plåten

Plåten is a term in Swedish and related languages referring to a flat piece of metal formed into a sheet or plate. In industrial contexts it denotes metal stock that is manufactured to standard thicknesses and ready for shaping, forming, or finishing. The English term is sheet metal, though plåten is used broadly to describe metal sheets of various alloys and thicknesses used across many industries.

Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. The choice of material determines properties such as strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. Thickness, measured in millimeters or gauge in some regions, ranges from thin foils (0.1–0.5 mm) to heavy plates (above 5 mm), though typical sheet metal used in construction and manufacturing falls between 0.5 and 3 mm.

Production involves rolling metal stock into sheets, with hot rolling used for thicker forms and cold rolling for tighter tolerances and smoother finishes. Finishing operations include annealing, coating (such as galvanization or painting), and surface treatments to improve wear resistance or appearance. Edges may be sheared, punched, or formed by bending and stamping to create components or enclosures.

Applications span construction (roofing, cladding, ducting), automotive body panels, machinery enclosures, electrical cabinets, appliances, and architectural details. Sheet metal offers a combination of light weight, formability, and reasonable strength, making it a versatile material for mass production and custom fabrication.

Handling and safety considerations include proper protective equipment when cutting or bending, as well as corrosion protection for susceptible alloys. The term plåten thus covers a broad category of metal sheets used worldwide in many fields.