The sheet of black iron, tin, galvanized iron (GI), stainless steel, copper, zinc, aluminium, etc. are widely used in tin smithy work. The sheets are specified by gauge numbers. The larger the gauge number, the lesser the thickness.
Black Iron Sheet: It is the cheapest type of metallic sheet. It has a bluish black appearance and is often referred to as uncoated sheet. The use of this sheet is limited to articles that are to be painted after fabrication work such as tanks, stoves, and pipes.
Galvanized Iron (GI) Sheet: The zinc coating resists rust and improves the appearance of the metal and permits it to be soldered easily. Welding work on this sheet is not so easy as zinc gives toxic fumes and residues. As it is coated with zinc, galvanized iron sheet withstands contact with water and exposure to weather. It is mainly used to make the articles such as furnaces, cabinets, buckets, pans, gutters, etc.
Tin Sheet: This is an iron sheet coated with tin to protect it against rust. This is specially used for soldering work as it is the easiest metal to join by soldering process. It has very bright silvery appearance and is used mainly in making of roofs, canes, pans, dairy equipment, food containers, etc.
Stainless Steel Sheet: Stainless steel sheet, used in smithy shop, can be worked as galvanized iron sheet, but is tougher than galvanized iron sheet. Stainless steel is an alloy of steel with chromium and nickel. It has good corrosive resistance and can be welded easily. It is a costly metal. This type of sheet is used in food processing items, chemical plants, canneries, dairies items, kitchen wares, etc.
Copper Sheet: This type of sheet has better appearance than other metals. Cost of copper sheet is higher in comparison to galvanized iron sheet. Being resistant to corrosion, it is used for making the articles such as hoods, roof flashing, expansion joints, gutters, etc.
Aluminium Sheet: Aluminium cannot be used in pure form, but is used with a small amount of silicon, manganese, copper, and iron. It is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion, whitish in colour and light in weight. It is now widely used in the manufacturing of a number of articles such as trays, refrigerators, household appliances, lighting fixtures, parts of aeroplanes, electrical and transport industries, and in the fitting and fixture used in windows, doors, and building requirements
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