Filing cabinets are essential pieces of office furniture used to store important documents and records securely. The metal used to construct filing cabinets is a crucial factor that determines their durability, fire-resistance, cost-effectiveness, and overall quality. Selecting the appropriate metal ensures filing cabinets can withstand daily use, provide the desired level of security, and last for years even in busy office environments.
Steel – The Most Common Metal for Filing Cabinets
Steel is the most popular metal used to manufacture filing cabinets due to its inherent properties:
Strength and Durability
Steel is immensely strong and durable. Filing cabinets encounter a significant amount of wear and tear in office settings. Employees repeatedly pull out drawers to access files and slam them shut when done. The metal needs to be sturdy enough to withstand this heavy usage every day for years without warping, bending, or breaking. Steel’s high tensile strength makes it able to bear these demands while retaining the cabinets’ structural integrity.
Fire and Heat Resistance
Steel has a high melting point of up to 1510°C. This makes steel filing cabinets difficult to burn and offers protection to documents in case of office fires. The metal’s fire-resistant properties prevent the rapid spread of flames. This helps save crucial records and files even when cabinets are exposed to high temperatures.
Cost-Effectiveness
Steel is an affordable metal option. It is economical to source and manufacture using steel. This helps keep the production costs of steel filing cabinets lower. The reasonable pricing coupled with steel’s durability makes steel filing cabinets a budget-friendly investment even for cost-conscious buyers.
Customizability
Steel is easy to cut, bend, shape, paint, and customize as per requirements. Manufacturers can use steel to fabricate filing cabinets in various colors, sizes, designs, and configurations. The diversity of steel filing cabinets available to suit different needs also contributes to its popularity for standard and custom office storage solutions.
Key Specifications of Steel Used in Filing Cabinets
Not all steel is the same. Filing cabinet manufacturers carefully select the steel types and grades depending on factors like intended use and desired durability and fire ratings. Some key specifications considered when choosing steel for filing cabinets:
1. Carbon Content
Steel contains iron and carbon. The carbon percentage impacts steel’s strength and hardness. Cabinet-grade steel typically contains 0.2% to 2% carbon. The more carbon, the stronger and more rigid the steel. But higher carbon also reduces malleability. Manufacturers strike a balance based on filing cabinet design.
2. Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is coated with a protective zinc layer to prevent rust and corrosion. This zinc coating boosts steel’s longevity and allows use in humid or coastal office environments.
3. Gauge
The gauge refers to the steel’s thickness. Thicker steel provides enhanced sturdiness but increases weight. Common gauges are 18, 20, 22, and 24 gauge. Lateral filing cabinets utilize 18 to 20 gauge while vertical ones employ 22 to 24 gauge steel.
4. Rolled Steel
Rolling makes steel smoother and more uniform in thickness and quality. Rolled steel exhibits higher consistency than steel sheets. It enables fabricating filing cabinets with tighter tolerances.
5. Cold-Rolled Steel
The cold-rolling process hardens steel and enhances its surface finish, precision, and durability. Most filing cabinets employ cold-rolled steel.
Alternative Metals Used for Specialized Filing Cabinets
While steel remains the go-to choice, manufacturers also rely on alternative metals and alloys to construct specialty filing cabinets for specific needs:
Aluminium
Aluminium is lightweight yet strong. It is extensively used for cheap lightweight vertical filing cabinets. The lighter weight allows easy movement. But aluminium offers less protection against fire and impact.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel contains chromium and nickel. The chromium generates an oxide layer shielding the metal from corrosion. Stainless steel provides excellent rust and water resistance. It is popular for waterproof fireproof filing cabinets storing critical documents.
Copper
Copper naturally resists moisture, rust, and corrosion. It also exhibits antimicrobial properties inhibiting bacteria, mold, and fungi growth. Copper filing cabinets are ideal for medical, pharmaceutical, and food processing facilities requiring sanitary storage.
