Filing cabinets are essential office furniture used to store and organize documents, files, and other paperwork. But what type of metal actually makes up the body and drawers of a filing cabinet? Here we’ll explore the most common metals used in filing cabinet construction.
Steel is the Most Common Metal for Filing Cabinets
The majority of modern filing cabinets are made using various types of steel. Steel is durable, affordable, and provides the necessary strength to support drawers full of files.
Cold Rolled Steel
Many low-to-mid priced filing cabinets are constructed using cold rolled steel. This involves steel being passed through rollers at room temperature to form thin, smooth sheets. It’s relatively lightweight but sturdy enough for most general office use.
Stainless Steel
For more heavy-duty or high-end filing cabinets, stainless steel is a popular choice. The addition of chromium and nickel gives stainless steel impressive corrosion resistance. Stainless steel cabinets are easy to clean and sterilize too.
Powder-Coated Steel Adds Durability
Plain steel filing cabinets often get a powder-coated paint finish. The powder coating is electrostatically applied before being baked on to fully fuse it to the steel. This helps protect the underlying metal from scratches and rust. Many filing cabinets feature a powder-coated paint job in glossy or matte gray, black, beige or other neutral tones.
Aluminum Filing Cabinets are Lightweight
For extra lightweight filing cabinets, aluminum is sometimes used instead of steel. Extruded aluminum parts can be anodized for corrosion resistance. While not as strong as steel, aluminum provides decent durability while keeping the weight low. Aluminum filing cabinets are easier to move around.
Heavy-Duty Filing Cabinets Use Higher Grade Metals
More heavy-duty filing cabinets designed for holding larger loads may be made from higher grade metals:
- 16 Gauge Steel – Much thicker than the 20 to 24 gauge steel used on typical filing cabinets. Provides enhanced strength and rigidity.
- Galvanized Steel – Steel that is electroplated with a thin layer of zinc to resist corrosion. Provides excellent rust protection.
- Stainless Steel Grades 304 or 316 – More niche stainless steel alloys that maximize corrosion and stain resistance. Common in medical, scientific, or other specialized settings.
Key Parts are Often Reinforced
To provide extra stability and weight capacity, certain spots on a filing cabinet frame may also be reinforced:
- Ball Bearing Slides – High quality ball bearing slides on the drawers can manage heavier loads.
- Steel Drawer Suspensions – The drawer suspensions are reinforced with thick steel for smooth operation under larger loads.
- MDF Drawer Bottoms – Medium density fiberboard bottoms provide rigidity to resist sagging over time.
So in summary, steel is the primary metal used in filing cabinet manufacturing, with the grade and thickness varied based on price-point and intended duty. Finishes like powder coating add further durability. And key high-wear components may use metals like stainless steel or MDF for reinforcement. Knowing the metals and materials used can help select the right filing cabinet for a particular office’s needs and workload.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metals Used in Filing Cabinets
What are the most common metals used to make filing cabinets?
The most common metals are cold rolled steel and stainless steel. Cold rolled steel is inexpensive while being reasonably sturdy, making it ideal for general office filing cabinets. Stainless steel is more durable for heavy duty applications.
Are filing cabinets typically made of solid metal?
Most filing cabinets use metal sheets rather than solid blocks of metal. Steel sheets around 0.5mm to 1mm thick are typical for the cabinet body and drawers. Selective reinforcements may use thicker sheet metal on high wear areas.
How thick of metal should be used for heavy duty filing?
For frequent access to heavier document loads, look for filing cabinets using 16 gauge steel or higher grades of stainless steel. The metal thickness should be described in product specifications.
Do filing cabinets ever use mixed metals?
Yes, some filing cabinets may combine different metals in different components. For example, stainless steel slides for smooth operation coupled with cold rolled steel for the cabinet body to balance cost and durability.
Should I look for a metal filing cabinet over wood?
Metal is generally superior for filing cabinets as it resists warping or sagging over time better than wood. Powder coated or stainless steel finishes also resist scratches and maintain a like-new appearance longer than wood.
What metal thickness should I look for in lateral filing cabinets?
Lateral filing cabinets need to be opened fully to access contents, putting more stress on the slides. Look for ball bearing slides rated up to 100 lbs or more, using reinforced steel around 16 gauge thickness.
Conclusion
When selecting metal filing cabinets for an office, cold rolled and stainless steel are the most common options. Seek out thicker gauge metals around 16 gauge thickness for heavy duty applications. Key components like slides may also be reinforced with metals like stainless steel or ball bearings. Powder coated finishes add further durability against scratches. Considering the metals and reinforcements used will lead to selecting sturdy filing cabinets that can stand up to the workload.