What are the common materials used in sheet metal fabrication?

Quick Answer

The most common sheet metal materials are cold rolled steel (most economical, good formability), galvanized steel (corrosion-resistant, ideal for outdoor use), stainless steel 304 and 316 (excellent corrosion resistance, food and medical grade), aluminum 5052 and 6061 (lightweight, corrosion-resistant), and copper/brass (decorative, conductive applications).

Steel Grades

Cold Rolled Steel (CRS): The most commonly used sheet metal material. Economical, easy to form and weld, with a clean surface finish. Available in gauges from 30 ga (0.012") to 7 ga (0.187"). Suitable for indoor enclosures, brackets, and structural components. Galvanized Steel (GI): Steel with a zinc coating for corrosion resistance. Commonly used for outdoor enclosures, HVAC components, and automotive parts. Stainless Steel 304: Excellent corrosion resistance, food-safe, aesthetic finish. Used for food equipment, medical devices, and architectural applications.

Aluminum Grades

5052 Aluminum: The most formable aluminum alloy, excellent for bending and deep drawing. Good corrosion resistance, commonly used for marine and automotive applications. 6061 Aluminum: Higher strength than 5052, good machinability, and weldable. Used for structural frames, enclosures, and aerospace components. Both grades are available in thicknesses from 0.025" to 0.250".

Specialty Materials

Copper: Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, antimicrobial properties, beautiful patina finish. Used for electrical components, heat exchangers, and architectural details. Brass: Good corrosion resistance, decorative appearance, low friction. Used for nameplates, decorative trim, and precision components. Spring Steel: High carbon steel, heat treated for spring applications like clips and brackets.

Why Choose SOMI Custom Parts

SOMI Custom Parts works with all standard sheet metal materials and many specialty alloys. Our engineering team provides material selection guidance based on your specific requirements for strength, corrosion resistance, weight, formability, and budget. We maintain material certifications for all supplied materials, ensuring full traceability and quality documentation.

Case Study

A food processing equipment company needed stainless steel 316 hoppers for acidic food contact. SOMI fabricated the hoppers using laser-cut 16 ga 316 stainless, precision-bent and TIG-welded with sanitary welds. The finished hoppers passed FDA surface finish requirements and have been in continuous use for over 2 years without any corrosion issues.

Industry Data

Steel accounts for approximately 65% of all sheet metal fabrication by volume, followed by aluminum at 20% and stainless steel at 10% (FABRICATORS' MANUFACTURING Association, 2025). The trend toward lightweight design is driving increased use of aluminum and advanced high-strength steels in automotive and aerospace applications.

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