Sheet Metal
ISRI Code : NA | Last updatedAugust 11, 2026 07:41:40 AM
Sheet Metal may consist of thin, flat steel pieces generated by an industrial process. It can be bent and cut into a variety of shapes using different tools such as Snips, Hacksaw, Nibbler, Jigsaw, Band Saw etc. Steel sheets are often fabricated to form large number of useful new products in fabrication shops.
Sheet Metal Scrap: What It Is, Current Pricing, and Where to Sell It
Sheet metal is thin, flat metal — most commonly steel or aluminum — shaped into components for the automotive, construction, and fabrication industries. Scrap prices for sheet metal move with size, grade, and gauge (thickness), and sellers can move material through local scrap yards or ScrapMonster's online marketplace.
What Readers Should Know
- Sheet metal can be made from steel, aluminum, copper, tin, nickel, brass, or titanium, but steel and aluminum dominate due to corrosion resistance.
- Gauge (thickness), size, and grade are the primary variables that determine scrap price.
- North American export prices for sheet metal stood at roughly US$175 per pound on the East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast as of mid-August 2020.
- European export prices for sheet metal were around US$100 per tonne over the same period.
- Sellers can list material directly on the ScrapMonster B2B marketplace instead of relying solely on local scrap yards.
- Full-service yards that handle bulk sheet metal often arrange on-site pickup, easing logistics for larger loads.
What Is Sheet Metal?
Sheet metal consists of thin, flat metal pieces produced through an industrial rolling process. It can be cut and bent into a wide range of shapes using tools such as snips, hacksaws, nibblers, jigsaws, and band saws. Fabrication shops routinely convert sheet metal into finished products for a variety of end uses.
Steel is the most common base material for sheet metal, though copper, tin, nickel, aluminum, brass, and titanium are also used. Steel and aluminum sheet metals remain the most widely produced grades, largely because of their high resistance to corrosion.
Steel sheet metal is used heavily by the automotive, construction, and fabrication industries. Applications range from complex machinery components to aircraft bodies.
Why Sheet Metal Prices Vary
Sheet metal scrap prices vary depending on size and grade. Gauge — the standardized measurement of thickness — is also a key factor in how yards and exporters price the material.
The table below shows sheet metal export prices as of mid-August 2020.
| Region | Price |
|---|---|
| North America, US East Coast | US$175 per lb |
| US Midwest, West Coast | US$175 per lb |
| Europe | US$100 per tonne |
Source: ScrapMonster
For live steel scrap export prices, visit the Steel Scrap Prices section.
For the latest sheet metal prices at various scrap yards, visit the Scrap Yard Prices section.
Where to Sell Sheet Metal Scrap
Sheet metal scrap can be sold to scrap yards for cash. It is always advisable to cross-check spot prices with several nearby local scrap yards before selling.
The following are examples of US scrap yards that accept #1 Busheling steel scrap:
- BJ Krider & Sons Scrap Metal Co., Granite Quarry, North Carolina
- Aztak Metal Processing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Ace Steel & Recycling, Rapid City, South Dakota
- Dickson Iron & Metals, Spokane, Washington
The Scrap Yard Finder is the best resource for locating additional scrap yards in your region.
ScrapMonster also maintains a database listing scrap yards across the US and Canada.
Selling Bulk Quantities of Sheet Metal
Full-service scrap yards often accept bulk quantities of sheet metal scrap, which is then supplied to industries such as automotive manufacturing, where sheet metal is used to build vehicle bodies and parts.
Sheet metal has a low weight-to-thickness ratio, which makes it relatively easy to transport. Even so, it is generally preferable to work with scrap yards that arrange on-site pickup of the material.
The ScrapMonster Scrap Marketplace is an advanced trading platform where members trade materials daily.
Post or search the latest Sell Offers for steel scrap.
Post or search the latest Buy Offers for steel scrap.
Only registered members can post new buy and sell listings. You can log in or register.
People Also Ask
What metals are used to make sheet metal?
Steel, aluminum, copper, tin, nickel, brass, and titanium can all be used, though steel and aluminum are the most common due to their corrosion resistance.
Which industries use sheet metal the most?
The automotive, construction, and fabrication industries are the largest users of sheet metal, including in machinery and aircraft bodies.
What factors affect sheet metal scrap prices?
Size, grade, and gauge (thickness) are the main factors that determine sheet metal scrap prices.
Can individuals sell small quantities of sheet metal?
Yes. Sheet metal scrap can be sold to local scrap yards, though it is advisable to check spot prices at multiple nearby yards first.
How can bulk sellers arrange pickup for sheet metal scrap?
Full-service scrap yards that handle bulk sheet metal often arrange on-site pickup of the material, simplifying transport for larger loads.
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