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and versatile, aluminum alloys are a staple in sheet metal fabrication.

Aluminum 5083 (3.3547)

Properties: Known for its exceptional strength, this alloy has superb resistance to seawater corrosion, making it a prime choice for marine applications. It also offers excellent formability. Common Uses: Marine structures, shipbuilding, rail cars, and vehicle bodies.

Aluminum 5754 (3.3535)

Properties: It boasts excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments. Also known for its high strength and weldability. Common Uses: Automotive industry, shipbuilding, and paneling.

Aluminum 7075 (3.4365)

Properties: This alloy is celebrated for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It’s also known for good fatigue strength and average machinability. Common Uses: Aerospace components, bicycle frames, and rock climbing equipment.

Stainless Steel

Valued for their corrosion resistance and impressive strength-to-weight ratios, stainless steels are used in various demanding applications.

Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301)

Properties: This grade is the most common form of stainless steel due to its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. Common Uses: Kitchen equipment, architecture, and automotive components.

Stainless Steel 316L (1.4404)

Properties: With added molybdenum, 316L provides better chloride resistance (like sea water) and is more corrosion-resistant than 304, especially in high-saline environments. Common Uses: Marine applications, chemical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steels, classified by their carbon content and additional alloying elements, offer a broad spectrum of mechanical properties.

Steel S235 (1.0038)

Properties: This carbon steel grade is soft, pliable, and easy to weld. It’s suitable for simple structural applications. It has low carbon content, which means it’s more ductile than higher carbon steels. Common Uses: Structural applications like framework and housings.

Steel S275 (1.0044)

Properties: Offering a balance between strength and ductility, S275 steel has slightly higher carbon content than S235. This results in better hardness and strength. Common Uses: Building construction, automotive components, and transmission towers.

Steel S355 (1.0577)

Properties: S355 steel is the strongest of the three grades listed here, offering high yield strength and good machinability. Common Uses: Heavy-duty structures, bridges, and cranes.

Start with Sheet Metal

Understanding the specific traits and ideal applications of each metal alloy influences the success and efficiency of a sheet metal fabrication project. However, you don’t need to do this on your own. Work with the expert team at MakerVerse to find the right material for your project. We can match the best material to your project’s demands to ensure durability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. Explore the MakerVerse platform to get started.