Sheet Metal Applications by Industry: Key Uses and Innovations

Sheet metal is a cornerstone of the industry, be that construction, aviation or consumer goods. Few industrial products don’t make use of sheet metal fabricated parts in some way. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what each industry uses sheet metal for, to fully understand its versatility.

Automotive Industry: Innovations and Uses of Sheet Metal

Before the 1980s, most cars in North America used a traditional “body-on-frame” design, meaning a sheet metal body was bolted to a strong but heavy chassis. Nowadays, most cars, and even some SUVs, use a monocoque design, whereby the sheet metal panels of the body also form the structure.

This has many advantages, including chassis rigidity, increased safety and better fuel economy. With over 15 million vehicles sold per year in the US alone, the overall improvements of this technology are immeasurable.

All of this was only possible through advancements in sheet metal forming and welding. With the use of high precision panel forming, leading to automated assembly techniques and now, robotic welding, making such a complex body structure can be cost effective for car manufacturers.

Aerospace Sector: Sheet Metal’s Role in Performance and Safety

Aerospace is an industry that innovates at an incredible pace, with high costs and low margins. Any technology that can increase efficiency is sought after. Sheet metal is a vital component to all aircraft made since 1913, when the first all-metal plane was created – the Junkers J-1 Blechesel.

Since then, improvements have been made in both the strength and longevity of the sheet metal used in aerospace. Modern commercial planes use high-strength aluminum alloys for the fuselage and wing structures.

Since 2011, and the launch of the Boeing 787, a new standard of materials technology has been set; sheet metal in conjunction with carbon fiber. The combination of high strength aluminum with rigid carbon fiber enabled even better performance and economy figures.

Construction and Architecture: Sheet Metal’s Versatility and Benefits

Construction and architecture both utilize sheet metal across the supply chain, from the tools and fixings used to construct buildings and structures, to sheet metal roofing, cladding and more.

One of the areas that uses sheet metal a lot is in HVAC systems. Ducting, bracketry, and electrical panels all make good use of pressed, sheared and laser cut sheet metal. The latter technique, laser cut sheet metal, has also enabled designs for components to be far more intricate and customizable than ever before

Architecture used to rely on materials such as wood, slate and ceramic for cladding and other surface coverings. Sheet metal and the associated finishing techniques open up a world of possibilities.

For example, impressive feats in architecture such as the detailing on the Chrysler Building in New York, would not have been possible without sheet metal fabrications.

Consumer Goods and Electronics: Streamlining Design with Sheet Metal

Consumer goods are typically designed to be aesthetically pleasing, yet cheap to produce. Powder-coated sheet metal achieves these two elements whilst being strong and durable too. Almost any appliance, from microwave ovens to washing machines, uses sheet metal in some way, usually for both the outer casing and bracketry inside.

In the past, materials such as bakelite and cast steel/aluminum were used in appliances, both of which are more expensive to manufacture and less versatile than modern sheet metal and plastic combinations.

Further advances such as that of CNC laser cutting, have allowed designers to integrate button panels, air vents and even text into the sheet metal itself, further emboldening the brand.

Source your Sheet Metal at Metals Supermarkets

From lightweight Aluminum to durable stainless steel, Metals Supermarkets has all your needs covered. With stores nationwide and a cut-to-size service offered, you can save time and money. Check out our range of sheet metals here.