What sheet metal thickness should you choose for a folded part?
Short answer: for common building and finishing parts, start with 1 mm for light profiles, move to 1.5 mm when the part is wider or more exposed, and use 2 mm for technical parts that need more stiffness. The final choice depends on material, developed width, length, number of bends, fixing and exposure.
A decorative trim, a window flashing and an industrial bracket do not need the same stiffness.
The larger the unfolded width, the more the part can flex or vibrate if thickness and fixing are too light.
Aluminium, steel, zinc, stainless steel and copper do not behave the same way at equal thickness.
Thickness decision table
The useful question is not only “which thickness”, but “which thickness for this material, this shape and this use”. A folded part gains stiffness through both material thickness and profile geometry.
Simple rule: choose the thinnest sheet that gives enough stiffness for the use, while staying compatible with bending, appearance and fixing.
| Thickness | Typical use | Attention points |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 mm | Light covers, simple trims, low-stress finishing parts. | Avoid wide unsupported faces and high exposure. |
| 1.0 mm | Common sheet metal profiles, flashings, small copings, finishing pieces. | Good starting point for many building parts. |
| 1.5 mm | Wider parts, visible facade trims, more exposed zones. | Check bend feasibility and fixing spacing. |
| 2.0 mm | Technical pieces, longer parts, higher stiffness requirements. | Heavier, more expensive and more demanding to bend. |
What to check before ordering
- Length: a long part can flex even if the sheet looks thick enough on paper.
- Bends: returns, ribs and angles can increase stiffness without simply increasing thickness.
- Exposure: wind, handling, snow and repeated contact may justify a more rigid option.
- Assembly: if the part must fit into another element, thickness affects clearances and tolerances.
FAQ
Is 1 mm sheet metal enough?
Often yes for many standard folded building parts. For wide, exposed or technical parts, 1.5 mm or 2 mm may be more appropriate.
Is thicker sheet always stronger?
It is generally stiffer, but profile shape, bend layout and fixing can be just as important as thickness.
Where do tolerances fit in?
Thickness influences bending and assembly. For exact dimensional rules, use the manufacturing tolerances and dimensioning guides.
Ready to configure a folded sheet metal part?
Choose a profile, material, thickness, dimensions and colour in the SuissePliage configurator.