Nominal thickness is only one design input
Material grade, rib geometry, coverage, bends, hardware spacing and trimming all influence how a finished part feels. A thicker sheet does not automatically create a better product, and a thin sheet is not automatically weak when its geometry is well controlled.
| Nominal sheet | Metric equivalent | Common design direction |
|---|---|---|
| 0.060 in | About 1.52 mm | Lower mass, more flexibility, compact applications |
| 0.080 in | About 2.03 mm | Balanced starting point for many carry formats |
| 0.093 in | About 2.36 mm | Higher stiffness for demanding mounting or larger geometry |
These are nominal values. SEKISUI KYDEX publishes manufacturing tolerance ranges for standard sheet: its standard product specification lists low and high thickness limits around each nominal size. Buyers should therefore specify the grade and nominal thickness, then approve performance on the formed sample.
How thickness changes processing
Thicker sheet needs more energy and time for the core to reach forming condition. The manufacturer’s forming brief provides thickness-dependent temperature and dwell-time starting points. Actual settings require validation on production equipment.
Questions for your supplier
- Which sheet grade is included in the quote?
- Is thickness stated as nominal or measured finished-wall thickness?
- Where does the geometry thin during forming?
- How is lot-to-lot material identity recorded?
- Which sample becomes the acceptance reference?
Frequently asked questions
Is 0.093 always more durable than 0.080?
Not necessarily. Geometry, stress concentration, forming quality and hardware placement also affect service behavior.
Should one thickness be used across an entire range?
A platform standard can simplify sourcing, but large or load-bearing formats may justify a different specification.
Discuss material choices in a CarryMold RFQ.