Choosing the appropriate metal sheet thickness based on the application scenario is crucial, as it must match structural strength, space constraints, load requirements, and cost control. Different fields have significantly different requirements for sheet thickness. Below is a selection guide based on typical application scenarios:
1. Building and Decoration Engineering
Exterior walls, curtain walls, and roof panels: Commonly used are 0.8–1.5mm aluminum sheets or 0.5–1.2mm stainless steel sheets. Lightweight and weather-resistant, they also offer wind pressure resistance and ease of installation.
Interior ceilings and partitions: 0.5–1.0mm aluminum-plastic composite panels or color steel sheets can be used, meeting decorative and fire-resistant requirements and facilitating cutting and shaping.
Steel grating platforms: For heavy-duty industrial platforms, flat steel thickness ≥3mm is recommended. In humid or corrosive environments, ensure a hot-dip galvanized layer ≥85μm to extend service life.
2. Automobile Manufacturing
Exterior Body Panels (Doors, Hood): To achieve lightweighting, 0.6–1.0mm cold-rolled steel sheets or high-strength steel are commonly used, balancing strength and fuel economy.
Structural Components (Beams, Frame): 1.0–2.0mm thick steel sheets are used in high-stress areas to ensure collision safety.
Interior Trim Components: When only aesthetic function is required, 0.4–0.8mm stainless steel sheets can be used to reduce costs and weight.
3. Electronics and Home Appliances
Mobile Phone/Laptop Casings: Pursuing thinness and lightness, 0.4–1.2mm aluminum alloy or titanium alloy sheets are commonly used, balancing strength and texture.
Home Appliance Casings (Refrigerators, Washing Machines): Generally, 0.5–1.0mm galvanized or color-coated steel sheets are used, offering corrosion resistance, durability, and controllable costs.
PCB Metal Substrate: Used for LED lighting or power modules. Aluminum substrate thickness is typically 1.0–2.0 mm, with 2.0 mm used for high-power outdoor lighting fixtures to enhance heat dissipation.
4. Industrial Equipment and Machinery
Control Cabinets and Equipment Housings: Standard thickness 1.5–2.0 mm cold-rolled steel sheet to ensure rigidity and protection levels.
High-Vibration Environments (e.g., construction machinery): PCB support boards or control boards require a thickness of ≥2.4 mm to prevent breakage due to vibration.
High-Voltage/High-Current Components: Such as new energy storage BMS mainboards, using ≥3.0 mm thick plates to improve current carrying capacity and heat dissipation.
5. Aerospace and High-End Manufacturing
Aircraft Skin and Honeycomb Structures: Using 0.3–1.0 mm ultra-thin titanium sheets or aluminum alloy plates to maximize weight reduction while maintaining strength.
Satellite precision components: Ultra-thin titanium strips (0.05-0.1mm) are used in sandwich structures to reduce launch costs and withstand high temperatures.