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal denotes thinner metal slices combined to form enclosures. Manufacturers commonly use sheet metal made of steel, aluminium, or tin for small portable filing boxes. The lighter metal facilitates easy carrying.
Common Grades of Steel for Filing Cabinets
Filing cabinet manufacturers select from common steel grades depending on the desired balance of strength, hardness, weldability, and cost:
1. Mild Steel
Mild steel contains 0.25% carbon. It offers good strength and toughness at an affordable rate. But mild steel rusts quickly and lacks impact resistance. It requires added coatings to enhance corrosion protection when used in filing cabinets.
2. High Tensile Steel
High tensile steel includes more carbon increasing its hardness, tensile strength, and load-bearing capabilities. It provides additional strength and impact resistance but is harder to manipulate during manufacturing.
3. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel resists rust and fire damage. But it costs more than carbon steel. Manufacturers often utilize stainless steel only for select high-end fireproof cabinets.
4. Cold Rolled Steel
The cold rolling process makes this steel harder and smoother with precise tolerances. Cold rolled steel provides optimal consistency and finish for mass produced filing cabinets.
Key Factors Influencing Choice of Steel for Filing Cabinets
Filing cabinet manufacturers assess various metrics and requirements to select the appropriate steel grade, thickness, finish, and quality:
1. Cost
Carbon steel offers an affordable balance of strength and corrosion resistance for most general office uses. Stainless steel costs considerably more due to its specialized corrosion properties. Manufacturers evaluate the target budget and pricing limitations when picking steel.
2. Weight Considerations
Thicker and high carbon steel provides utmost sturdiness but increases weight. Lighter steel may suffice for less demanding applications. Manufacturers determine intended loading capacity and use before finalizing the steel gauge and type.
3. Durability Requirements
More durable steel with higher hardness and tensile strength is chosen if filing cabinets must withstand rougher prolonged use. Less rugged steel may be picked for low-traffic storage.
4. Susceptibility to Moisture and Rust
Stainless steel or galvanized steel becomes necessary if cabinets are used in external environments or humid conditions. The added nickel in stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance.
5. Fire Rating Needs
Manufacturers opt for high-grade steel with higher fire resistance and melting point when constructing fireproof filing cabinets for crucial documents and records.
6. Aesthetic Considerations
Steel allows for varied decorative finishes. Manufacturers factor in paintability, ability to accept color coatings, and final look before picking steel for designer filing cabinets.
Key Manufacturing Processes for Metal Filing Cabinets
Specialized manufacturing techniques are employed to fabricate filing cabinets from steel and alternative metals:
1. Metal Stamping
Stamping employs die presses to cut, bend, and form metal sheets into required filing cabinet components. Computerized precision metal stamping allows mass-producing intricate cabinet parts.
2. Laser Cutting
A laser cutting machine uses a high-power laser to slice metal sheets into shapes for panels, doors, and other filing cabinet elements. Laser cutting permits more delicate and complex designs.
3. Punching and Blanking
Punching presses cut out holes and notches on metal sheets to create receptacles for locks, sliding bolts, and other hardware in the filing cabinet. Blanking cuts metal sheets into customized outlines.
4. Cabinet Welding
Welding fuses metal components together for a rugged and seamless build. Manufacturers use arc welding, laser welding, and spot welding to durably assemble filing cabinet frames, bodies, and doors.
5. Surface Finishing
The chosen metal undergoes grinding, polishing, buffing, derusting, and cleaning before painting or powder coating to achieve smooth, blemish-free finishes with the desired luster and texture.
6. Hardware Integration
The appropriate sliding bolts, drawer slides, locks, handles, and hinges are integrated into the filing cabinet body using fasteners and tools. Robust hardware ensures smooth drawer operation.
Advantages of Steel Filing Cabinets
Steel filing cabinets offer noteworthy benefits that make them a favored choice in various office settings:
1. Durability
Steel’s inherent strength and hardness withstands daily office use and abuse for prolonged periods while resisting dents, bends, and deformation.
