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Sheet metal in coil is produced in different types of materials, each of which has unique characteristics that appeal to different customers and functions. Below are some common types.
Stainless steel is a brand of steel that doesn't rust, which is a property of its chromium content. It is ductile, corrosion-resistant, and highly durable. Also, it is easy to maintain and has a polished aesthetic finish, making it widely used in kitchen equipment, architectural features, and medical devices. Common grades include 304 for general use and 316 for resistance to salt water and chemicals.
Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Its malleability enables it to be formed into coils of different thicknesses. Also, it is non-magnetic, easily recyclable, and has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. The above features make aluminum ideal for roofing, automotive components, and packaging.
Copper coils are used where electrical conductivity is very important. For instance, it can be used on electrical wiring. The metal is also corrosion-resistant and malleable, which enables it to be formed into different shapes. Other than electrical applications, copper is also applied in plumbing, roofing, and HVAC systems. In addition, copper can be reused many times without losing its quality.
Galvanized steel is made by electroplating thin steel sheets with zinc to prevent them from rusting. The zinc acts as a sacrificial anode even when the coat gets damaged. Varieties of galvanized sheets have different coating weights suitable for distinct uses. For example, light-duty applications may have shallow coating weights, whereas outdoor constructions require deep coating. Often, galvanized sheets are used in outdoor roofing, automobile body parts, and industrial equipment.
Coil carbon steel consists of mostly iron with less than 2% carbon. The higher the carbon content, the harder the steel. Zinc or paint is applied to carbon steel to protect it from corrosion. Untreated coils are extremely strong and ductile, commonly used in construction, automotive parts, and oil pipelines. Carbon steel coils are classified into low, medium, and high carbon according to their carbon content.
Sheet metal coils have different characteristics depending on their material, thickness, and intended application. Below are some common features.
Coil metal sheets come in various gauges, from very thin (for example, 0.2 mm) to very thick (for instance, 12 mm). Normally, the gauge required is influenced by the application. For example, thin sheets (lower gauge number) are preferred in manufacturing appliances, while for construction, thicker sheets are usually required. The thickness affects flexibility and strength. The thicker the coil, the stronger and more rigid it is, unlike the thinner ones, which can be bent and shaped easily.
The surface finish plays an important role in appearance and resistance to corrosion, moisture, and abrasion. Some common finishes are:
Tensile strength refers to the amount of pulling stress a material can take before breaking. High tensile strength means the coil can be formed into shapes without snapping. Low tensile strength makes the coil easy to form. Different grades of steel and aluminum have varying tensile strength depending on the hardness or treatments they have.
Formability is the ability of the sheet metal coil to be molded into different shapes without breaking. That is, when rolled, bent, or pressed. Important factors that affect formability include the metal's thickness, alloy composition, and temperature during shaping. A common process of shaping sheet metal is stamping, which involves pressing a die into the metal to achieve the desired form. Formability is an important characteristic in manufacturing since it reduces material cracking when producing intricate designs.
Metal sheets have many applications in different industries due to their versatility and durability. Below are a few common uses of metal sheets.
Automotive manufacturers use sheet metal coils to produce body panels, frames, and other structural components. The coils are machined into parts like doors, hoods, and fenders by pressing them into molds. The honed metal provides strength while remaining lightweight, conserving fuel and increasing speed. Also, it allows for intricate designs.
The manufacturing of refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens uses sheet metal coils for outer casings and internal structural components. The metals used are typically stainless steel, which resists moisture, and galvanized steel, which is cheap and incredibly durable, perfect for long-term use. The coils are shaped, bent, and welded to produce the required appliance designs. In addition, the plastic coating enables insulation and prevents corrosion.
Coils are the basis of roofs, sidings, and gutters in the building industry. In most cases, galvanized steel is used to manufacture roofing coils, which offer long-term weather protection. Sheet metal is also used to create window frames, doors, and other architectural elements.
For heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, metal coil sheets make ductwork, air filters, and casing. The coils are formed into divergent shapes and sizes to transport air efficiently throughout buildings. Generally, built-in resistance to corrosion keeps the system effective over time.
Sheet metal coils manufacture divergent industrial machinery and equipment parts. The sheets are machinable into gears, housings, and casings. High tensile strength makes them capable of withstanding heavy loads and stress during operations. Other than machinery, they are also used for storage tanks and containers.
Coil sheet metals are chosen based on their thickness, metal type, and purpose. Below are other factors to consider.
Corrosion resistance ought to be considered when buying coil sheet metal for outdoor or humid environment usage. Encoded sheets are made of galvanized or stainless steel, which resist rust and corrosion. Other coatings such as PVC can give added corrosion resistance. Copper has natural corrosion resistance properties, making it ideal for roofing.
Various metals used in coils have divergent properties. For instance, stainless steel is exceptionally corrosion-resistant and strong and has high-temperature resistance. Aluminum is lightweight and extremely malleable, making it suitable for intricate shapes. Copper has high electrical conductivity. Carbon steel is strong and cost-effective but prone to corrosion without treatment.
Choose the appropriate thickness based on use. Thin sheets are highly formable and easier to handle. Thick coils have high tensile strength and are suitable for structural applications. Use a gauge standard to measure the thickness of the metal. For instance, the lower the gauge number, the greater the thickness.
Coil widths vary in sizes, so choose one that fits the end equipment in question. Large industrial machinery requires wide coils, whereas small fabrication shops use narrow ones. Coil diameter affects the ease of handling during installation. Larger coils are harder to manage.
Metal temper refers to how a metal behaves after being shaped. For instance, soft metals can be easily molded and shaped, while hard ones hold their shaped mold permanently. Choose the necessary temper based on the application requirements.
The bright anneal finish is the most common type of finish for sheet metal coils. It is achieved using heat and chemicals to smoothen the roughest copper surface. The finish is smooth, highly reflective, and mirror-like. Both copper and stainless steel are usually finished in bright anneal.
Common treatments for sheet metal in coil include annealing, passivation, and electroplating. Others are quenching and hardening. These treatments improve the metals' workability, corrosion resistance, and durability. Passivation utilizes chemicals to form a protective barrier over the metal. Electroplating applies a layer of a different metal, for instance, zinc on steel to protect it from corrosion.
Yes. Sheet metal coils are easily recyclable. Common metals like steel, aluminum, and copper retain their qualities even when recycled. The coils are separated by type using magnets or manual sorting. They are then cleaned of contaminants before being melted down. Electrolytic refining is used on copper to produce pure coils. The recycled metal is then used to manufacture new products.
Galvanized steel sheet metal coils last between 10 and 30 years, depending on the environment and coat thickness. Factors that influence the lifespan include the amount of rainfall, humidity, and the coastal proximity of the area. In less corrosive environments, the average lifespan is around 30 years, while in highly corrosive areas, it is about 10 years.
A coil gauge of 24 to 26 is suitable for a roofing sheet metal. That is, 0.02 to 0.019 millimeters. This material is strong enough to withstand weather elements such as rain, wind, and snow. It is also lightweight, easy to handle, and won’t put extra pressure on the roofing structure.
