How Thick Is 20 Gauge Stainless Steel Sheet? Gauge refers to the thickness of sheet metal. Engineers and fabricators use gauge measurements to accurately cut, form, and weld their metal pieces together.
Selecting the proper gauge is critical for your project. Making a mistake could result in major or minor issues with your design.
What is a Gauge?
A gauge is a measurement device used to indicate the thickness of sheet metal. Engineers and technicians commonly use them when working with metal. Gauges are not standard or metric, meaning their values are independent from these systems. You can convert gauge numbers to inches or millimeters using an appropriate chart.
Gauges were first devised in Britain to specify the thickness of wire, when there was no standard measurement system available. Since then, gauges have remained a reliable way to describe both wire and sheet metal thickness.
Today, many different gauge systems are employed for measuring various materials. No matter if you’re measuring steel, copper, aluminum, brass or any other type of metal, a gauge chart will help you find the correct size for your project.
When purchasing sheet metal for fabrication projects, the gauge size you choose can make a big difference in thickness. For instance, an 18 gauge stainless steel sheet measures 0.0478 inch thick while an 18 gauge aluminum sheet is only 0.043 inches thin. Thus, using a gauge chart when purchasing metal ensures accurate thickness measurements for your fabrication needs.
Gauging metal requires the use of various tools, each with their own unique capabilities but all offering the same basic functionality.
One of the most widely used gauges is a feeler gauge. These tools consist of several pieces with varying thicknesses that fit together like a folding knife blade, offering easy handling due to their rounded edges.
Another popular gauge is a ring gauge. Constructed of thermal-resistant steel for increased strength and stability, these are an ideal way to measure the width of gaps or grooves in cylinders.
Another popular gauge is a strain gauge. Similar to manometer pressure gauges, but instead of being filled with manometric fluid, these devices consist of metal foil that changes resistance when put under tension or compression. Strain gauges provide an accurate way to measure stress on objects.
Gauge Chart
To accurately measure the thickness of 20 gauge stainless steel sheet, a gauge chart is necessary. This chart will display exact measurement units in inches and millimeters so you can ensure you use the right metal for your project.
Gauge charts are an industry-standard method of measuring sheet metal thickness and other materials. They’re user-friendly, showing both metric and standard units of measurement for each type of sheet metal.
The gauge system originated in Britain and was initially employed to measure wire thickness due to the absence of a unit for sheet metals at that time. Over time, however, it was adapted for other materials as well and remains widely used today.
Generally, the higher the gauge number on a piece of sheet metal indicates thinner it is. To determine your sheet’s gauge, measure it with a tape measure and compare it to its corresponding number on our gauge chart.
You can multiply the thickness to get its equivalent in inches. For instance, if your brass sheet measures 2.906 millimeters thick, multiply that figure by 0.03937 to get its thickness in inches (which would be 0.1144 inches).
Another principle to keep in mind when reading gauge charts is that every metal has its own chart and decimal equivalent. For instance, a #20 copper sheet measures 0.035 inches while an equivalent aluminum sheet measures 0.053 inches.
Sheet metal thicknesses can be determined using gauge charts, which engineers use to decide on the most accurate ways of cutting, shaping and welding the metal.
Selecting the correct gauge of sheet metal for a part is critical, as it will affect its performance and ability to be welded together properly. Weaker sheets lead to weaker, costlier components – especially when heavy-duty applications call for them.
Thickness Chart
Selecting the correct gauge thickness for your metal fabrication project is critical. Not only can it create durable objects that last a long time, but it’s also economical as it requires minimal production and shipping expenses. Sheet metal thickness is measured in gauges, and using a thickness chart helps you determine which numbered gauge to use for your task.
For example, a 20 gauge stainless steel sheet has an overall thickness of 0.0478 inches. That number can easily be converted to millimeters using our convenient gauge conversion chart – providing stress-free conversion.
Generally, higher gauge means thicker metal which makes it easier to weld and form, while a lower gauge indicates thinner material. Selecting an incorrect gauge could result in issues with strength and durability in your design.
One common miscalculation is measuring the gauge in centimeters instead of millimeters. This can cause issues when converting measurements, so it’s better to take your gauge in inches. For accurate readings, use a tape measure with millimeter hash marks on it for best accuracy.
When measuring sheet metal’s gauge, measure its thickness with a tape measure. Then, compare that result in inches to an available sheet metal gauge chart.
Sheet metal gauge charts provide numerical equivalents to inch or mm thickness and it’s essential to match up the results. Fortunately, there are numerous online gauge chart options to choose from.
One of the most sought-after gauge charts is 304 stainless steel. Notorious for its corrosion resistance and ease of formability, this type of stainless steel makes an excellent choice for various metal fabrication projects.
304 stainless steel stands out as an austenitic alloy with high carbon content and low nickel content. It’s highly durable, often used for cooking utensils like pans.
However, it’s essential to note that this chart may not always accurately reflect the thickness of a stainless steel sheet in inches. For instance, one with gauge 14 measures 0.0471 inches thick while one with 18 measures 0.040 inches – an incredibly small difference but one which could make all the difference when considering project performance.
Applications
Stainless steel sheet is a type of metal commonly used in industrial applications due to its durability and resistance to rust, making it the ideal choice for areas requiring high levels of cleanliness. It comes in various finishes such as brushed or mirror, making it an attractive option for anyone looking for industrial metalwork.
Stainless steel’s composition is straightforward: it consists of several metals combined to make it stronger and more resistant to corrosion. At least 10.5% chromium is required, with additional elements like nickel, manganese, titanium, molybdenum or other compounds added for additional strength and corrosion resistance.
Three main varieties of stainless steel exist: austenitic, ferritic and duplex. Each has its own properties and can be utilized for specific applications.
For instance, 304 stainless steel is considered food grade and suitable for sanitary environments like kitchens or restaurants. It also boasts impressive corrosion resistance which makes it popular in backsplashes, c channels, door kick plates and more.
Another popular grade of stainless steel is 201 stainless steel. This less costly option is often used for light duty projects and projects due to its strength and corrosion resistance. Though not as strong or corrosion resistant as 304 stainless steel, 201 is easier to work with due to its lower carbon content.
If your business requires a significant amount of stainless steel, it’s essential to understand the various alloys and their grading system. Doing this will enable you to select the ideal material for your requirements.
Stainless steel sheet comes in various thicknesses. 20 gauge is usually sufficient for most applications, but you should be aware that it’s not as thick as some other types of stainless steel. If you plan to use your sheet stainless steel heavily for heavy-duty equipment however, then heavier gauge may be better suited.
20-gauge stainless steel sheet is 0.040 inches thick, or 1.20 millimeters across. While this thickness may be sufficient for most applications, it may not be strong enough to bond onto elevator surfaces when attached to a solid substrate.
Stainless steel sheet is an environmentally friendly choice since it can be recycled. It also has the versatility to be welded and formed into various shapes and sizes.