2. Fire Resistance
Steel’s high melting point provides fire protection for important documents. This proves critical during office fires and prevents catastrophic document loss.
3. Security
Sturdy welded steel construction foils break-in attempts. Some models also allow fitting advanced locks to restrict unauthorized access.
4. Weather Resistance
Steel can be galvanized or stainless varieties offer corrosion protection even when exposed to moisture in outdoor storage spaces.
5. Style Variety
Steel allows manufacturing filing cabinets in myriad aesthetics – from classic wood finishes to modern metallic colors to suit office décor.
6. Cost Savings
Steel’s affordability coupled with superior durability makes steel filing cabinets a value-for-money investment even on tight budgets.
7. Design Flexibility
Steel sheets allow engineers to fashion filing cabinets in diverse sizes and layouts as per user preferences and available office space.
8. Ease of Maintenance
Steel filing cabinets are easy to clean and maintain. A wipe down using gentle cleaners restores the crisp aesthetic of steel cabinets.
Limitations of Steel Filing Cabinets
Despite the many advantages, steel filing cabinets also come with a few limitations:
1. Susceptibility to Rusting
Regular carbon steel can corrode and rust over time when exposed to moisture. But added finishes and stainless steel varieties address this concern.
2. Heavy Weight
Steel filing cabinets have considerable heft and weight. Lighter metals may be preferred if the office requires easy mobility.
3. Vulnerability to Dents
Steel can dent from impacts and drops. This cosmetic damage does not affect structural soundness but impairs the aesthetic.
4. Noise Issues
Slamming steel drawers and doors generates loud noise issues in quiet office environments. Plastic and wood provide quieter operation.
5. Limited Colors and Finishes
Steel allows limited color and finish options relative to wood. Discerning buyers may prefer cabinets with richer wood grain patterns and stains.
6. Magnetism
Steel filing cabinets are slightly magnetic. This may result in unintended sticking of stray pins and tacks to the exterior and interior.
Best Practices for Maintaining Steel Filing Cabinets
While steel constructions provides durability, proper maintenance is still required to keep steel filing cabinets looking and performing as good as new:
1. Use Mats Under Cabinets
Mats and rugs protect floors against scratches. They also prevent cabinet floors from premature wear, tear, and unsightly gouges when moving cabinets.
2. Clean Frequently
Wipe down cabinet exteriors weekly using mild cleaners and soft cloths. Microfiber clothes lift dust from grooves. Clean interiors every 2-3 months for optimal hygiene.
3. Lubricate Slides and Hinges
Apply a thin lubricating spray to slides and hinges every 4-6 months to prevent squeaking and ensure smooth drawer and door function. Wipe away excess lubricant.
4. Gently Open and Close
Avoid aggressively pulling, slamming, and banging cabinet doors and drawers. The force can damage slides and hinges impairing functionality over time.
5. Load Evenly
Distribute weight across all drawers and shelves to prevent excessive focused loads on specific areas leading to deformities, cracks, and wear.
6. Limit Moisture Exposure
Position cabinets away from sources of moisture like sinks and pipes. Quickly wipe spills and leaks near cabinets to restrict rusting and water damage.
7. Pad Interiors
Line cabinet bottoms with non-slip matting. Use file folders and dividers to prevent scratches and damage to interior paint and metal over time.
8. Secure to Wall Studs
Bolting cabinets firmly into wall studs prevents tipping accidents. This safely secures heavy document-laden cabinets.
Common Problems in Steel Filing Cabinets
While steel filing cabinets are built to be hardy, extensive use over time can result in some typical problems:
1. Rust Formation
Exposure to moisture causes unsightly rust accumulation on carbon steel filing cabinets. Rusting can penetrate and weaken the metal over years.
2. Dents and Bends
Improper loads cause cabinets to bend and deform while violent slams and drops create dents. These aesthetic damages do not severely undermine structural integrity.
