Popular Sheet Metal Materials

Vertical and spring stainless steels are two types of stainless steels used in sheet metal processing.

Standard stainless steel can be non-magnetic; Any 300 series steel is the most commonly used type of stainless steel. During the manufacturing process, it does not require hot working or other pressure release. 316 is the most corrosion-resistant stainless steel and can maintain its strength at high temperatures. Grade 304 is the most widely used, although its corrosion resistance is slightly worse, but has good formability and weldability.

The standard magnetic stainless steel for sheet metal processing is the 400 series. Class 410 has low corrosion resistance but can be heat treated. Class 430 is a cheap alternative to other stainless steel options for applications where corrosion resistance is not a primary requirement, such as brush treated appliance surfaces. Because these materials tend to deform elastic rather than plastic, they must bend excessively to reach their final shape.

The work hardening of spring steel is rapid and must be heated to remove stress during forming. Grades include 301, 17-4, 1095, and 1075. Spring-like stainless steel usually requires specialized equipment and processes, and must be bent excessively to reach the final shape.

The process of cold rolling steel is used to smooth the finish of hot rolled steel, as well as to maintain tighter tolerances while forming. CRS is available in 1008 and 1018 alloys.

This sheet metal material is either hot-dip galvanized steel or galvanized steel, which is first galvanized and then annealed.