Here at Customised Sheet Metal, we’re experts in transforming sheet metal into a wide variety of products. We use a variety of sheet metal to do this, but what types of sheet metal are there?
In this article, we’re going to answer the question ‘what types of sheet metal are there’ by listing the most popular metals used for sheet metal fabrication, and demonstrating a few products that will typically be made using these materials.
Let’s get right into it!
There are many different metals that can be used in the sheet metal fabrication process. Plus, some metals, such as stainless steel have multiple grades, meaning that the types of sheet metal available are almost countless! The choice of metal will depend on the type of product you’re making, and therefore the properties that you require the particular metal to have. For example, if you need a product to have high electrical conductivity, you’d opt for copper sheet metal over something such as stainless steel. A piece of sheet metal can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes to create custom products. These range from; automobile parts, warehouse and logistics solutions, small decorative aesthetic pieces, and gorgeous bar tops. The uses of sheet metal are endless, and at Customised Sheet Metal, we work with a wide range of sheet metals. Take a look at the materials we work with here.
Without going into the detail of the different grades available for each metal and just looking at the most commonly used sheet metals used within the sheet metal industry, these would be:
Stainless steel is possibly one of the most well-known and commonly used types of sheet metal. When asking “what types of sheet metal are there?”, stainless steel will usually come up as the first answer. As a sheet metal, stainless steel is commonly used for the food service industry and household appliances. Professional kitchen countertops, for example, are often manufactured using stainless steel. This is because stainless steel has high corrosion and heat resistance, making it ideal for kitchens and other food industries. It also gives off a lovely shiny aesthetic, giving a real professional look and feel where it’s used. As well as this, stainless steel can also be used in the construction, transportation, chemical, marine, and textile industries. Further properties of stainless steel that make it a great piece of sheet metal to use are:
Mild or ‘low carbon’ steel is another versatile and recyclable steel sheet metal material. It’s easily formed, machined and welded, making it ideal for complex parts and precision sheet metal fabrication.
Though it is not as strong and resistant as its higher carbon counterparts, mild steel sheet metal offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for supporting structures in construction and for fixtures like gates and railings, as well as more intricate machinery parts and hardware. Additionally, a steel fabricator can produce mild steel more cheaply than other types of steel.
A protective zinc coating gives galvanised sheet metal an extra layer of protection, making it resistant to corrosion and harsh environments. It’s the ideal choice for heavy-duty outdoor and industrial applications, including structural components in buildings and bridges, like beams and columns, as well as for use in roofing and cladding.
Its durability and resistance to rusting also makes it suitable for the undercarriage of vehicles and other exposed parts to expand their lifespan. While the initial cost is higher, galvanised steel doesn’t typically require regular maintenance or replacements and is therefore more cost-effective over time.
Aluminium is an excellent material for sheet metal fabrication due to its malleability and elasticity, allowing it to be easily shaped into various forms. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for applications where weight reduction is essential, such as in aircraft construction. Additionally, aluminium boasts high corrosion resistance and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, making it a popular choice for electrical wiring, transmission cables, and heat exchangers. It is also widely used in the transportation and aerospace industries for vehicle bodies and engine components, helping to improve fuel efficiency while maintaining strength.
The versatility of aluminium depends on how it is processed, with milling techniques used to adjust sheet thickness and surface finish for specific applications. Its corrosion resistance makes it a valuable material in renewable energy projects, such as solar panels and wind turbines, where durability against the elements is crucial. Furthermore, aluminium is highly sustainable, as it can be recycled indefinitely with only 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminium, making it an attractive choice for environmentally conscious projects.
Copper, much like stainless steel, has corrosion and heat resistance. One of the major properties of copper that makes it stand out from other sheet metals, is its electrical conductivity. Due to its conductivity, it’s typically used to create products such as electrical wire. Due to its ability to conduct heat, you’ll also find that copper is used to manufacture cooking pots and pans, pipes and tubes, as well as automobile radiators. Copper is a red/orange colour naturally, making it an aesthetically pleasing metal. Here at CSM, we often use copper for countertops and bartops, as pictured below: 
A final key aspect to note about copper is its antimicrobial properties. Copper contains biostatic properties which help prevent the transfer of disease and microbes. This makes it an excellent metal to use where safety is crucial, such as kitchens. Other common places where you might find copper include:
One of the most well-known uses of brass is in musical instruments because of its acoustic properties. The brass family in an orchestra includes trumpets, french horns, trombones, to name a few. Due to its bright gold appearance, brass can be used to manufacture aesthetically pleasing products. Our social media post highlights some of the incredible creations that we’ve made using brass:
Further properties of brass include:
Everyday products made from brass metal fabrication include handles and railings, marine hardware, plumbing fixtures, and more. 
Other types of metal, while not as commonly used in sheet metal fabrication, are becoming more popular for different uses.
These include:
Read more about the sheet metal fabrication process in our ultimate guide to sheet metal fabrication here.
Are you looking for an expertly created metal product? We can use numerous types of sheet metal to create the custom piece that you need. Contact us to get started.