Materials Supported By Sheet Metal Processing

Various metals and metal alloys can be made into sheet metal and used for manufacturing sheet metal parts. The selection of materials depends on the requirements of the parts, and the factors for selecting materials include formability, weldability, corrosion resistance, strength, weight, and cost.
The following are typical sheet metal materials:
Stainless steel
Two types of stainless steel are used in the manufacturing of metal plates - standard parts and spring shaped parts.
1. Standard stainless steel can be a non-magnetic stainless steel in the 300 series, and is the most commonly used type of stainless steel. There is no need for thermal processing or other stress relief during the manufacturing process. 316 grade stainless steel is the most corrosion-resistant stainless steel, maintaining its strength at high temperatures. Grade 304 is the most widely used stainless steel, although its corrosion resistance is slightly poor, it has good formability and weldability.
The standard magnetic stainless steel used for processing is the 400 series. 410 grade stainless steel has poor corrosion resistance, but can be heat treated. Grade 430 stainless steel is a cost-effective alternative to other stainless steel options, used in applications where corrosion resistance is not a primary requirement, such as brushing equipment surfaces. Because these materials tend to undergo elastic deformation rather than plastic deformation, they must be excessively bent to achieve their final shape.
3. Spring steel rapidly hardens during processing and must be heated to release stress during forming. The levels include 301, 17-4, 1095, and 1075. Spring shaped stainless steel usually requires specialized equipment and processes, and must be excessively bent to achieve the final shape.
Cold rolled steel
The process of cold rolling steel is used to make the smoothness of hot rolled steel and maintain stricter tolerances during forming. Cold rolled steel has 1008 and 1018 alloys to choose from.
Pre coated steel
The metal plate material is hot-dip galvanized steel or galvanized steel, which is annealed after galvanizing.
aluminium
Aluminum is a moderately priced material with multiple levels of properties to meet application requirements. The strength of 1100 grade is relatively low, but it has chemical resistance and weather resistance, can be welded and has ductility, allowing for deep drawing. The 3003 grade is more sturdy, formable, weldable, corrosion-resistant, and affordable. Grade 5052 has higher strength while still possessing formability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. 6061 grade is a corrosion-resistant, high-strength, but non formable structural alloy. It can be welded, but some strength will be sacrificed during welding.
Copper/Brass
Designers and engineers who want "red" metal usually choose electrolytic hard pitch (ETP) copper, C110 or C101. In less common cases, brass is used as a substitute.