3. Paint Chipping
Frequent use chips and scratches exterior paint. Touch up paint during routine cleaning to prevent unsightly steel exposure and rust risks.
4. Drawer Slides Not Working
Slides can bend, wear out, or fall out of the railings over time. Replace damaged slides to restore smooth drawer opening and closing.
5. Squeaky Noises
Inadequate lubrication of moving metal parts causes annoying squeaking noises with use. Apply light machine oil or lubricant sprays to eliminate squeaks.
6. Rattle and Shake
Loose screws, broken or ill-fitting parts, and gaps between components lead to rattling noises when opening and closing drawers. Tighten all fittings to prevent rattling.
Future Outlook for Steel Filing Cabinets
Steel filing cabinets continue to dominate both office and residential spaces needing secure document storage. Here are some notable trends and developments expected in the future:
1. Innovative Locking Mechanisms
Companies aim to enhance security by integrating smart biometric and electronic locks linked to users’ smartphones and IDs. Authorized persons alone gain access.
2. Soft-Close Technologies
Advanced pneumatic and hydraulic jacks that cushion closing momentum are being integrated into slides. This allows whisper-quiet and gentle drawer shutting ideal for quiet workspaces.
3. Charging and Data Capabilities
Future filing cabinets may incorporate wireless chargers, USB ports, and infrared devices to enable powering phones and syncing data from portable drives and devices stored in the cabinets.
4. Eco-Friendly Materials
Using recycled steel and manufacturing methods with enhanced sustainability can make future filing cabinets greener. Powder coatings will also transition to more environmentally friendly options.
5. Enhanced Fireproofing
New proprietary compounds and multi-layered designs featuring innovative heat dissipation and insulation technologies offer unprecedented fire resistance for crucial documents.
6. Built-in Digital Cataloging
Next-generation cabinets may catalog stored files on digital interfaces using QR codes, RFID tags or optical character recognition for efficient search and retrieval.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Filing Cabinets
What metal is best for filing cabinets?
Steel is the most suitable metal for filing cabinets. High carbon cold rolled steel offers the ideal blend of durability, dent resistance, fireproofness, and security at an affordable cost for most filing needs. Stainless steel provides superior rustproofing while aluminum reduces weight.
Why are filing cabinets made of metal?
Metal imparts essential sturdy construction, impact resistance, and fireproof capabilities. Metals like steel effectively secure paper documents while withstanding daily office use and potential fire damage. Alternative metals used are aluminum for lightweight designs and stainless steel where superior corrosion resistance is needed.
Is it better to get wood or metal filing cabinets?
Metal filing cabinets are generally better for office use as they are fire resistant, strong, and durable. Wood filing cabinets impart a richer aesthetic, but they are pricier, heavier, and vulnerable to warping and moisture damage over time. Metal cabinets offer better value for long-term document storage.
How thick should the metal be for filing cabinets?
18 to 20 gauge steel is ideal for lateral filing cabinets, ensuring adequate sturdiness for frequent access and weighty loads. Vertical filing cabinets function well with 22 to 24 gauge steel which offers enough support while reducing weight since less frequent access means lighter duty use.
What grade of steel is used in filing cabinets?
Cold rolled steel between 0.5mm to 1mm thick is most common. 1010 or 1018 grade cold rolled steel offers optimal balance between hardness, pliability, and cost-effectiveness for filing cabinet bodies and drawers. Some use 409 or 304 grade stainless steel for enhanced corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Steel’s superior durability, security, customizability, cost-effectiveness, and fireproofness makes it the universally preferred choice of metal for constructing filing cabinets. Cold rolled carbon steel in 18 to 24 gauge provides the optimal combination of strength and affordability for hardy trouble-free filing cabinets that securely store important records while withstanding daily office use. With proper care and maintenance, steel filing cabinets provide decades of reliable service. Advanced metals like aluminum and stainless steel fill niche needs for lightweight or waterproof cabinets while steel remains the gold standard metal for everyday filing functionality.