Aluminum sheet is a versatile material valued in many industries for its unique properties. Robust, light and easy to care for – these properties make it a popular material in both industry and private use. In this article we take a close look at the advantages and versatile uses of aluminum sheet: what properties characterize it, how it can be processed and in which areas it is particularly frequently used.
Individual and tailor-made for every requirement
Aluminum sheets are manufactured in various thicknesses to meet the needs of different applications. For tubs that are used, for example, as a collecting basin for small containers or fuel, the bottom must have a certain thickness to ensure stability and chemical resistance. Since aluminum has a very high chemical resistance, you don't have to worry about a leak.
For other applications, however, the aluminum sheet must be rolled to one millimeter and have a particularly thin material thickness. Companies and craftsmen canConfigure and purchase aluminum sheet easilyin order to benefit from the highest quality. The aluminum sheet is then rolled and cut to size according to requirements so that it can then be processed further without any problems. The aluminum sheet can also be deburred if necessary, for example if it is processed in the food industry. Sharp edges or pointed corners are an absolute no-go here. But bends can also be shaped according to individual wishes in order to be able to create a wide variety of shapes.
The possible uses for tailor-made aluminum sheets are almost unlimited. Here is an overview of the most common applications and the appropriate aluminum sheet thicknesses:
- Collection trays for liquids: Ideal for the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.Recommended thickness:Middle sheet (3 mm ≤ thickness < 5 mm) to ensure stability and chemical resistance.
- Floor coverings in trailers and trucks: Robust and durable surfaces for transport.Recommended thickness:Checker plates (1.5mm to 6.5mm) for slip resistance and abrasion resistance.
- Roof and facade cladding: Particularlyweatherproof for outdoor use.Recommended thickness:Thin sheet metal (1 mm ≤ thickness < 3 mm) for a light but stable construction.
- Wall coverings and partitions: For interiors that require high hygiene (e.g. food industry).Recommended thickness:Thin sheet metal (thickness < 3 mm) as it is easy to clean and malleable.
- Safety covers for light wells and drains: Perfect for protection and ventilation.Recommended thickness:Checker plates (1.5 mm to 6.5 mm) to ensure a stable and secure cover.
- Grooved floor coverings: Non-slip surfaces for workshops, production halls or lofts.Recommended thickness:Checker plates (1.5 mm to 6.5 mm) that provide a non-slip structure.
- Outside:Design of raised beds, garden furniture andprivacy walls.Recommended thickness:Thin sheet (1 mm ≤ thickness < 3 mm) or medium sheet (3 mm ≤ thickness < 5 mm), depending on the desired stability.
- Hail protection for terraces and garden houses: Robust material for long-lasting weather resistance.Recommended thickness:Middle sheet metal (3 mm ≤ thickness < 5 mm) for high resistance.
- Decorative elements and facade cladding: Easy to edit and customize for any design.Recommended thickness:Thin sheet metal (thickness < 3 mm) for flexible formability and aesthetic applications.
Aluminum sheet is suitable for indoor and outdoor use
There is a big myth surrounding aluminum sheeting. When it comes to corrosion, opinions differ. The fact is, tooAluminum sheet oxidizes over time. However, in comparison to sheet steel or iron, the substance is not attacked. Rather, the corrosion serves as a protective layer. Aluminum sheets are therefore perfect for use in damp environments or outdoor use. Even the weather cannot harm the material in the long term. In some cases, all that is needed is regular cleaning and care so that the aluminum sheet retains its shiny surface.
By the way, aluminum sheets are also abrasion-resistant, so they are often used as floors for trailers. The aluminum sheet can simply be attached over the existing plywood panel. However, it is important that a certain material thickness is selected here. Otherwise, the aluminum sheet can develop unsightly dents when exposed to high loads.
Fluted, perforated or smooth
Depending on the intended use, aluminum sheet can eitherridged, perforated or smoothbe delivered. Non-slip surfaces are particularly important if the sheet metal is used as a floor covering or anti-slip covering - for example in industrial halls or for the loft-style shower at home. Due to their non-slip properties, aluminum checker plates are ideal for steps, ramps and other areas where a secure footing is required.
Perforated sheets, on the other hand, are often used as covers for light wells or drains. Not only can the sheet metal be manufactured in an individual shape, the holes can also be adjusted as desired. Whether square or round – punching gives the aluminum sheet the desired shape.
In its original version, the perforated sheet simply remains smooth after rolling. For example, it can be used as a hail-proof roof for terraces or cabins. But aluminum sheets can also be used on the walls in stables, for example, to make cleaning easier.
Thanks to the large selection of variants such as smooth, ribbed or perforated versions, aluminum sheet offers a suitable option for almost every application. It is a material that meets both functional requirements and design ideas.
