Sheet Metal, Plate Metal, and Aluminum Thicknesses

Sheet metal is any metal that is thicker than a foil (0.8 inches) and thinner than 0.25 inches, the thickness of a metal plate. Sheet metal is often used for building structures that do not require durability and is often corrugated or formed for additional strength.

Plate metal is a sheet of metal with a thickness of 0.25 inches or more. Plate metal is used in applications where durability is more important than saving weight.

The only difference between sheet and plate aluminum is the gauge, or thickness, of the metal and their uses, which is determined by durability and weight requirements. Standard thicknesses of aluminum and other metals are commonly indicated by size in inches.

Non-Standard Thickness Aluminum

While there are a large number of common, or standard, sizes of aluminum materials, you may find that you have a specific application that requires a non-standard, or uncommon, thickness of metal.

We offer machining of thicker aluminum to uncommon sizes such as:

.028

.036

.045

.112

.115

.150

.170

.175

.180

.200

Aluminum sheet products are produced by passing aluminum ingots through high-pressure rollers until they achieve the desired dimensions. Aluminum alloys are corrosion resistant and lightweight, but have about a third of the structural stiffness of steel, which is compensated for by using a thicker gauge.

7075 and 2024 Aluminum are popular alloys for aluminum sheet and are very easy to form at room temperature. This material is very workable and can handle tight bends.

7075 and 2024 Aluminum are non-heat treatable alloys and are easily welded using conventional methods. They have good forming characteristics and is relatively easy to machine. Aluminum also has good corrosion resistance, including resistance to salt water.