Sheet metal gauges are used to define the thickness of a metal sheet. The gauge number indicates the material's thickness, with higher numbers representing thinner sheets and lower numbers indicating thicker ones. This system helps in selecting the right material for specific applications, ensuring proper strength, weight, and cost efficiency.
Understanding Aluminum Gauge Charts
The aluminum gauge chart provides precise measurements for different thicknesses. Knowing the actual thickness is essential for setting up welding processes and machinery. It ensures that parts meet the required strength and durability standards. Too thick or too thin can affect both performance and production costs. Using the correct gauge helps optimize your project budget and material usage.
If you're looking for high-quality sheet metal in various sizes, refer to the following gauge charts for both metric and imperial units:
Aluminum Gauge Chart (in mm and inches)
Gauge No.
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
16
MM
3.665
3.264
2.906
2.588
2.305
2.053
1.628
1.291
Inches
0.1443
0.1285
0.1144
0.1019
0.09074
0.08081
0.06408
0.05082
Gauge No.
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
–
MM
1.024
0.812
0.644
0.511
0.405
0.321
0.255
–
Inches
0.0403
0.03196
0.02535
0.0201
0.01594
0.01264
0.01003
–
Common Sheet Metal Materials
Various metals are used in sheet metal fabrication, each with unique properties. Here are some popular materials:
Stainless steel
Pre-plated steel
Cold rolled steel
Copper/Brass
Aluminum
400 series
300 series
hot-dip galvanized steel
used to smooth the finish hot rolled steel
electrolytically tough pitch (ETP)
Grade 1100: low strength
Grade 410: less corrosion resistance, heat treatable
Grade 316: corrosion-resistant, maintains strength at high temperatures
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available in 1018, 1008 alloys
C110 or C101
weldable and ductile
Grade 430: used in applications where corrosion resistance is not required
Grade 304: widely used, less corrosion-resistant
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cartridge brass (alternative)
Grade 3003:Stronger, corrosion-resistant
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good formability and weldability
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Applications of Sheet Metal
Sheet metal is widely used across industries for its versatility and strength. Common applications include:
Architectural components
Structural elements
Housings and enclosures
Manufacturing parts
Cabinets and panels
Construction materials
Automation systems
The gauge value determines the thickness of the sheet, which varies depending on the material. For example, ferrous metals use inches or millimeters, while non-ferrous metals may use ounces per square foot for measurement.
Standard Sheet Metal Gauge Charts
Below are standard gauge charts for different materials to help you choose the right thickness for your project:
Mild Steel Gauge Chart
Gauge no.
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
MM
4.554
4.175
3.797
3.416
3.038
2.656
1.897
Inches
0.1793
0.1644
0.1495
0.1345
0.1196
0.1046
0.0747
Gauge no.
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
MM
1.518
1.214
0.911
0.759
0.607
0.454
0.378
Inches
0.0598
0.0478
0.0359
0.0299
0.0239
0.0179
0.0149
Galvanized Steel Gauge Chart
Gauge no.
8
9
10
11
12
14
16
MM
4.269
3.891
3.51
3.1318
2.753
1.9939
1.6129
Inches
0.1681
0.1532
0.1382
0.1233
0.1084
0.0785
0.0635
Gauge no.
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
MM
1.31
1.005
0.853
0.701
0.551
0.474
0.398
Inches
0.0516
0.0396
0.0336
0.0276
0.0217
0.0187
0.0157
Stainless Steel Gauge Chart
Gauge No
8
9
10
11
12
14
16
MM
4.365
3.968
3.571
3.175
2.778
1.984
1.587
Inches
0.17187
0.15625
0.14062
0.125
0.10937
0.07812
0.0625
Gauge No
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
MM
1.27
0.9525
0.7937
0.635
0.476
0.396
0.3175
Inches
0.05
0.0375
0.03125
0.025
0.01875
0.01562
0.0125
Copper Gauge Chart
Gauge No.
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
16
MM
4.572
4.191
3.759
3.404
3.048
2.769
2.108
1.651
Inches
0.18
0.165
0.148
0.134
0.12
0.109
0.083
0.065
Gauge No.
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
MM
1.245
0.889
0.711
0.559
0.457
0.356
0.305
Inches
0.049
0.035
0.028
0.022
0.018
0.014
0.012
Sheet Metal Fabrication Process
Sheet metal fabrication involves several key steps, including bending, cutting, punching, forming, welding, finishing, and inspection. Each process plays a crucial role in shaping and strengthening the final product.
Bending
Cutting
Punching
Forming
bent into various shapes
typically done using a press brake
Created bend line and then applying force to achieve the desired angle
shearing
laser cutting
plasma cutting
water jet cutting
choice of method depends on the thickness, material type and required precision
Done by punching press or a CNC machine
shaping the metal into desired forms
stamping
rolling
deep drawing
Welding
Finishing
Inspection
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MIG
TIG
Ensures that parts are securely attached
painting
coating
plating
protect against corrosion
dimensional accuracy
structural integrity
overall quality
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Sheet Metal Tolerances
Sheet metal tolerances ensure that the manufactured parts meet the required specifications. Below is a table showing the size range for different gauges:
Gauge
10
11
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
Nominal [in]
0.1345
0.1196
0.1046
0.0747
0.0598
0.0478
0.0359
0.0299
0.0239
0.0179
0.0149
Max
Size [in]
0.1405
0.1256
0.1106
0.0797
0.0648
0.0518
0.0389
0.0329
0.0269
0.0199
0.0169
Min
Size [in]
0.1285
0.1136
0.0986
0.0697
0.0548
0.0438
0.0329
0.0269
0.0209
0.0159
0.0129
Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Gauge Thickness
Gauge
12
11
24
16
Thickness
0.109" | 2.78mm
0.120" | 3.05 mm
0.025" | 0.64 mm
0.063" | 1.59mm
Thickness Tolerance
± 0.009 | ± 0.23mm
± 0.005
± 0.003 | ± 0.08mm
± 0.006 | ± 0.15mm
Gauge
14
20
18
22
Thickness
0.078" | 1.98mm
0.038" | 0.95mm
0.050" | 1.27mm
0.031" | 0.79 mm
Thickness Tolerance
± 0.007 | ± 0.18mm
± 0.004 | ± 0.10mm
± 0.005 | ± 0.13mm
± 0.004 | ± 0.10mm
Sheet Metal Surface Finishes
Surface finishes improve the appearance, durability, and functionality of sheet metal products. Common options include:
Annealing
Galvanised
Tinning
Anodising
Tempering
Brass Gauge Chart
Brass gauge charts provide thickness measurements for different gauge numbers. Understanding the thickness is important for manufacturing, as it affects the material’s strength, workability, and cost.
Gauge No.
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
16
MM
3.665
3.264
2.906
2.588
2.305
2.053
1.628
1.291
Inches
0.1443
0.1285
0.1144
0.1019
0.09074
0.08081
0.06408
0.05082
Gauge No.
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
MM
1.024
0.812
0.644
0.511
0.405
0.321
0.255
Inches
0.0403
0.03196
0.02535
0.0201
0.01594
0.01264
0.01003
Sheet Metal Welding Techniques
There are several welding methods used in sheet metal fabrication, including MIG, TIG, Laser, Stick, Gas, and Plasma Arc welding. Each technique has its own advantages and is suitable for different applications.
MIG Welding
TIG Welding
Laser Welding
Stick Welding
GAS Welding
Plasma Arc welding
Weight Per Square Meter for Stainless Steel Sheets
The weight of stainless steel sheets depends on their thickness. Below is a detailed table showing the weight per square meter for different thicknesses and sizes:
