Using the Manufacturers Standard Gauge table, the thickness of 18-gauge mild steel sheet metal is.In the United States, the standard (thickness) gauge for sheet steel is established by federal law.15 U.S. Code В§ 206 states, вЂњFor the purpose of securing uniformity the following is established as the only standard gauge for sheet and plate iron and steel in the United States of AmericaвЂ¦вЂќ and goes on to provide a complete table of all the different gauge numbers with their thickness and weight equivalents.When a manufacturer sells steel deck or steel roof panels in the US, their products must comply with these gauge standards.Roof and building specifications often use вЂњgaugeвЂќ when stating the required material thickness. An aluminum sheet metal thickness refers to the thickness of an Aluminium Sheets, a flat square (or rectangle) piece of aluminum material with a thickness of between 0.2mm and 500mm, a width of 200mm (some are even 50mm and above) and more, and a length of 16m or less. General Information of Aluminum sheet thickness. The aluminum sheet metal thickness can Sheet Metal Gauge Chart.

For such a common material, there is a lot of potential confusion. Even if you are a relative newcomer to the foodservice industry, you have heard the term вЂњ stainless steel.вЂќ But even industry veterans are often undereducated about the finer points of stainless steel and its uses. Click here.See our page вЂњ Weight of Sheet SteelвЂќ for information on the Manufacturers Standard Gauge, which is used commercially in the US, having replaced the US Standard Gauge over time.SUBURBAN SHEET METAL LTD Mailing Address P.O. Box 739 Kennedale, TX 76060 Physical Address 528 S.

The chromium forms an ultra-thin layer on the steel that is referred to as the вЂњ passive layer.вЂќ This passive layer is the key to preventing rust and other corrosion.In addition, the alloy can only have a maximum of 1.2% carbon to be considered stainless. This combination with chromium is what gives stainless steel its resistance to corrosion. It is a term used for a group of iron-based alloys (a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements) that contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Is Galvanized Steel the Same as Stainless Steel?Stainless steel is not just one thing. Specific Steel Types Found in Foodservice Operations

But it is possible.You should also be aware that rust is only one type of corrosion. Because of its chemical make-up, stainless steel is less likely to rust. Can Stainless Steel Rust?There is a common misconception that stainless steel is some sort of miracle metal that never rusts. It is the different combinations of these materials that give rise to the different properties of stainless steel.

Should You Use a Flatware Retriever? Gauges ExplainedGauges of stainless steel are the thing that seems to most confuse people. It appears as tiny pits on the surface of the steel and, left unchecked, can affect both the look and performance of the steel surface.However, by choosing the right type of stainless steel for your application and applying basic care and maintenance, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of any type of corrosion. Pitting is just what it sounds like. A common type of corrosion referred to as вЂњ pittingвЂќ can occur when a stainless surface is not properly cared for or is exposed to corrosive agents for too long.

But unlike traditional scales, lower numbers indicate thicker sheets of metal. Again, you might think that higher numbers indicate thicker steel. Wrong!The gauge refers to the thickness of the stainless steel. So it is natural for people to believe that a higher gauge of steel is better.

Austenitic steel is non-magnetic (which may be important to you if you use a flatware retriever). It is composed of chromium and nickel (though some grades may substitute manganese and nitrogen for most of the nickel content). To begin, there are 3 terms you should be familiar with: Austenitic SteelAustenitic Steel is the most commonly used grade of stainless. But for larger, deeper sinks, a heavier gauge steel will be required.Similarly, as we discussed in our article on equipment stands, you need to understand how you will be using your tables and stands to make the best choice for the gauge of steel required.While gauge refers to thickness, the grade of steel is a reference to its components and the properties of the steel that arise from using various components. For example, a lighter gauge steel may be perfectly fine for a small hand sink.

Duplex stainless steels are a more recent addition to the family of stainless steels. DuplexThere is a potential 4th category worth mentioning called Duplex. Martensitic SteelMartensitic Steel is much less frequently seen in foodservice, this grade of steel is magnetic and is defined by its low level of nickel and moderate level of carbon. This is the second most commonly used grade of stainless steel. It is not as strong or corrosion resistant as austenitic grade. Ferritic SteelFerritic Steel is a magnetic steel that has a low carbon content.

SAE 304SAE 304 is the most commonly used grade of austenitic steel. These grading definitions indicate the composition of the steel, its properties and the standards it must follow. Magnetic flatware is 18/0 Specific Steel Types Found in Foodservice OperationsThese different grades have been further defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers ( SAE). Duplex stainless steels have not been extensively used in foodservice to date.

It provides many of the same benefits as the most expensive 304 grade so it has begun to gain wider acceptance in the foodservice industry. SAE 201SAE 201 is also an austenitic steel similar to 304 but is less expensive. It is also used in numerous other smallwares such as cooking utensils, pots, pans, and flatware. SAE 304 is widely used in the foodservice industry forВ sinks, work tables, coffee urns, stoves, refrigerators, and equipment stands. It is highly resistant to corrosion, but it is non-magnetic (again, important if you are using a magnetic flatware retriever). Because of this composition, you will sometimes see this referred to as 18/8 steel, especially in reference to flatware.

SAE 316SAE 316 is a ferritic steel that was originally specified for the medical industry. You may see it in lower end sinks and tables but is also sometimes used for panels in refrigerators and ovens. It is most commonly used for goods that are to be used in lower corrosive environments and conditions.

Galvanized steel is just regular steel that is coated in zinc to prevent corrosion. Is Galvanized Steel the Same as Stainless Steel?The short answer is no. Therefore it is only seen in specialize products, especially those used in highly corrosive applications. Its properties make it more expensive than other steel choices and is more difficult to work with for manufacturers.

You can also try simply using water or a damp cloth as well. This can actually make matters worse as it can lead to further breakdown and ultimately more corrosion.If you are trying to remove fingerprints or smudges to improve the cosmetic appearance of your stainless, try simply wiping with a soft, dry cloth. The grit in some cleansers can scratch the stainless surface. But if you have no other guidance, here are a few simple tips for cleaning your stainless steel.First, be cautious about using abrasive cleansers.

The Final Word on Stainless SteelAs a restaurant or foodservice worker, you will see stainless steel everywhere you look. And, as always, dry the surface when done.Avoid metal brushes and things like steel wool as they not only have the potential to scratch the surface, but they can also leave behind embedded particles. Rinse the surface with water after you use any type of cleaner. Check for scratching or discoloration. However, it is always best to test any of these solutions out on a small, less visible area of the piece you are trying to clean.

Sheet Metal Gauge Table