SDS is available in flat sheets or can be cut to size and shape. The material can be sheared, punched, drilled, lasered, screwed or rivetted in the same way as conventional sheet metals.

Mild Steel, Aluminium, galvanised or Stainless Steel. Symmetric and asymmetric laminates are available, subject to minimum order quantities.

SDS is used extensively for manufacturing chutes, funnels, heating and ventilating ducts, feeders, conveyors, hoppers, storage bins, machine tool covers, guards, exhaust ducts, waste extractors, timing chain and rocker box covers and bulkheads.

SDS can be painted with wet paint, two pack and special coatings without problems., See below for powder coating.

SDS can be used at continuous operating temperatures up to 180C. If the application requires temperatures in excess of 180C for example powder coating, we can supply it with a high temperature polymer which handles this. Further details available on request.

SDS is excited into resonance by any form of impact, its vibration response is critically damped. The tendency for a sheet metal material to resonate or ‘ring’ is characterised by its ‘Q’ factor. The table below compares the acoustic performance of untreated sheet steel with SDS of the same overall thickness.
See Wikipedia for info on Q_factors

Where possible, equipment manufactured with SDS should be designed using flat sheets. The laminate can be sheared, punched, pierced, drilled, screwed, glued and rivetted to form the overall shape. SDS can be folded using progressive or hand-folding techniques however, the maximum bend radii should not exceed three times the overall thickness otherwise bowing may occur.

SDS can be rolled, we can supply an asymmetric laminate so the thinner skin is on the inside of the rolled piece. This helps reduce slippage between the skins.

SDS can be spot and resistance welded using an electrically conductive bridge between the inner and outer sheets. Welding machinery should be set for minimum air pressure, minimum current and maximum time. Other forms of welding may be used, however, SDS may distort if too much heat is applied.

Welding should be carried out in a well ventilated area with extract hoods to disperse fumes.