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When it comes to working with sheet metal, understanding sheet metal gauges and their conversions is essential. In the UK, sheet metal is typically measured in SWG (Standard Wire Gauge), which is different from the measurements used in other parts of the world. This guide will help you decipher the intricacies of sheet metal gauges, convert SWG to millimeters (mm) and inches, and provide valuable insights into the world of sheet metal measurements.
Sheet Metal Gauges (SWG) Explained
What is SWG?
The Standard Wire Gauge, or SWG, is a British standard for measuring the thickness of various materials, including sheet metal. Unlike the American Wire Gauge (AWG) used for electrical wires, SWG measures thickness in reverse order, meaning a higher number indicates a thinner sheet.
SWG to Thickness
Understanding SWG is crucial for determining the thickness of sheet metal. The SWG scale ranges from 7/0 (the thickest) to 50 (the thinnest). Here's a conversion table for common SWG values and their approximate thickness in millimetres and inches:
SWG
Thickness (mm)
Thickness (inches)
7
4.6213 mm
0.1819 inches
10
3.2510 mm
0.1276 inches
12
2.6410 mm
0.1040 inches
14
2.0320 mm
0.0799 inches
16
1.6268 mm
0.0641 inches
18
1.2192 mm
0.0479 inches
20
0.9144 mm
0.0360 inches
22
0.7112 mm
0.0280 inches
24
0.5590 mm
0.0220 inches
26
0.4572 mm
0.0180 inches
28
0.3760 mm
0.0148 inches
30
0.3150 mm
0.0124 inches
32
0.2743 mm
0.0108 inches
Converting SWG to Metric (mm) and Imperial (inches)
Here's a quick reference for converting SWG measurements to millimeters (mm) and inches:
SWG to Millimeters (mm)
To convert SWG to millimetres, use the formula:
Thickness (mm) = 0.127 * (32 - SWG)
SWG to Inches
To convert SWG to inches, use the formula:
Thickness (inches) = 0.005 * (32 - SWG)
For example, if you have a sheet with an SWG of 18, you can calculate its thickness as follows:
Replaced broken glass sliding doors in display cabinet with tinted Perspex .
Very pleased with resulting appearance!
Easy to follow web site allowed me to supply my requirements which were carried out accurately with surfaces well protected & scratch free.&
L.P ,
3 hours ago
Verified
Quality product although not cheap.
Quality product although not cheap.
Idris,
18 hours ago
Verified
'Wood' use Cut My again, without a second thought.
The delivery beat the timescale suggested at checkout.
Able to order exactly what we required.
One item was missing from the delivery, on contacting 'Cut My' it was quickly found and arrived the next working day... Extremely helpful Customer Service Colleague.
Quality of the Oak Veneer on the MDF makes it look like a much more expensive product.
Very pleased with the look of the units and shelves that we now have.
Paul Brown,
20 hours ago
Excellent product and service….
Excellent website and easy to order an acrylic panel for A/C hose exit
Nervous submitting the dimensions but all perfectly adhered to and hole in exactly the correct place
No experience of the carrier as they don’t give a time slot just the day but arrived on the day and at 9am
All in all a very good customer experience and would definitely use them again as I have something in mind
Peter ,
22 hours ago
Verified
mdf panelling strips
I ordered mdf panelling strips that were to be cut according to measurements that I provided. Cut My didn’t disappoint, the cuts were precise and the order delivered on time and was well packaged to protect the strips - good price too compared to it’s competitors. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend.
Mike H,
22 hours ago
Verified
Prompt service
Prompt service
Accurate size
Nice veneer
Nick,
23 hours ago
Verified
Recommended
I bought a large (1500 X 500 mm) piece of 25mm thick Oak veneered MDF from Cut My and am impressed. Two corners of my piece were rounded, applying veneer well to this shape is very difficult but whoever did it and whatever machine they used it is an exceptionally good job. I have now applied three coats of Beeswax/Linseed Oil and it looks exceptional. I suspect that whatever they cut for you it will be produced with careful thought and considerable skill. Highly recommended.
Mark Shaw,
23 hours ago
Verified
Exactly what I ordered
Exactly what I ordered, the acrylic sheets were precisely cut, perfect for replacing broken glass on garden shed.
The acrylic was very good and good value and quality The only downfall was the delayed delivery, three days later than promised. 5 stars for product but zero for delivery unfortunately.
Jeanette Williams,
1 day ago
Verified
Very helpful indeed
Very helpful indeed. Great Advice and communication on all aspects of my order!
Carol Cheyne,
1 day ago
Verified
Very happy with my purchase
Very happy with my purchase, everything just as requested with no problems at all. Couldn’t be happier as quality grest and fit perfect
Ruby Wallace,
1 day ago
Verified
Really good experience from start to…
Really good experience from start to finish. Ordering very simple, delivery as promised and end product looks amazing!!!
Nick,
1 day ago
Verified
Very good and accurate service we all…
Very good and accurate service we all know what a pain in the arse sheet plastic is to cut. These are accurate and reasonable.
Gary Owen,
1 day ago
Verified
No cut too big or too small.
So easy to deal with. All you needed was the dimensions and the type I required no quibbles nor fuss no cut to small. And I will recommend you for all cutting needs.
Darren Hayes,
1 day ago
Verified
Good material
Good material, perfect cutting, correct pricing.
Giorgio,
1 day ago
Verified
Good accurate service and product
Good accurate service and product
Mr D Hickman,
1 day ago
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