Types of Thin Metal Plates
The thickness of the metal plate is referred to as the gauge. The thinnest metal plates are sometimes pliable, increasing their utility, and are other times hard and durable. Thin metal plates are used as raw material feed for machining, flooring and building construction. Thin plates with certain physical characteristics are laid over other objects to protect them.
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Assembly
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Thin metal plates are joined and assembled in many ways, including welding, brazing, fastening and soldering. Thin metal plates are often deformed for various applications. Manufacturers sometimes subject the metal to compression forces through bending tools or heat the metal with gas arch welding. Some processes remove metal from the plate, including abrasives, machining, electron beams and lasers.
Finishing
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Finishing processes add alloys or coatings that protect the metal from corrosion, sunlight and blunt damage. Polishing, burnishing, painting, oiling, galvanizing, lubricating and plating will help protect the thin metal plate. Thinner plates are more vulnerable to warping, dents and other types of damage.
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Ferrous
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Metals are either ferrous or nonferrous. Ferrous materials contain iron, including carbon, stainless, alloy and tool steel. Nonferrous metals can include precious metals, titanium, aluminum, nickel, copper and magnesium. Carbon steel is a very bendable metal, which makes it an ideal candidate for thin metal plates. Welders can more easily form the plate into useful objects. Stainless steel plates can resist corrosion, which increases its longevity and allows the plate to be used in situations where the metal would normally break down, such as a stainless steel sink. Unfortunately, stainless steel is more difficult to machine than more malleable metals, according to Stanford University.
NonFerrous
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Some metals contain no iron, such as aluminum, titanium and copper. Aluminum is a very light and pliable metal that does not corrode, since the aluminum forms a protective layer when exposed to oxidizing agents. While light, some alloys are as strong as mild steel. Another metal, titanium, is strong and light. Since it has a high melting point, it can survive at temperatures that would weaken or melt other metals. However, it is not easy to extract from the earth, so it is expensive. Nickel is often plated over other metals that are vulnerable to corrosion, such as iron, according to Georgia State University. Copper has a medium weight, lighter than iron and heavier than aluminum. It is strong and easy to shape. Some objects are copper plated.
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