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What Is Sheet Metal Used For?

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Metal formed into thin pieces is called sheet metal, and it has many applications in the building and manufacturing industries. Many kinds of metal can be formed into sheet metal, including titanium, aluminum, brass and copper. Each use for sheet metal requires a specific thickness, or gauge. A higher gauge number indicates a thinner piece of sheet metal.

The Automotive Industry

The bodies of many cars and other vehicles are constructed from sheet metal.

Airplanes

Airplanes large and small have their wings and fuselages covered in sheet metal.

A Building Material

Sheet metal can be used as a roofing material, to make flashing for roofs and to make rain gutters. Inside a building, duct work and furnaces can be made from sheet metal.

Equestrian Purposes

Sheet metal has long been used to make decorative horse tack such as breastplates.

Historical Uses

Centuries ago, sheet metal was used to make body armor for men in a cavalry.

Writer

Anna Aronson began working as a journalist in 2000 and spent six years at suburban Chicago newspapers before pursuing freelance work. She enjoys writing about health care topics, in particular obstetrics, pediatrics and nutrition. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and is now studying for a Master of Science in medicine degree to become a physician's assistant.

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