Steel is legendary for its strength, but its flexibility as a product and the variety of applications possible is nothing short of breathtaking. That is no less true regarding steel plates and sheets.
Enjoy this little excursion through the roles of these two show-stopper steel fabrications.
Plate vs Sheet Steel
There are two mitigating factors in the case of plates vs sheets;
- Thickness – ironic, really, since its more about thinness, i.e. sheets are thinner than plates
- Guage – the industry measurement for metal thickness plus weight.
Both sheet and plate metals have different uses depending on weight requirements and durability.
The thicker the plate or sheet, the lower the gauge number. Conversely, a thinner metal will have a higher gauge number. The most popular gauges tend to range from 7 to 30.
Summary: Any sheet of metal that is 6mm or thicker qualifies as plate metal. The durability of plate metals makes them ideal for building structures that need a high level of durability.
Sheet metal is always thinner than 6mm but thicker than foil. (foils are any sheet metal with a thickness of less than 0.2mm.) Because sheet metal is thin and lacks durability, it is often corrugated for extra strength.
When the Guage Fits, Use It
To ensure the correct metal is used for a particular application, learning how to distinguish between these two types of metal is essential. Here are the most common application for the two players we’re investigating today:
Steel plates – are commonly used in industrial applications such as construction or applications requiring hygienic properties. The food processing industry also often uses plate metal for this very reason.
Metal Sheets – have both industrial and commercial applications. Among its many advantages is its corrosion resistance. Railings, gates, and automobile parts are perfect uses for metal sheets.
In the manufacturing industry, metal fabrication provides a variety of components used in industrial, transportation, scientific, and military applications. Complex components required for these industries require experience, but with the right training and expert input, the desired outcome can be achieved.
Steelmor has the necessary expertise, so although the difference between plate and sheet metal doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, it is. We know it, and the industries for whom it makes all the difference know it. But all you have to remember is that other than the gauge and thickness, there’s nothing more between them!
For more information on how Steelmor can help you with your sheet or plate metal applications, please feel free to get in touch with our team.