Metal formed into thin pieces is called sheet metal, and it has many applications in the building and manufacturing industries. Many kinds of metal can be formed into sheet metal, including titanium, aluminum, brass and copper. Each use for sheet metal requires a specific thickness, or gauge. A higher gauge number indicates a thinner piece of sheet metal.

The Automotive Industry

The bodies of many cars and other vehicles are constructed from sheet metal.

Airplanes

Airplanes large and small have their wings and fuselages covered in sheet metal.

A Building Material

Sheet metal can be used as a roofing material, to make flashing for roofs and to make rain gutters. Inside a building, duct work and furnaces can be made from sheet metal.

Equestrian Purposes

Sheet metal has long been used to make decorative horse tack such as breastplates.

Historical Uses

Centuries ago, sheet metal was used to make body armor for men in a cavalry.